As environmental concerns and the pursuit of sustainability become integral to our daily lives, the allure of fast fashion is diminishing, paving the way for the growth of swap and second-hand trading platforms. Among these, Vestiaire Collective, a second-hand fashion trading platform established in 2009, now boasts a global membership of over 23 million. It witnesses daily transactions of luxury items that reach 5 million pieces, with new listings surpassing 25,000 items each day. Co-founder Sophie Hersan shares the story behind the inception of their venture.

Sophie Hersan, a co-founder of Vestiaire Collective, recalls the early days of the platform's creation within the confines of a modest Parisian apartment. In 2009, she and her fellow founders observed a notable shift in consumer behavior, particularly pronounced in the realms of fashion and accessories. "We observed that people were buying incessantly, yet only a fraction of their purchases were actually used or worn. This insight sparked the idea for Vestiaire Collective," Sophie recounts. She highlights how, in recent years, the surge of social media alongside the fast fashion movement has significantly accelerated the transformation in consumer perspectives on ownership and utilization of products.

In response to this shift in fashion consumption behavior, Sophie and her partners recognized an immediate need for a sustainable alternative within the market. Consequently, they aimed to offer a solution that would allow consumers to prolong the life of their cherished luxury items, significantly reduce fashion waste, and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.

Sophie Hersan, hailing from the Champagne region of France, drew profound inspiration from the women and fashion styles of the late 1980s, which celebrated modernity and freedom. Influential designers like Azzedine Alaïa, Claude Montana, Thierry Mugler, and Karl Lagerfeld, alongside iconic models such as Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, ignited her fascination with fashion.

Following her graduation with a degree in economic science, Sophie chose to follow her passion, making a significant pivot towards her interests. She pursued her dreams at the renowned design institution, Istituto Marangoni, further cementing her commitment to the world of fashion.

Vestiaire Collective remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving its long-term mission. From its early days, the company has seen significant global expansion, establishing offices in major cities around the world, including Hong Kong, Paris, London, New York, Berlin, and Milan. With a membership that now exceeds 23 million people globally, Sophie, serving as the company's Fashion Director, diligently upholds the brand's foundational values. Her responsibilities span a wide range of critical areas, such as media communication, market promotion, image design, brand curation, and the dissemination of the brand's ethos. Moreover, Sophie is devoted to reinforcing the twin pillars that form the bedrock of Vestiaire Collective's identity—fashion and trust.

Text: Translated and Edited by Jeremy Chapnick; Original Chinese content written by Goosie Lam