eBay Launches Inaugural Pre-Loved Fashion Week in Partnership with British Fashion Council and CFDA

In a groundbreaking move that champions sustainable fashion, eBay has announced the launch of its first-ever Pre-Loved Fashion Week, a celebration of circular fashion in partnership with the British Fashion Council (BFC) and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). This innovative initiative, titled the “Endless Runway,” will feature live, shoppable runway shows in both New York and London, offering fashion enthusiasts the chance to purchase pre-loved designer pieces directly from the runway.

The Endless Runway shows will precede the official New York and London Fashion Week schedules and showcase pre-owned looks from renowned designers such as Khaite, Off-White, Christopher Kane, and Simone Rocha. The shows, which will be streamed live on eBay’s platform, eBay Live, will allow viewers in the UK and US to purchase the featured items, tapping into the growing demand for second-hand luxury fashion.

“eBay has been a driving force in promoting more sustainable fashion,” said Kirsty Keoghan, General Manager of Fashion at eBay. “With the launch of Pre-Loved Fashion Week, we’re showing up on fashion’s biggest stage and demonstrating that authentic designer fashion doesn’t have to be out of reach.”

The Pre-Loved Fashion Week initiative is part of eBay’s broader commitment to the circular economy. Pre-loved and refurbished items now account for 40% of eBay’s gross merchandise volume, reflecting the platform’s significant role in the second-hand fashion market. In June 2024 alone, global eBay users searched for “vintage” over 1,000 times per minute, underscoring the increasing consumer appetite for sustainable fashion options.

The London leg of the Endless Runway, set to air on 12 September at 6pm BST, will be curated by eBay’s Pre-Loved Style Director Amy Bannerman and hosted by model and presenter Leomie Anderson. In New York, the event will feature creative direction by fashion influencer Wisdom Kaye and will be hosted by fashion writer Liana Satenstein.

“As we celebrate 40 years of London Fashion Week, we are excited to partner with eBay to showcase the incredible British brands and designers that have been integral to the event over the past four decades,” said Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council. “The Endless Runway catwalk will breathe new life into archival pieces while making fashion week accessible to a wider audience, empowering consumers to prioritize sustainable and circular fashion choices.”

eBay’s Pre-Loved Fashion Week underscores the platform’s dedication to sustainability and its mission to make high-quality, designer fashion accessible to all. By integrating pre-loved fashion into one of the industry’s most prestigious events, eBay is not only promoting a more sustainable fashion model but also challenging traditional notions of luxury and exclusivity.

The event is expected to set a new standard for fashion weeks worldwide, as it highlights the importance of circular fashion in the modern industry. With daily drops of pre-owned designer pieces throughout both New York and London Fashion Weeks, eBay continues to position itself as a leader in the movement towards a more sustainable fashion future.

Reference: https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/press-room/uk/ebay-launches-its-first-ever-pre-loved-fashion-week-in-new-york-and-london/