Gen Z’s Impact on Luxury Resale: Emerging Brands to Watch

No longer the younger cousins of millennials, Gen Z is using social media to make waves in luxury fashion. Pre-loved pieces play a key role in many Gen Z trends, from Y2K to quiet luxury. And while demand for famous houses like Hermes and Versace remains high, these five emerging brands are making the biggest impact on the resale market among younger fashion enthusiasts.

1. Jacquemus

Jacquemus has become a standout name in luxury fashion, adored by Gen Z for its minimalist yet playful designs that thrive on the pages of social media. Founded in 2009 by Simon Porte Jacquemus, the brand embodies a fresh, youthful take on French fashion. Its appeal lies in the young brand’s ability to balance high-fashion aesthetics with accessibility and approachability—two features Gen Z loves.

Jacquemus’s rise to viral fame is largely attributed to its iconic Chiquito bag. This tiny, structured handbag (with some designs holding little more than a tube of lipstick) has become a must-have accessory for those in the know. Its size and bold colors make it a statement piece perfect for Instagram flat lays and outfit photos, and it remains a consistent key player on YouTube Shorts and TikTok videos centered around tiny bag collections. This consistent visibility has cemented the Chiquito as a status symbol for trend-conscious buyers, and it maintains strong resale value when kept in good condition.

2. Telfar

It’s impossible to talk Gen Z fashion without a nod to the “Bushwick Birkin” designer Telfar. Telfar is a brand that has become a cultural phenomenon, especially among Gen Z, redefining what luxury means in the modern age. Its company motto, “It’s not for you, it’s for everyone,” underscores the modern brand’s commitment to inclusivity, which deeply resonates with younger consumers who value design diversity and social consciousness.

The Telfar Shopping Bag, available in three sizes, is by far the brand’s most iconic product. Shopping Bags range in price from $150 to almost $400 when purchased new, providing a significantly lower entry point when compared to most luxury bags. This accessible price point doesn’t diminish its exclusivity thanks to Telfar’s drop model, where limited quantities are released online following an email and social blast.

This event-based system has turned the bag into a hot commodity across online platforms and worldwide. Each release sells out within minutes, sparking social media frenzy as fans race to secure their own. Owning a Telfar bag isn’t just about fashion; it’s about aligning with a brand that prioritizes community and representation.

3. Amina Muaddi

A name that’s becoming synonymous with living young and luxe, Amina Muaddi is one of the top Gen Z luxury brands for shoe fanatics. The brand’s signature flared heel (which features a wide, pyramid-shaped base) offers both stability and a striking silhouette, blending functionality with an artful and instantly recognizable design. This also makes them a popular choice for those who prefer more wearable designs, seamlessly combining an easy step with a look that stands out on any street.

Muaddi draws inspiration from her multicultural background, which includes influences from the cultures of Jordan and Romania, as well as her own jetsetting lifestyle. The result is glamorous seasonal collections that are instantly snatched up by both everyday and famous fans. Social media stars who have helped her designs gain more exposure include Rihanna and the Hadid sisters, who regularly tag the designer in their posts. In 2020, Rihanna collaborated with Muaddi to release a limited edition collection in connection with her Fenty clothing line, which remains one of the most valuable collections on the luxury resale market.

4. Fear of God

Among fashion-forward members of Gen Z, the streetwear trend continues to remain relevant, largely thanks to innovative brands like Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God. Fear of God’s designs are characterized by neutral color palettes, oversized silhouettes and a focus on layering, which has garnered famous fans like Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian West. The brand’s approach to fashion is rooted in versatility and comfort, creating pieces that can be dressed up or down.

Fear of God’s most popular products are found in the Essentials line, which launched in 2018 with a focus on elevated, everyday luxury. Featuring hoodies, sweatpants, T-shirts and other loungewear-inspired basics, the Essentials line combines high-quality materials with understated branding. It’s practically impossible to open your Instagram feed to search for cozy fit inspiration without seeing featured pieces from Fear of God.

Like Telfar, Fear of God’s limited drops and high demand have turned it into a resale market favorite, especially among younger buyers. Essentials pieces in particular regularly sell out quickly upon release, driving up their value on resale markets and platforms. Gen Z shoppers are drawn to the exclusivity and hype surrounding the brand, making Essentials a must-have for streetwear enthusiasts and fans of upgraded basics alike.

5. Blumarine

To Gen Z, old is new again — “old” meaning 90s and 00s style. Brands that defined the 2000s like Blumarine are storming back, both with new collections on the runway and revived interest on the resale market. Under the creative direction of Nicola Brognano, Blumarine has successfully rebranded itself while staying true to its roots, offering ultra-feminine, playful designs that dominate both TikTok and Instagram feeds around the globe.

Blumarine’s designs are a celebration of hyper-femininity, featuring girly design details like butterfly motifs, faux fur trim, pastel palettes and rhinestone embellishments. The brand epitomizes the playful and glamorous side of early 2000s fashion, which has found a new fan base among Gen Z. Under Brognano, the brand has modernized these nostalgic elements, introducing them with a contemporary twist. Think pieces like crystal-embellished denim and fur-trimmed cropped cardigans that a modern-day Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan would adore.

Looking to the Future of Fashion Influence

Interested in investing in emerging fashion brands? Trends that dominate social media can be found all over the luxury resale market. Consign your pre-loved items to fund your next fashion find. Shop trending designers and save up to 90% off with The RealReal.