ReLuxury and Barnes Announce Pre-Loved Luxury Show in Paris

On Nov. 15-17, ReLuxury and Barnes are hosting the first Pre-Loved Luxury show held in Paris — the show is open to both industry professionals and the public — collectors and pre-loved and vintage luxury passionate alike — looking for a more responsible approach to consuming luxury.

Fabienne Lupo, chief executive officer and founder of ReLuxury told Fairchild Studio that circularity is no longer an option in the luxury space. Lupo, having worked in the industry for more than 20 years, said it is “crucial to promote the life cycle of these products, which are designed and manufactured to last, to be reinvented and to be passed on.”

With fast fashion the second-most polluting industry in the world, the trade show is in response to the rampant overconsumption, growing awareness among the youth looking to be better consumers and the secondhand market changing the way consumption can become investments.

In choosing Paris for the show’s location, Lupo noted that the city is the “undisputed capital of luxury in the world.” In partnership with Barnes, the trade show will be held at the Carrousel du Louvre.

The main partner for the show is eBay, the world’s leading platform for secondhand goods — a continuation of its partnership at the first edition in Geneva. Lupo said that as the preference for shopping pre-loved goods continues to gain momentum, “eBay is focused on supporting ReLuxury shows that help educate and improve and drive access to the circular economy.”

Lupo notes that eBay is a standout partner for the trade show with its championship of the circular economy through its solutions of eBay Authenticity Guarantee, eBay consignment and partnering with brands to sell directly from them across the fashion and luxury categories.

According to McKinsey, the luxury resale market was estimated to be $25 billion to $30 billion in 2020, with an annual growth rate of 10 to 15 percent in the next decade. The company predicted that by 2025, the resale market will take up a third of the total market share. In 2023, eBay said that 39 percent of all global clothing, shoes and accessories sold on the platform were secondhand — a total of 55 million items.

Major brands slated to attend the upcoming show in Paris include Breitling, Monogram Paris, Drouot, 58 Facettes, Rivluxe, Castafiore, eBay, Piasa, and a selection of vintage jewelry brands such as Steven Neckman, Faerber Collection, Horovitz & Totah, curated by the international gem and jewelry show Gem Genève.

The overarching theme for the show is discovering the “new luxury” which is more sustainable and more responsible. Younger brands and startups are helping pave the way for the consumption and creation of luxury to create a circular ecosystem.

Finding secondhand goods and hidden gems steeped in history in the form of antique jewelry, vintage watches, luxury handbags, designer silhouettes and more — has been a major trend in response to the challenges of environmental problems. Visitors can buy and have items appraised, valued and resold to the show’s exhibitors, retailers, platforms, auction houses and second-life experts.

The show is broken up into five main sections. The showroom is where luxury brands digital platforms, retailers and auction houses will present their curated pre-owned and vintage watches, jewelry, fashion, handbags and accessories. The atelier features artisans specializing in the repair of luxury items. The labcycling sheds light on start-up companies and new players within the circular economy who are upcycling, recycling, revamping, customizing and authenticating. Cultural exhibitions feature a Kevin Germanier exhibition curated by Laurence Benaim and a selection of original vintage silhouettes from the ’90s.

Barnes destinations will also spotlight prestige properties in more than 100 global destinations and how each destination is contributing to circularity. Barnes will also tailor services for art lovers, yacht, wine, golf and more evolving sectors who are committed to circularity initiatives.

Lupo said Barnes’ expertise in the real estate market is enhanced by Phillips in association with specialized divisions such as Barnes Interiors — offering clients towards a more responsible luxury lifestyle. With its position and understanding of the high-end market, Barnes is helping its clients adopt practices from ethical sourcing to eco-friendly material and energy-efficient designs in its renovation projects.

Notably, the show will also feature a program of conferences and panels highlighting luxury within the international community. Speakers include Diane Verde-Nieto, author of “Reimagining Luxury;” Éric Briones, general director of Journal du Luxe and co-founder of the Paris School of Luxury; Alberto Cavalli, executive director of the Michelangelo Foundation; Bénédicte Epinay, president of the Comité Colbert; Iris Van der Veken, executive director of the Watch & Jewelry Initiative 2030; Marie Claire Daveu, chief sustainability at Kering; Bernadette Pinet-Cuoq, executive president of UFBJO; Hervé Buffet, general delegate of Francéclat; Maxime Delavallée, chief executive officer of Fédération de la Mode Circulaire; Judikael Hirel, journalist at Figaro; Pascal Ravessoud, vice president of Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie and Clement Finet, watch specialist at Phillips.

“This show has a 360 approach to circular luxury. It is not only possible to purchase beautiful pre-owned and vintage pieces but also meet start-ups, discover incredible artisans able to restore and repair luxury items, participate in interesting talks and conferences by international experts and speakers form the industry and much more,” said Lupo.

For more information: www.reluxryevent.com