How to Shop the Real Real for Vintage “New Age” Luxury

In a harmonic convergence of two big trends in luxury, the best online resale sites are also excellent sources for hot items in “New Age” luxury. Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has curated a a guide on how to shop the luxury online resale site The Real Real for vintage items that are on-point with the hot new trend toward “New Age” luxury goods.

Online vintage luxury resale sites are booming during the coronavirus era

Some people like to Netflix and chill. We like to Netflix and scroll through The Real Real. Whether it’s stalking our latest fashion obsession or pricing out a potential investment bag, the luxury resale site is a treasure trove of eye candy.

The advent of shelter-in-place regulations has only fueled the growth of luxury online consignment and resale sites. The combination of retail stores being closed and plenty of time to assess wardrobe needs has caused a flood of both new merchandise and new shoppers.

As the Real Real site adds even more merchandise categories to its growing collection, we thought an edit might be in order, to limit endless scrolling in search of on-trend items. Although, of course there’s nothing wrong with endless scrolling . . . 

For this post, we were inspired by the now trending category of “New Age Luxury.”

what is New Age luxury?

The rise in popularity of the mystical arts has already been well documented. And we’re guessing that as the future seems to get ever hazier (Will beaches open this summer? When can I hug my sister again? Will the kids ever go back to school??), that interest and passion will not only be sustained, but continue to grow.

Our friends at the Pew Research Center tell us that roughly 65% of the the American public between the ages of 18 and 29 believe in things like astrology, tarot cards, and crystal energy.

No longer to be dismissed as just a trend, “New Age” practices have become a mainstay of our culture – a place where people find well-being and guidance in their lives.

Meghan Markle famously dazzled fans the world over with her zodiac charm necklaces, with talismans representing her husband and newborn son,

Many of fashion’s most renowned luxury houses have been inspired by symbols and motifs from the occult, including Givenchy, Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, and Prada.

And why not? After all, our treasured apparel and accessories can be thought of as talismans, giving us inner confidence and power.

And when those quotidian coverings and adornments are re-conceived by the best brands in luxury, and connected to the rich and mysterious history of the zodiac or arcane energies of powerful animals, alchemy can occur. What results can make for a fashion collector’s item.

How to Shop the Real Real for Vintage “New Age” Luxury

We sorted through The Real Real’s collection and put together the most magical pieces to buy now. Whether or not you’re a believer, you’ve got to admit- anything that takes us to another world or dimension at the moment definitely has its appeal! Be sure to click on the links for the most up-to-date pricing of any item that suits your fancy. Fate (aka sales in the 20% – 50% range) may be on your side!

1. Zodiac

Your next outfit just might be written in the stars. And no, it’s not the same loungewear you wore the day before (and the day before that.) Here are some stellar finds inspired by the art of astrology.

1. Mary Katrantzou mini dress ($98)
2. Anita Ko 18K Rose Gold and Diamond Scorpio Pendant Necklace ($4,795)
3. Ippolita Mother of Pearl and Diamond Sagittarius Pendant Necklace ($295)
4. Fendi Faux Pearl Virgo Pendant ($145)
5. Hermès Faune et Flore du Lagon Dinner Plate with Crab and Coral Motif ($375)
6. Valentino Leather Gryphon Zodiac Tote ($995)
7. Prada City Calf Cahier Astrology Bag ($1,745)
8. Hermès 18K Gold Plated Brass and Enamel Zodiac bangle ($425)
9. Emilio Pucci Zodiac Cosmetic Nylon Bag ($175)
10. Christian Dior 2018 Silk Constellation Dress ($1,995)
11. Chopard Happy Fish Watch with Rubies, Blue and Yellow Sapphires ($3,950)

2. Celestial

For a glimpse of the divine, just look up at the sun, moon and stars. These celestial bodies can inspire versatile looks from modern and graphic stylings to the romantic and bohemian.

1. Chiara Ferragni Denim Ankle Boots with Sequin Accents ($225)
2. Gucci Dionysus Embellished Knee-High Boots with Crystal Accents ($845)
3. Dolce & Gabbana Moon Print Blouse ($175)
4. Givenchy 2017 Full Moon Graphic T-Shirt ($335)
5. Marco Bicego 18K Mother of Pearl Lunaria Drop Earrings ($1,045)
6. 14K Quartzite & Diamond Crescent Moon Charm Bracelet ($225)
7. Pamela Love 18K 4.96ctw Sapphire Moonphase Collar Necklace ($8,695)
8. APM Monaco Pearl and CZ Silver Moon Single Earring ($125)
9. Delfina Balda Moons Dress ($245)
10. 37mm Jaeger- LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Celestial Watch ($36,995)
11. Chanel 2017 Space Wallet on Chain ($2,495)
12. Saint Laurent Mohair Blend Metallic Jacket ($665)
13. Lee Savage Space Frame Clutch ($295)

Intergalactic

These space inspired looks are quirky, cool and edgy. It’s no wonder luxury design houses, as well as popular streetwear brands have been inspired by the galaxies. The guy who can pull these off is certainly out of this world.

