Gab Waller, a fashion sourcer extraordinaire, shares her insights on the luxury item market and how her unique sourcing skills help clients find scarce pieces. She discusses the fading trend of Quiet Luxury and why Miu Miu remains a powerhouse. The conversation dives into the importance of social media in fashion sourcing, building client relationships, and understanding evolving consumer tastes. Waller also highlights current shifts towards timeless designs over logos, revealing how brands adapt to meet new demands.
The fashion landscape is shifting toward investment pieces that prioritize quality and sustainability over conspicuous branding.
Fashion sourcing has become essential for clients seeking scarce items, driven by social media influence on consumer desires and trends.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Fashion Consumption
Fashion consumption has significantly evolved over recent years, shifting from a logo-centric focus to a preference for understated, luxury pieces. In the past, consumers were drawn to visibly branded items, such as those with prominent logos from luxury brands. However, the current trend indicates a desire for investment pieces that emphasize quality and longevity, with consumers gravitating towards brands like The Row and Kate. The emergence of less logo-driven luxury wear reflects a broader cultural shift towards sustainable and meaningful consumption.
The Role of Fashion Sourcing
Fashion sourcing has emerged as a vital service in today’s fashion landscape, catering to clients looking for hard-to-find or sold-out items. The sourcing process operates primarily on inbound requests, where clients know exactly what they want and rely on experts to locate these pieces. This model differs from traditional personal shopping, where stylists offer product recommendations based on client needs. By providing a flat rate for sourcing, rather than a percentage of the item's cost, the business fosters long-term relationships and encourages clients to seek help for various fashion needs.
Impact of Social Media on Fashion Requests
Social media, particularly platforms like TikTok and Instagram, plays a significant role in influencing consumer behavior and fashion requests. Many clients use these platforms to share screenshots of desired items, often highlighting sold-out products they couldn't secure themselves. This interaction not only informs sourcing specialists about current trends but also indicates a growing awareness among consumers about luxury market dynamics. The immediacy of social media facilitates connections between consumers and brands, allowing for swift engagement with trends.
The Future of Luxury Brands
Certain luxury brands are positioned for continued success, with predictions suggesting that Miu Miu and Chloe will capture significant consumer interest moving forward. Miu Miu's recent popularity is attributed to its ability to connect with a younger clientele through trendy designs that resonate with current style preferences. Additionally, Chloe's resurgence reflects a positive evolution in their product offerings, resulting in increased consumer requests for their ready-to-wear collections. This dynamic shift highlights a market where brands that successfully adapt to consumer preferences will thrive in the evolving fashion landscape.
Lauren is joined by fashion sourcer extraordinaire Gab Waller, who is in the business of unearthing scarce and impossible-to-find items for clients around the world. (She does most of her work via Instagram DM.) They discuss what shoppers want now that the Quiet Luxury (ew) boom is over, whether stuff is too expensive, and why Miu Miu is invincible. Plus, Lauren checks in from New York Fashion Week.