Ebay: vogue editors reveal their vintage shopping secrets

Forget scrolling endlessly through fast fashion; the smartest style set is turning to eBay for rare finds and coveted vintage pieces. And they’re not just casually browsing—these are the editors of Vogue, sharing their meticulously honed strategies for scoring the ultimate scores. Presented by eBay, the official vintage and pre-loved partner of Vogue, this is your insider’s guide to unlocking the auction site’s potential, straight from the pros.

The archive editor's precise technique

Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue’s archive editor, isn’t just a fan; she’s a pioneer. Remember “Laird Loves eBay,” her column on style.com? Her approach is rooted in precision. “Contemporary fashion illustration is fascinating, but the drawings in archival Vogue issues are unparalleled,” she explains. Her method? Start with broad searches like “vintage Vogue,” then switch to gallery view, maximizing images to 120 per page, and narrow it down with specifics like “vintage Vogue 1930s.” The result? A Pierre Roy cover destined for her home—a testament to the power of targeted searching.

But it’s not just about illustrations. This approach extends to clothing—finding a specific dress or accessory becomes a focused treasure hunt.

Embrace the 'vibe' and discover the unexpected

While Borrelli-Persson champions precision, others embrace a more intuitive approach. For me, it’s about letting the algorithm lead the way. Rather than searching for a specific Christian Lacroix suit, I’ll type in terms like “’70s disco” or “Basque waist,” adding ‘vintage’ to the end. This often leads to a delightful rabbit hole of new sellers and designers I’ve never encountered—and occasionally, a steal of a lifetime.

It’s a gamble, certainly, but the potential reward—discovering a hidden gem—is worth the risk. The thrill of the chase is half the fun.

Japanese expertise: a runway secret

Irene Kim, Vogue Runway production and editorial assistant, has a secret weapon: her friend, former Vogue writer Liana Satenstein. “She taught me everything I know about buying vintage,” Kim admits. And her biggest tip? “Search for designer pieces from Japanese sellers on eBay. The prices are often significantly lower, and you’ll find rarer luxury pieces you won’t see anywhere else.” The detail and organization of Japanese sellers are remarkable, providing comprehensive condition reports—a crucial detail for any serious vintage shopper.

Specificity is key: season and runway details

Christian Allaire, Vogue's Senior Fashion and Style writer, emphasizes the importance of hyper-specificity. “I’m always hunting for runway pieces,” he notes, “so I include the season in my searches – ‘Prada Fall 2017 fur belt,’ or ‘Prada FW17 fur belt’—alternating between formats to maximize results.” This meticulousness is the key to finding those elusive, coveted pieces.

Beyond the obvious: lesser-known designers

My own passion lies in uncovering overlooked talents. Jacques H. Réval, a Parisian couturier from the 1960s, is a current obsession. His bold embellishments and sculptural silhouettes deserve far more recognition. Thanks to eBay’s global reach, I recently scored a stunning black-and-white wool crepe A-line dress trimmed with gold chains and tassels—complete with its original Eclair zipper. It’s a reminder that the best discoveries often lie just beyond the mainstream.

The watch list: patience and negotiation

If I’m unsure about an item, I add it to my watch list. It’s a double-edged strategy: it prevents me from losing track amidst the endless scroll, and it opens the door to potential negotiation. Roughly half of sellers are willing to offer a discount (typically 5-20%) if an item isn’t selling, and that’s where some of my most prized pieces have come from.

Buy now vs. bid: a matter of strategy

Allaire isn’t afraid to engage in a bidding war for vintage denim—particularly those coveted Orange Tab Levi’s from the 1970s. “For more generalized pieces, I don’t mind bidding,” he says, “because if you lose, there are countless other options.” I, however, prefer the ‘Buy Now’ approach, especially when hunting for rare runway pieces. Filtering searches by “Newly Listed” ensures I’m among the first to see them—a crucial advantage in the competitive world of vintage eBay shopping.

And before you click that “Buy Now” button, do your homework. Research the seller—look for a smoke-free home, examine listing photos closely, and don’t hesitate to message them for more details, particularly regarding sizing. Vintage sizing is notoriously tricky—a little communication goes a long way.

The Vogue team's recent eBay scores speak for themselves: Irene Kim’s Louis Vuitton Thompson Street bag, Margaux Anbouba’s vintage Prada stiletto boots, Hannah Jackson’s Comme des Garçons jacket, and Christian Allaire’s rainbow Missoni top—a testament to the site's potential for finding unique pieces. From Anna Grace Lee’s Adidas x Missoni shirt to Lilah Ramzi's rare Garfinckel & Co. dressing gown, the possibilities are endless. Even Senior Archive Editor Laird Borrelli-Persson has added a butterfly-themed straw bag to her collection.

The Vogue Vintage Market returns soon, offering a curated selection of vintage and pre-loved pieces. But until then, armed with these insider tips, you can conquer eBay yourself.