Rania Haber of Vintage Something, luxury is deadstock because "they don’t make them like we used to."
Rania Haber, of Vintage Something, defines the merchandise as “our vintage sportswear is the real thing. Unworn, tag-on and still-in-the-bag, they are a product of their time, bought when they were fashionable, because they were fashionable and dependable.”
Her headline? They don’t make them like we used to.
For Haber, a definition of luxury is - "buy less, choose wisely". Haber is aware that this has always been “true in my view, it feels more relevant now than ever. With the constant churn of fleeting trends in fashion and the overwhelming presence of mass-produced goods, true luxury is no longer about excess or owning more, it is about intentionality.” She goes deeper saying “it’s about investing in pieces that are thoughtfully made, high-quality, and built to last, rather than chasing trend-driven fashion. Luxury should be about valuing craftsmanship, sustainability, and authenticity over quantity. It’s the shift from accumulating for the sake of it, to curating with care and purpose.”
She emphasizes that “the vintage brands available on my website hold a special resonance with these generations, particularly in the United States and Europe. They recognize and appreciate the unique quality of the materials, the craftsmanship, and functionality, whether it’s skiwear, tenniswear, or other specialty pieces, and of course, the era-specific designs that feel nostalgic to them. What’s particularly rewarding about this type of customer is their awareness of the true value of the items they’re purchasing. They’re not buying on a whim; they’re making thoughtful decisions based on an understanding of what these pieces represent.”
But her wares also have cross-generational appeal, Haber explains that “on the other hand, a growing part of my clientele comes from the younger generation, primarily in the U.S. and Europe as well. They’re often drawn to vintage for different reasons, some for its sustainability and ethical appeal, and others for its individuality and the chance to stand out in a sea of disposable fashion trends. You can tell a lot about their motivations from their selections.”
This truly a very mix and match definition of luxury,” in both cases, what ties these groups together is a shared appreciation for quality, uniqueness, and the history behind each piece. That’s how they experience luxury with my brand—by choosing something meaningful, one-of-a-kind and built to last.”
Haber, giving her thoughts on the dupes trend says that “the rise of dupes reflects a shift in what luxury means today. For many, it’s no longer about logos or extravagant price tags but about achieving the look, quality, or functionality without overspending; it’s a shift of priorities. While my business caters to those seeking authenticity and craftsmanship through vintage, I understand why some turn to dupes, modern luxury prices are often out of reach. “
She also equates it to certain trends that took over social media, “take for example the recent trend old-money style. It has gotten out of control. True old-money style isn’t about looking rich, because very few people who follow that trend are really rich or are old money, it should rather be the result of an attitude. This reflects a broader issue in my view: luxury isn’t just about the visual result but about thoughtful consumption—choosing items with lasting value, unique character, and a story, whether vintage or not.”
With Gen Z taking over the discussion with experiences over possessions, Haber sees this as a direct translation of her own previous definitions, meaning, “prioritizing unique pieces with substance, a story, or historical significance. For them, experiences and self-expression often go hand in hand, and this is reflected in the way they revive older or overlooked trends and objects once deemed outdated.”
Haber is thankfully in the Gen Z camp – even if she belongs to an older demographic – saying that they (Gen Z) bring “a refreshing confidence and cheerful energy to these choices, turning what might seem unconventional into something effortlessly cool. As a Gen X, I find this full-circle moment fascinating and even relatable. It’s less about materialism and more about finding joy and meaning in how they engage with the past, blending it seamlessly with their modern experiences. I hope this mindset shapes the future of luxury.”
Haber is aware that “branding and storytelling can blur the line between value and perception, especially these days where branding and storytelling have immense power.” But she is very clear that “it’s an oversimplification to say luxury is merely a concept. True and authentic luxury often justifies its price through premium materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and exclusivity.”
Regarding the post-pandemic price hikes show a clear gap between the exclusivity and craftsmanship luxury brands promise and the reality of sweatshop labor. Haber admits that “this contradiction is a clear reminder that today’s consumers, especially younger ones, increasingly value authenticity and accountability, demanding that brands align their practices with their image. It reminds me of some vintage pieces that we have at Vintage Something, where sizes and reference numbers are individually handwritten on each label, and in some cases, hand-stamped with traditional ink instead of being printed. I think this adds a sense of mystery and history, which is a primary part of what makes vintage so special and a sharp contrast to today’s mass-produced fashion.”
As to how luxury houses can lure back aspirational shoppers? Well maybe they shouldn’t. Haber is clear in her belief that “the focus should shift away from big corporate luxury houses and towards niche brands that prioritize quality, craftsmanship, and longevity. These smaller brands often produce carefully crafted goods that align with today’s consumers’ aspirations for accountability, individuality, and timeless appeal. The landscape is definitely changing, shoppers are becoming more discerning and are no longer as easily swayed by traditional luxury culture.”
Giving, once more practical examples, she details “luxury can also thrive in second-hand retailers, look at Vestiaire Collective and TheRealReal, where unique and sustainable finds are plentiful. NOS (new old stock) is another overlooked source of luxury, it’s understated but full of surprises, offering rare, high-quality items with rich stories behind them. This is what we aim to offer at Vintage Something. Instead of luring back consumers with lower-priced goods, the future of luxury may lie in authenticity, uniqueness, and a deeper connection to what truly matters to shoppers.”
