Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. The Reign of Classic Luxury Brands
4. The Vintage Resurgence and Its Implications
5. The Impact of Brand Engagement on Visibility
6. Celebrity Influence on Fashion Trends
7. The Evolution of Consumer Perception Towards Secondhand Luxury
8. Resale Dynamics in Activewear and Street Fashion
9. Defining the Next Wave of Luxury Consumer Experiences

Key Highlights:

• Louis Vuitton retains its status as the most searched luxury brand for the second year, with Chanel bags leading in item-specific searches.
• Vintage styles from the 2000s and 2010s are gaining traction, along with a significant increase in interest toward brands like Coach and Pucci.
• The demand for “fair condition” and imperfection in secondhand luxury items is on the rise, with sales of timeworn bags soaring by 45%.

Introduction

Despite signs of softening demand in the luxury market, The RealReal's 2025 Resale Report unveils a dynamic consumer landscape driven by both classic luxury brands and a burgeoning interest in vintage styles. The data, compiled from insights gathered from 40 million members, illustrates how timeless luxury continues to captivate consumers even as trends evolve. As familiar names dominate searches and new favorites emerge, the report showcases a broader narrative of shifting consumer values, including sustainability and investment-worthy purchases, shaping the future of fashion.

The Reign of Classic Luxury Brands

The 2025 Resale Report reveals that luxury brands remain at the forefront of consumer interest. For a consecutive year, Louis Vuitton has emerged as the most searched brand on The RealReal platform. Its prestige and influence in the luxury sector have not waned; rather, they seem to have fortified in a time when many brands face uncertainty. Following closely are industry titans like Chanel, Prada, and Gucci, which collectively demonstrate a resilient consumer appetite for heritage and exclusivity.

Chanel handbags, in particular, have proven to be more than just a fashion statement; they are increasingly recognized as investment assets. The report highlights that classic models from The Row, Fendi, Goyard, and Louis Vuitton are not only seeing stable demand but also appreciating in value. The continuous rise in prices for these iconic pieces suggests that consumers are willing to invest in luxurious staples, driven by confidence in their lasting desirability.

The Vintage Resurgence and Its Implications

While the classic luxury segment maintains its stronghold, an exciting resurgence of vintage styles from the 2000s and 2010s signals a shift in consumer preferences. The nostalgia factor associated with these pieces is resulting in rising resale values, making items such as Balenciaga's City Bag, Chloe's Paddington, and Fendi's Spy increasingly sought after. The findings present an interesting juxtaposition; as tested classics thrive, newer trends are being embraced, indicating a layered approach to luxury consumption.

For instance, collaborations like Louis Vuitton x Murakami continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fashion fans, especially with pieces that exude cultural nostalgia from their era of release. This vintage movement not only reflects a desire for timeless styles but also emphasizes the importance of personal connection and storytelling in fashion choices.

The Impact of Brand Engagement on Visibility

The 2025 report shows an astonishing 160 percent increase in searches for Coach, driven largely by the brand's innovative Brooklyn shoulder bag, which aligns with current trends favoring minimalism and practicality. The company's efforts to embrace sustainable practices, such as introducing upcycled denim collections, have resonated with eco-conscious consumers, further enhancing brand visibility.

Additionally, Pucci's re-emergence in popular culture—bolstered by endorsements from influencers like Hailey Bieber—has propelled the brand into the top 100 list for the first time. Such endorsement highlights the power of social media and celebrity influence in shaping brand popularity and consumer demand.

The increasing interest in brands like Tibi, Rachel Comey, and Johanna Ortiz indicates that shoppers are diversifying their luxury choices. Each of these brands encapsulates a unique aesthetic and ethos that appeals to a discerning customer base seeking both style and substance.

Celebrity Influence on Fashion Trends

As evidenced by the substantial spike in searches for “Celine Flare Jeans,” which surged by 963 percent following Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl Halftime Show appearance, the influence of celebrity culture on fashion cannot be overstated. Such moments do not just impact immediate sales but potentially influence long-term brand identity.

Within a competitive marketplace, luxury fashion's embrace of notable figures and events provides significant marketing leverage. Brands like Levi's and Gap are known for celebrity endorsements, yet the report indicates that organic moments, such as viral fashion statements, can often yield an even more profound impact.

From buzzworthy events to curated runways, it is clear that how consumers interact with celebrities influences shopping behavior profoundly, sometimes eclipsing traditional advertising methods.

The Evolution of Consumer Perception Towards Secondhand Luxury

Shifts in consumer attitudes towards secondhand luxury items indicate a changing landscape where imperfection holds value. The report notes a 32 percent increase in sales for items categorized as “fair condition,” which denotes products with considerable wear. This trend speaks volumes about a generation increasingly willing to embrace the narratives behind pre-owned pieces.

As the consumer base expands, interest in products requiring repair, dubbed as “as is” items, is also on the rise. This phenomenon aligns with the growing interest in sustainability, where each item possesses its own history, transcending seasonal trends to forge meaningful connections with buyers.

Sales for timeworn luxury bags have risen by 45% in 2025, reinforcing this cultural credence in appreciating the journey of items rather than merely their pristine condition. Consumers are forging a new relationship with luxury goods, viewing them through the lens of sustainable practices, storytelling, and individuality—factors that are set to redefine future purchasing decisions.

Resale Dynamics in Activewear and Street Fashion

While luxury staples and high-end designer pieces dominate, other fashion segments are experiencing shifts too. Brands such as Adidas and Nike, typically associated with high-volume sales, have faced a downturn in brand popularity on resale platforms. This phenomenon illustrates a focus on niche appeal over broad mainstream categories.

On the other hand, activewear is transforming within the resale landscape. Although perceived as a category in decline, the adaptability of brands and their innovative releases can reignite interest and engagement. Unique collaborations or athlete endorsements may provide new life to these brands if executed thoughtfully.

Defining the Next Wave of Luxury Consumer Experiences

Upcoming shifts within the luxury resale market suggest a merging of classic appeal with contemporary consumer expectations. Brands that acknowledge evolving norms—such as sustainability, vintage allure, and individuality—stand poised for reinforced allegiance from a customer base that increasingly prioritizes authenticity.

Savvy luxury brands will harness insights gleaned from reports like The RealReal's 2025 analysis to craft narratives that engage consumers at deeper levels. From cultivating community-driven platforms to integrating sustainable practices, the future of luxury remains promising for those prepared to adapt and innovate based on shifting consumer values.

FAQ

What are the top searched luxury brands in 2025? The leading brands based on The RealReal’s 2025 data are Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, and Gucci, with Louis Vuitton maintaining its top position for the second consecutive year.

Are vintage items gaining popularity in the resale market? Yes, vintage styles from the 2000s and 2010s, such as the Balenciaga City Bag and Fendi Spy, are seeing increased interest and resale value, showcasing a trend of nostalgia among consumers.

How does celebrity influence affect luxury brand searches? Celebrity endorsements and viral moments significantly impact luxury search trends, as evidenced by Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl appearance, which boosted interest in Celine Flare Jeans.

What changes are occurring in consumer attitudes toward secondhand luxury items? There is a noticeable shift toward valuing “fair condition” items, with 32% growth in sales for such products. Consumers are now looking beyond pristine conditions, embracing the story behind pre-owned luxury items.

What trends are affecting the activewear market? While traditional activewear brands like Adidas and Nike have seen a drop in interest, the segment is adaptable, and unique collaborations or innovative releases could help renew consumer engagement.