How Buying Pre-Owned Designer Bags Supports Sustainable Fashion

Talking about sustainable fashion isn't just trendy, it's necessary. 

Whether you've recently had conversations around conscious shopping, eco-friendly brand practices, saving the planet or you're just starting to explore what it all means, we're glad you’re here. Because it's never too late to support fashion that's smarter, slower, and way more thoughtful.

Supporting sustainable fashion is a mindset shift. It's about being more careful of what we buy and wear so that we’re more kind to our planet without actually giving up the joy of looking good.

When it comes to accessories, few things make as big an impact as your bag. Especially if it's a designer bag. If you're on our website picking up a pre-owned luxury bag, or you've passed one down, or you're just trying to invest in a timeless piece that you'll carry for years, you're already doing something nice for the planet. How? Let's talk it through. 

 

Here's an overview of what we'll discuss in this blog:

• What exactly is sustainable fashion?

• Why is talking about sustainable fashion important?

• How does buying pre-owned designer bags support sustainable fashion?

• How are your favourite luxury bag brands promoting sustainability?

• What else can you do to support sustainable fashion?

What Exactly is Sustainable Fashion?

Sustainable fashion is all about aligning our fashion choices in a way that is more considerate for the planet. It's a mindset shift— moving away from fast fashion and choosing clothes and accessories that are made to last, made ethically, and made with less harm to the environment. 

E.g if you're buying a bag, sustainable fashion is all about asking: “where did this bag come from?”

 “Is it cheap or long lasting?”

 “what happens to it when I'm done using it?”

Instead of chasing every trend, sustainable fashion is more about jumping into timeless pieces that you can wear for decades, then pass down and make more thoughtful fashion choices. 

Why is Talking About Sustainable Fashion Important?

We're living in a time where climate change headlines are everywhere, natural resources are running low, and overproduction has become a norm. 

The term “sustainable fashion” has picked up more speed in the last decade, now that more people have started waking up to how much damage the fashion industry is causing— think water pollution, carbon emissions, overflowing landfills, unfair labour practices etc.  

Here's a wake up call: the fashion industry is responsible for over 10% of global carbon emissions– that's more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined! 

So, what we wear actually matters. Our clothes, our bags, our shoes- they all come with stories, resources, and impact. And today, in 2025, the impact of the fashion industry is too loud to ignore. 

Fast fashion has made it so easy to buy more, wear less, and throw it away without thinking. But behind every cheap T shirt, or a trendy bag, there's a hidden cost- on the environment, on the workers, on our future generation. 

Talking about sustainable fashion practices brings awareness. It pushes brands to do better. It helps consumers like us make better choices. And honestly, it feels good to know that your choices– even the small ones– can have a positive ripple effect.

 

How Does Buying Pre-owned Designer Bags Support Sustainable Fashion?

The good news is that we, the people, are not powerless. Every little change we make counts. This little change could be as simple as investing in secondhand luxury. Like a designer bag, perhaps. 

When you buy a pre-owned bag, you're basically giving it a second life. And if more people start doing it? That'll mean fewer bags ending up in landfills, less demand for new production (which will save energy and resources), and way less waste overall. 

According to Statista, a 2021 survey revealed that 60% of US luxury shoppers intended to purchase second-hand women's handbags within the next two years. Which is such good news. 

You see, luxury bags are especially made to last. Unlike fast fashion items which fall apart after a season, a well-crafted designer bag can stay fabulous for years – even decades. You could even pass it down, re-sell it, and re-love a pre-owned piece to keep it in circulation longer and out of trash. 

Plus— pre-owned designer bags can be up to 30% more affordable than new ones! Spend less money, support ethical fashion, and look as stylish as you want. Win, win, and win. 

How are Your Favourite Luxury Bag Brands Promoting Sustainability?

One of the best and most needed perks of raising our voices against unethical fashion production practices is that a lot of designer houses took notice. They knew they were answerable and they tried to step up. Here are a few examples:

 

1. Prada’s Re-Nylon Campaign — using old fishing nets, discarded textiles, and ocean waste to make regenerated Nylon bags that are gorgeous and sustainable.

2. Hermés collaborated with Mycoworks to create “Sylvania”, a leather alternative derived from Mycelium. 

3. Chanel Mission 1.5: Launched a 10 year climate action plan in 2020 aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 50% in operations and 40% across the value chain by 2030.

4. Gucci- Off the Grid Collection— “Gucci Equilibrium” is Gucci’s very own movement to generate a positive change for the environment. Off the grid collection uses recycled and sustainably sourced materials to create everything from handbags to accessories. 

5. Coach- Coachtopia “Have taste, love waste” - that's the concept Coach is going for in their sub brand “Coachtopia” and we're all here for it.

6. Hermés Petit h–petit h is Hermés collection of accessories and other stuff that's made completely using leftover leather and materials from their workshops. 

7. Bottega Veneta– Certificate of Craft Program BV has started offering lifetime warranties and free repairs on their signature bags to promote longevity instead of disposal.
   

 

What Can You Do to Support Sustainable Fashion?

Here are a few small changes you can make in your fashion choices to promote a better tomorrow for us all:

1. Buy less, but better. Invest in quality pieces that last longer instead of fast fashion hauls. One beautifully made designer bag > 5 fashion dupes that fall apart. 

2. Go for pre-loved bags and clothes and choose styles that you know you will never grow tired of and wear for years, maybe decades. 

3. Instead of buying brand-new clothes or bags, you can swap with a friend or donate what you've used to your fill. So it doesn't go in the bin but can bring benefit to someone else. 

4. Choose designer brands that are transparent about their ethical practices. Look for whether they use recycled material or if they have cruelty-free certifications.

5. Learn how to repair your bag or clothes instead of tossing them in the bin. It's more satisfying.

6. Repurpose old bags or clothes or upcycle them.

7. If you need an outfit for a one-time use like a party, think about renting an outfit instead of buying it. 

8. Try to shop for pieces that are more timeless than trendy. Chasing micro-trends every month can be wasteful for both your pocket and the environment.

9. Resell your old designer clothes or bags instead of throwing them away. 

10.  Follow fashion influencers who stick to sustainable practices. You'll get lots of tips, inspiration, and secondhand style ideas. 

11. Stay informed. Ask around. Message the brands you love so you can read up on their practices. The more informed you are, the better choices you'll make.

SHOP SUSTAINABLE, SHOP AT LUX LAIR

At LUX LAIR, we're trying to help all our eco-conscious clients make better choices when it comes to luxury. Every pre-owned bag you use from our inventory, every brand you support, every small action you take adds up. When you buy pre-owned, you save yourself the guilt of getting a brand-new overhaul for your wardrobe. 

Check out LUX LAIR for any & all your designer needs. Every vintage, pre owned item here has a character, a charm, a story… that you can rewrite.