eBay Appoints Brie Welch as Resident Stylist and Launches 'eBay Watchlist' Trend Report

Brie Welch, based in New York, has an impressive portfolio, having styled high-profile clients like Katie Holmes and collaborated with luxury brands such as Bulgari, Givenchy, and Ferragamo. In her new role as eBay's fashion authority, Welch will identify emerging trends, provide expert commentary, and showcase eBay's vast selection of pre-loved fashion items.

Welch expressed her enthusiasm for the position, stating, “eBay is my not-so-secret style hack for unearthing those one-of-a-kind gems that instantly add personality to a look. Every pre-loved piece comes with its own little backstory, which makes curating an outfit feel way more intentional and fun.”

Alongside Welch's appointment, eBay has launched the eBay Watchlist, a new trend report driven by real-time marketplace data. This report aims to highlight the shifting landscape of fashion toward sustainability and circularity, providing insights into consumer behavior and preferences.

The inaugural eBay Watchlist reveals that nearly 40% of all clothing, shoes, and accessories sold on eBay in 2024 were categorized as pre-loved. The data also indicates that global users searched for the term "vintage" over 1,200 times per minute, underscoring the rising trend in second-hand shopping and vintage fashion.

The eBay Watchlist showcases several noteworthy trends in the pre-loved fashion market, powered by insights from eBay’s nearly 134 million users and its 2.3 billion listings. Some of the highlighted trends include:

A romantic take on bohemian style is emerging, characterized by airy silhouettes and grounded statement accessories. Searches for classic fringe bags and Penny Lane jackets have surged by 41% and 44%, respectively.

Power dressing is experiencing a revival among fashion-savvy consumers, with searches for "cinched blazer" and "oversized suit" up 209% and 87%. Brands like Balenciaga and Miu Miu are leading this trend.

Utilitarian fashion is gaining popularity, blending practicality with flair. The search for "barrel jeans" has seen a remarkable increase of 130%, with notable brands like Wrangler and Timberland trending in searches.

Pastel tones and playful details are capturing shoppers' imaginations, with butter yellow dresses rising by an impressive 656%. Accessories that evoke childlike joy, such as the Seiko Half Moon Watch, have also seen a significant uptick in interest, increasing by 430%.

Denim remains a staple in fashion, with searches for "jeans from Japan" and "selvedge denim" up 68% and 46%, respectively, demonstrating a shift towards versatility in denim styles.

eBay's focus on circularity aligns with a broader movement within the fashion industry toward sustainability. Alexis Hoopes, VP of Global Fashion at eBay, emphasized the company's mission, stating, “We envision a world where circularity is the norm, making it easy for brands and consumers to engage with the circular economy. We want to both power pre-loved fashion and empower the entire circular fashion ecosystem.”

This commitment to sustainability was highlighted last September during eBay's inaugural Pre-Loved Fashion Week, which featured the "Endless Runway" — a live, fully pre-loved shoppable runway show held at both New York and London Fashion Weeks.

With the appointment of Brie Welch as Resident Stylist and the introduction of the eBay Watchlist, eBay is poised to make significant strides in the fashion retail landscape. By embracing pre-loved fashion and fostering circularity, eBay not only caters to a growing demographic of eco-conscious consumers but also sets the stage for a more sustainable future in fashion.

For more detailed insights and to view the full report, visit the eBay Newsroom at ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-watchlist.