Consumption patterns are changing. Faced with the global emergency of which we are all aware, it cannot be any other way. More and more, we pay attention to the products we consume: their origin, their mode of production, their composition, the behavior of the companies that produce them. We monitor our environmental impact, collectively and individually.
We make sure we consume better and consume less. Faced with this trend, which must increase over time, how can we think aboutfuture of luxury ? This luxury, which we often associate with excess, with overconsumption? Can luxury products survive this profound transformation of our consumption patterns? Contrary to all prejudices, it seems that luxury, with its quality products made to last, has its place perfectly within this transforming economy. Deciphering a paradox that is not one.Rare and refined products
In the collective imagination, "luxury" is associated with excess, far from any value of care for the environment or control of its consumption. Luxury seems to bear the mark of guilty pleasure. While part of the universe associated with "luxury" does fit this definition, the same is not true for handcrafted products, referred to as "personal luxury".A glance at the manufacturing processes of handbags or watches, for example, among famous brands, is enough to become aware of their compliance with sustainable development values. Indeed, a true luxury item is necessarily manufactured in small quantities: these are rare and refined products, which are sought after for their high quality. Quite the opposite, for example, of fast fashion, which relies on manufacturing in very large quantities!
The preservation of raw materials and quality craftsmanship
What characterizes luxury par excellence is the great product quality. To design a luxury product, great attention is paid to preserving the raw materials used. These are often rare and precious, they are therefore protected to ensure their sustainability, which is part of a process of care for the environment.The quality of luxury products, which makes them safe values, comes from the care taken with raw materials, but also because most of these products are handcrafted. These are artisanal products that safeguard and transmit a expertise sometimes historical, a local crafts high quality. This is the case for lace for example, champagne or even leather goods. This know-how is the object of a heritage, perpetuated by the support of major luxury brands.
A requirement for sustainability
These refined, handmade products are created to last over time, thanks to their high quality. Designer leather goods, maintained correctly, last for decades. Branded bags are sometimes passed down from generation to generation. All these exceptional products are very often guaranteed for life, proof of the confidence that the brands have in the goods they offer for sale.This requirement of sustainability gives luxury items their place in the new economy which is gradually being established: the circular economy, reduced environmental impact. By purchasing products with such a long lifespan, we consume less. By purchasing these products designed with respect for the materials and for the artisans, we consume better. This allows us to better understand why the luxury is part of the sustainable economy, and is suitable for the consumption patterns of new generations.
Luxury, part of the circular economy
To consume more responsibly, we must find new ways to meet our needs. Optimizing the lifespan of consumer goods – to ensure that nothing is wasted – is gaining popularity. And the second hand market is the ideal ground for growth for the circular economy.
In the luxury sector, second hand is all the rage. On the one hand, because the products of this industry benefit from an excellent reputation: they are of quality and have a strong symbolic connotation. On the other hand, because consumers find new reseller sites, in which they can have trust to purchase these highly demanded goods. It is therefore increasingly easy to consume luxury responsibly : of second hand and in accordance with high industry standards.
Behaviors change, industries adapt accordingly and engage in eco-responsible approaches. Old, institutional and established brands are transforming their ways of doing things, stimulated by consumer demand and by more recent and dynamic brands. At Stella McCartney, the cotton is organic, the leather and PVC have disappeared, the cashmere is regenerated… The spring-summer collection 2020 of the house was the most eco-responsible ever created. The young Jacquemus house uses organic materials - cotton, linen - and produced in France. More and more brands are following the movement, gradually: Versace, Gucci and Burberry have stopped using real fur.
Stella McCartney or the very recent Jacquemus act as the bow of the boat, proving at the same time that luxury carries the green perfectly. Both emphasize the importance of extending the lifetime clothes, by recycling them, by reselling them: vintage has a bright future ahead of it.
Buying second-hand luxury, contrary to popular belief, is therefore not incompatible with the values of care for the environment, de-consumption and the circular economy. It even seems that finally, the second hand luxury is a great way to proudly carry these values.
For us, at With a rifle, ecology is not incidental. We believe in luxe durable, we defend the values of respect the environment, attention to materials used and above all reuse of objects. We aspire to create a respectful luxury experience by offering a second life to the magnificent designer bags in circulation.
We have a catalog with exceptional pieces that we authentifions and which we take care of. Our quick purchase service allows our users to quickly register for our circular approach, in which they also believe.
