BC Business
Mine & Yours founder Courtney Watkins shares top anti-trends
Writing a trend report in 2024 is tricky business, largely because many style experts consider trends themselves to be a thing of the past. To the modern shopper, conscious consumerism is more important than fashion fads, and the second-hand retail industry is flourishing. According to ThredUp’s 2024 Resale Report, the global second-hand apparel market is expected to reach US$350 billion by 2028—it’s growing three times faster than the overall apparel market.
And while thrift stores and flea markets have always been an eco-conscious (and affordable) option for more frugal consumers, shopping second-hand is becoming more common in affluent communities, too. “A couple of years ago, the really wealthy wouldn’t shop resale, because they wouldn’t need to,” says Courtney Watkins, founder of Vancouver-based luxury designer resale store Mine & Yours. “But now it’s seen as a smart choice, an environmentally conscious choice—there isn’t much side-eye toward second-hand anymore.”
We asked Watkins what non-trend trends she’s seeing in B.C.’s luxury resale market. Here’s her insight on what’s in and out.
“Consumers are now starting to really talk about how polluting fast fashion is for the environment,” says Watkins. As a result, long-lasting vintage items are seeing a resurgence.
If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, allow us to introduce you to the “mob wife” aesthetic: a fur-embracing, animal-print-happy, large-sunglassed look that turns up its nose at minimalism. “Especially in Vancouver, we’ve been skewed toward a minimalist, athletic aesthetic, and now the pendulum has swung the other way,” says Watkins.
Watkins says that the “boho chic” look is making a comeback (think flowy silhouettes, suede boots and crocheted materials), and neutral colours remain a go-to. It’s another testament to shoppers thinking about the longevity of their clothing—well-made, comfortable items that pair well with the rest of your closet are more versatile than ultra-bright colours or groovy patterns.
Instead of keeping up to date with new product launches and impulsively hitting that “add to cart” button, consumers are focusing on a less-is-more ethos, Watkins says. “Not ‘less is more’ in terms of style—big prints and wild outfits are still in—but in terms of buying less,” she explains. “We’re really paring down instead of overconsuming.”
Functionality wins again: those hilarious, teeny-weeny bags (“that you can’t even fit a phone in,” Watkins points out) are on the decline, while large statement bags are growing more popular. “They are convenient, they are reliable, you can put stuff in them…that’s why we have a bag!” says Watkins.
Looking to invest in a sure thing? These are Watkins’s favourite timeless items that won’t go out of style.
Statement Sunglasses
“I am loving the large Saint Laurent sunglasses that are trending right now, but I had a similar pair 20 years ago when I was in fashion school.”
Burberry Essential Trench
“This has been Burberry’s staple piece for years—in the last few months I’ve gotten compliments every time I wear mine.”
Chanel Classic Flap Bags
“It’s actually an investment piece that you can add into your wardrobe thanks to Chanel’s frequent price increases.”