The thrill of the hunt. That glorious feeling when, after endlessly rifling through the racks, you finally land upon that perfect vintage specimen–the one-of-a-kind dress, the iconic accessory, the it-bag from last season that instantly vanished. For fashionistas, few joys compare. And thanks to The RealReal’s new “Rare Finds” initiative, that blissful rush now awaits legions more.
Launching today in partnership with revered vintage collector Keni Valenti, Rare Finds debuts over 300 museum-worthy pieces curated to quicken the pulse of any style sophisticate. Expect the kinds of items that fashion insiders, celebrities, and collectors whisper about in hushed, longing tones: designs so exceptional, so infused with allure, that mere photographs couldn’t possibly do them justice. We’re talking original Dior briefcases, Chanel bouclé skirt suits with quilted leather details, Gucci wisp-thin heels emblazoned with the house’s unmistakable monogram. Rare, one-of-a-kind treasures that, until now, one could only dream about owning.
And that’s just the beginning. In honor of the launch, The RealReal’s expertly merchandised selection of shoes–priced $75 to $1,895–provides a particular site of sartorial time travel. Take a nostalgic trip back to the free-spirited 70s via Halston’s purple suede, fringed go-go boots. Revisit the psychedelic 60s through low-heeled, punchy Mates by Herbert Levine pumps, utterly groovy with stripes and translucent vinyl. The 80s await with Gianfranco Ferré’s chartreuse suede ankle-strap sandals and Yves Saint Laurent’s geometric, color-blocked stilettos.
All the vintage greats are represented: Chanel, Hermès, Prada, Azzedine Alaïa. Those legendary names transmit reverence among collectors, but spotting their nascent genius decades ago required real foresight. Valenti clearly possessed that visionary instinct. “I’ve always been focused on designers from the inception of their brands,” she says. “Finding a rare piece that represents a pivotal point in a designer’s history brings me immense joy.”
For fashion archaeologists, what treasures might the new Rare FindsCategory yield? Imagine uncovering an archival Alaïa dress modeled after one worn by Tina Turner. Or a vintage Mugler jacket spotted on It-girl Kylie Jenner. Or even a Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra corset dress recalling Madonna’s Blonde Ambition days. At The RealReal, the past now vibrantly lives on. And those with an eye for the extraordinary finally have discoveries worthy of their discerning taste.
