“You own way too many bags” is a phrase that I often hear from those around me but refuse actually to hear. In my mind, with so many incredible designer bags, rising brands, and trends at large, the limit does not exist. Of course, practically speaking, I know there are limitations (like closet space, budget, and my loved ones’ patience) that make being able to edit down or purchase wisely necessary. In those moments, I know I must take a deep breath and discern what bags will outlast the trend cycle before clicking the buy button. It’s a skill that I find challenging even as an editor, so in those fraught moments where I can’t discern which bags are worth securing (and which should be a hard swerve), I like to call on the experts for guidance.
Of course, it should be noted that there are so many luxury resale experts and retailers in the market who know their stuff when it comes to bags that retain value; but none have been as influential as What Goes Around Comes Around. Long before the boom of digital vintage resalers, Seth Weisser and Gerard Maione paved the way for the industry as we know it today. They co-founded WGACA in ’93 by opening their first storefront in SoHo, New York. It became the place to shop for luxury goods among the fashion and celeb set alike and has changed how the world shops handbags.
It is this extensive knowledge and influence that compelled me to reach out to them for guidance—and luckily, they obliged. Ahead, you’ll hear from Weisser and Maione themselves about what it took to build their brand, how cultural perspectives on the resale market have evolved, and which 3 bags they feel are perfect for investing in this fall.
How did you get into the luxury resale industry? And what about it made you decide you wanted to start your own business dedicated to second-hand luxury goods?
SW: Gerard and I founded What Goes Around Comes Around to create a curated luxury lifestyle shopping experience with vintage as the base. At that time, no company had successfully created a true retail experience that combined the best of each era with the best of each top brand. That is exactly what we set out to create. WGACA’s highly selected curation and keen understanding of the high-fashion market is what ultimately puts us at the forefront of the industry.
You founded What Goes Around Comes Around back in ’93—how do you feel your business has evolved since then? And how do you think the luxury resale space at large has changed over the past thirty years?
SW: WGACA has evolved substantially since opening in 1993, as has the luxury resale market. We have elevated traditional vintage shopping into a high-fashion experience for almost 30 years. Our circular business model has become even more desirable as the circular economy is a massive driver of luxury resale growth. Now, buyers are joining in on the sustainable trend more than ever before, especially younger affluent generations, and their desire for circularity is only growing.
We’ve made strides within the industry and the larger world around dismantling misconceptions about second-hand clothing and accessories—but what do you think still needs to be done to shift how we consume?
SW: There is a clear difference between buying new versus buying pre-loved. Buying on the secondary market allows clients access to discontinued items that are no longer available directly from the brands. Luxury is about quality and exclusivity. We offer many extremely rare things, and the only way to acquire them is through the secondary market. At WGACA, we are also huge supporters and active participants in the circular economy. It is a critical concept in WGACA’s mission, as products can be bought and resold repeatedly.
As someone who is well-versed within the market, are there any luxury resale items you always recommend shopping for?
SW: For someone just dipping their toe into the world of luxury investments, we always recommend shopping for a Chanel Classic Flap or Louis Vuitton Speedy. While the Chanel bag is at a higher price point, the increase in value over time is impressive. On the other hand, the Louis Vuitton bag is more affordable, but it’s a staple and classic piece that never goes out of style, similar to the Chanel. Most products outside of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès don’t have the same resale or long-term appreciation that these three luxury brands represent.
Are there any luxury second-hand shopping tips you swear by? If so, what?
SW: We always recommend shopping for classic pieces that will stand the test of time. For products that keep their value for years to come and only increase over time, choosing styles that are iconic to each brand rather than fast fads are a necessity for luxury second-hand shopping in our eyes.
For our readers who want to make space for new pieces in their wardrobes this fall, do you have any tips for reselling their own pieces? Are there any specific pieces you’d recommend they part ways with?
SW: If you have styles you don’t wear at least once or twice per year, you should consider selling them. There are many options to resell items both to dealers and on marketplaces.
Are there any fall stapes you feel every woman should own? If so, why?
SW: Fall is the greatest time of year of fashion—the change in weather opens up so many wardrobe opportunities. One of our personal favorite staples for fall is jackets. This fall, we’re reaching for a leather moto or blazer, oversized silhouettes, and iconic Chanel tweed and bouclé jackets.
What bags do you predict will be popular with shoppers this fall that are worth the investment?
SW: Regarding accessories, we love crossbody bags, bucket bags, and tweed everything for fall.
SW: The iconic crossbody camera bag is a vintage Chanel staple and a must-have investment piece. This collectible style always features the signature logo and a chain-link strap.
SW: We suggest adding a classic Louis Vuitton bucket bag to your rotation for something a little more spacious. They’re sleek and timeless but also functional.
SW: Our final piece of wardrobe advice—tweed doesn’t just belong on jackets. This fall, incorporate this trend into your accessories for an unexpected play on textures.
What Goes Around Comes Around has been a force within the fashion industry for years—what do you hope the brand’s legacy will be? And what’s next for you?
GM: As a WGACA legacy, we’d like people to feel that it was and still is an innovative leader and pioneer in the vintage and pre-owned luxury sector. WGACA has left an indelible imprint on trends and the history of fashion. Its impact on style for decades has shaped many iconic editorial looks, and its influence on design houses has changed the runways for decades. Our iconic clientele has been shaping fashion trends and connecting generations to designs of years past.
Next: 8 Newer Designer Bags I’m Starting to See Everywhere