Rare Finds: The Most Unique and Valuable Items Ever Sold on The RealReal

In addition to offering up to 80% discounts on pre-loved designer items, The RealReal is also a hub for vintage and limited edition piece curation. From Birkins made from rare, one-of-a-kind skins to coveted collaborations between fashion legends and celebs, The RealReal is your source for all things unique, rare and hard to find.

Rare Finds: Extraordinary Pieces Recently Listed on The RealReal

Some items listed by our fashion fanatics are too good to highlight just when they’re on sale. These are making history as some of the rarest and most sought-after pieces listed on The Real Real — wish we could have kept them all, if we’re being completely honest.

Hermes Ombre Varanus Salvator Lizard Birkin 25

Some of the rarest and most arresting designs in Hermes’ repertoire are those that feature exotic skins. This effect is showcased in the Ombre Varanus Salvator Lizard Birkin 25, a stunning Birkin made from the skin of the Varanus Salvator lizard. As you move this piece through the light, you’ll notice a gorgeous ombre effect, a rainbow of ivory and taupe shades that truly make the bag a work of art.

Due to the fragility and scarcity of lizard skin, these Birkins are produced in extremely limited quantities, with sales usually reserved for high-spending collectors. Want to make this truly luxurious find yours? The RealReal has one available in very good condition, listed at an original price of $85,000.

Louis Vuitton Monogram x Vivienne Westwood Centennial Bum Bag

The cheeky Centennial Bum Bag is a practical hands-free bag that perfectly mixes Westwood’s legendary sense of boundary-pushing humor with the history and luxury that Louis brings from the world of luggage. The design of the bag draws inspiration from the 19th-century bustle, crafting a “Faux Cul” (French for “fake butt”) design that playfully nods to historical fashion.

If you ever see a Westwood bum bag in the wild, consider snatching it up as soon as possible. Only 100 of these bags were ever made, making it one of the most limited pieces to be released publicly, as well as a true rare luxury. One of these 100 was recently sold on The Real Real at a price of $25,000 shortly after being listed.

Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Monogram Pumpkin Shoulder Bag

The Yayoi Kusama Monogram Pumpkin Shoulder Bag encapsulates the avant-garde artistry of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who has achieved worldwide fame for her fun, polka dot-inspired prints. This design features Kusama’s signature polka dot motif (symbolizing infinity) overlaid on Louis Vuitton’s classic monogram canvas, with a striking yellow leather design. Literally resembling a pumpkin on a chain, this unforgettable bag also functions as a work of art in the home when displayed.

This piece is especially sought-after among collectors because it acts as a direct reflection of Kusama’s recurring pumpkin motif, which the artist has said represents comfort and stability. The collaboration debuted in 2012 and was revitalized in 2023; a relaunch Monogram Pumpkin Bag is currently listed on The RealReal in like-new condition at an original price of $85,500.

Tips for Sourcing One-of-a-Kind Items

Creating a unique wardrobe requires creativity, an understanding of your lifestyle needs and, sometimes, a little bit of luck. Keep yourself up-to-date with your current wardrobe wants and needs and mark items you’re interested in to act quickly when the time strikes — rare items don’t tend to stick around for very long.

Enlarge Photos and Get Picky With Details

When a rare item appears in one of your sources, it can be tempting to jump in as fast as possible. While acting quickly is important, it’s just as important to analyze details and the apparent quality of craftsmanship before you buy. When items tend to fetch higher prices on the resale markets, counterfeiters are more likely to try and get in on the action by producing and distributing fakes.

Pull up a photo of an authentic piece you’re interested in and keep it in an open tab as you shop. If you see the same item listed on a resale platform, compare it to the original. Use the zoom feature to look for the telltale signs of fake pieces — misplaced logos, logos of the wrong size or font, fraying stitching and low-quality hardware.

Build an Inspiration Portfolio and Stay Consistent

Sometimes, building a wardrobe that’s truly you is more about cultivating a vibe or aesthetic that speaks to you rather than collecting specific hard-to-find items. If you’re having trouble building a signature style, start by creating a Pinterest board with examples of outfits or editorial shoots that speak to you. Identify pieces in the photos and explore the brands and designers behind them on pre-loved markets to narrow down your search to items you might want to invest in.

Once you have a few sites identified where you can shop for pieces that work with your needs, stay persistent and consistent! We’ll teach you a bit about how to use alert features on The RealReal in the next section, but filters can’t catch and serve every item you might be interested in. Check in regularly and refresh your vision board often to keep the chase current.

Use Alerts on Items You Love

One of the smartest ways to stay ahead of the crowd is to take full advantage of The RealReal’s alert features. When you create an account, you can save specific searches and opt into email or app notifications the moment something matching your criteria is listed. This is especially helpful for items that are rare or in high demand, as they can sell out within minutes.

The RealReal uses a dynamic pricing system, discounting items as they remain on the market. Use the “Obsession” feature to mark and follow items that you love with a heart. If the piece goes unsold, you could be able to score a great deal on an item you love by acting quickly when prices drop. When you enable alerts, you can take advantage of deals as soon as they appear, saving on the items you love the most.

Shop Authenticated Pre-Loved Luxury With The RealReal

The RealReal is serious about authentication. We employ a multi-step authentication procedure to make sure only genuine items are offered on our platform, combining advanced technology with human expertise. Initially, proprietary AI systems analyze each item, using a 50-point criteria to identify major signs of counterfeiting like stitching inconsistencies and logo errors.

Following the AI assessment, experienced authenticators conduct a thorough physical examination. Our specialists have backgrounds with the top luxury brands and individualized training to differentiate the fakes from the real deal, scrutinizing aspects like appearance and identifying marks to confirm authenticity. The final result? A perfectly curated marketplace of rare luxury items you can shop with confidence.

Ready to spot your next great fashion find? Begin exploring names like Gucci, Fendi and hundreds more at discounts of up to 80% off retail with The RealReal.