The sustainable fashion movement in India is entering a crucial stage. With more and more brands and consumers choosing to go green, it’s becoming clear that the noise around eco-friendly clothing isn’t just a passing trend—it’s the beginning of a new era in the industry. Contributing to the latter is an e-commerce platform for buying and selling pre-owned luxury goods, LuxuryPop. We sat down with Punit Anand, Founder of LuxuryPop, and Gabriella Demetriades, Creative Director of LuxuryPop, to find out more about second-hand luxury fashion and its future in the Indian scenario.

What inspired the idea for LuxuryPop?

Punit Anand: LuxuryPop was founded with my sincere commitment to sustainable fashion and a vision to address the environmental impact of the fast-paced industry. Witnessing the wasteful nature of luxury goods disposal, we aimed to create a platform where pre-loved authentic luxury items could find new owners, reducing waste and promoting circular fashion. Our mission is to make luxury more affordable and appealing to environmentally conscious consumers, fostering a positive impact on the fashion industry and inspiring a more sustainable approach to fashion consumption. In our last eight years, we strive to lead the charge in transforming the luxury fashion market into an eco-friendlier and a more socially responsible one, through continuous innovation.

Punit Anand, Founder of LuxuryPop

The sustainable fashion and thrift movements are gaining momentum in India, with many brands and individuals entering the market. How does your brand stand out from the rest?

Punit Anand: LuxuryPop stands out in the sustainable fashion and thrift movements in India as one of the oldest players in the business. Our rich experience and expertise have solidified our position as a trusted leader in the industry. What sets us apart is our extensive and diverse inventory. We curate a wide range of pre-loved luxury items, including bags, footwear, apparel, accessories, and more, from both global and national luxury brands. This vast selection ensures that our customers have access to a variety of exquisite pieces to suit their preferences and styles. Our commitment to authenticity ensures customers can buy with confidence, making conscious fashion choices accessible to all.

What are the benefits of buying preloved luxury items from platforms like LuxuryPop over individuals running thrift business on social media?

Punit Anand: When buying preloved luxury items from LuxuryPop, you enjoy the assurance of guaranteed authenticity and the option to request legitimate certificates. The convenience of a professional website like ours makes browsing and purchasing easier, instilling more trust in the process compared to individual thrift businesses on social media.

What are some trends you expect to see in this space in the near future?

Punit Anand: In the near future, we anticipate a surge in second-hand fashion purchases, a growing trend of re-wearing one’s wardrobe, increased interest in repairing and restoring luxury items to extend their life cycle, and a resurgence of vintage fashion.

If you had to make a case for sustainable luxury in one sentence, what would you say?

Punit Anand: Embracing sustainable, preloved luxury is not only a mindful lifestyle choice that benefits the planet and ourselves, it also contributes to the success of the brands we support.

The concept of affordable luxury, where designer fashion meets sustainability, is fairly new. Is gen Z more accepting of this trend than the older generation?

(L-R) Punit Anand and Gabriella Demetriades of LuxuryPop

Gabriella Demetriades: Yes, in India, the concept of affordable luxury, blending designer fashion with sustainability, is relatively new. Gen Z may not necessarily be more accepting of this trend compared to the older generation. It seems that for Gen Z, trends might hold more significance than sustainability, while millennials tend to be more concerned about luxury and sustainability.

How has the pre-loved luxury reselling industry evolved over the years?

Gabriella Demetriades: Over the years, the pre-loved luxury reselling industry has experienced remarkable growth and transformation. In its early days, the challenge was to educate people and break the stigma around buying “second hand” items. However, the perception has shifted significantly, and now there is a greater understanding and acceptance of the benefits of circular and sustainable buying practices. Today in India, more people recognise the positive impact of embracing pre-loved luxury goods, contributing to a more eco-friendly and responsible fashion ecosystem.