1. Gucci Leather Hightop with Planet Patch Sneakers ($325)
2. Gucci Planet Intarsia Wool Sweater ($825)
3. Nike 2012 Zoom Rookie Galaxy Black Pod Sneakers ($200)
4. Raf Simons x Sterling Ruby 2014 Patchwork Fathers Planet Sweatshirt ($950)
5. Gucci 2017 Space Animals Jacket ($795)
6. Louis Vuitton 2018 Monogram Galaxy Pochette Alpha MM ($995)
7. Louis Vuitton 2018 Monogram Galaxy Discovery Bumbag ($1575)
8. Louis Vuitton 2019 2019 Horizon Galaxy 55 ($4,900)
9. Supreme x Undercover 2018 Public Enemy ‘Fear of a Black Planet’ Parka ($375)
10. Valentino Rockstud Space Backpack ($925)

4. Tarot & Talismans

The beautifully illustrated archetypes found in a deck of tarot cards have been incorporated into many collections in Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Dior. We were delighted to find some fine examples available (at the time of writing) on The Real Real. Here, they are shown along with some equally magical and powerful symbols that have withstood the test of time.

1. Christian Dior 2017 Embroidered La Lune Tarot Pochette ($1,395)
2. Christian Dior ‘Death’ Cashmere Sweater ($945)
3. Christian Dior 2017 Le Monde Tarot Clutch ($1,595)
4. Christian Dior 2018 Tarot Sweater ($995)
5.  Gucci 2016 Blind In Love Intarsia Sweater ($2,200)
6. Valentino 2017 Leather Loveblade Shoulder Bag ($945)
7. Alexander McQueen Silk Skull Scarf ($145)
8. Gucci 2017 Graphic Print Top with Snake Applique ($775)
9. Sydney Evans 14K Sapphire & Diamond Large Lotus Ring ($1,945)
10. Valentino Butterfly Dream Catcher Beaded Pendant Necklace ($425)
11. 14K Turquoise, Diamond & Sapphire Evil Eye Pendant Necklace ($495)

5. Traditional Asian Symbols

The dragon, phoenix, crane, lotus and koi fish are some of the most powerful and auspicious images in East Asian cultures. They are used in the practice of feng shui to inspire harmony and attract good fortune – something we could all use a little more of right now.

1. Gucci 2018 Dragon Print Dress ($995)
2. Roberto Cavalli Crystal Enamel Koi Collar Necklace ($975)
3. Gucci Medium Embroidered Suede Dionysus Bag ($2,100)
4. 14K Dyed Jadeite Carved Dragon Pendant ($225)
5. Gucci 2017 Candy Dragon Knee-High Boots ($2,675)
6. Gucci Casper Dragon Satin Pumps ($625)
7. Hermès Mythiques Phoenix Blouse ($745)
8. Louis Vuitton 2016 Embroidered Silk-Blend Sweatshirt ($895)
9. Hermès 90cm silk scarf with ‘Fleurs de Lotus’ ($325)

6. Dark Magic

Nope, it’s not just for Halloween season. Witchy, rock & roll dressing in black with gothic undertones makes us feel sexy, strong and mysterious all year round.

1. Valentino Lamb Leather Trench Coat ($1,675)
2. Charlotte Olympia Tessa Wedge Pumps ($185)
3. Mounser Spike Glass Pendant Necklace ($145)
4. Dolce & Gabbana Silk & Wool-Blend Cathedral Smoking Jacket ($895)
5. Eddie Borgo Pavé Pentagram Ring ($175)
6. Gucci 2018 Thiara Small Bamboo Handle Bag ($2,700)
7. Mary Katrantzou Abstract Wool Cardigan ($190)
8. Miu Miu Cat-Eye Tinted Sunglasses ($195)
9. Valentino 2019 Rockstud Waist Bag ($925)
10. Haley Metallic Evening Dress ($325)

How to Shop the Real Real for Vintage “New Age” Luxury

There you have it –over 60 “New Age Luxury” picks from The Real Real. Happy Shopping!

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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.

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