Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

The RealReal’s Plan to Capitalise on the Luxury Resale Boom

With more shoppers priced out by luxury’s rising costs turning to secondhand goods, CEO Rati Sahi Levesque opens up in the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026 about how the resale player is welcoming them with open arms.

President and CEO Rati Sahi Levesque discusses the company’s strategy for continuing its winning streak. — The RealReal CEO Rati Sahi Levesque discusses the company’s strategy for continuing its winning streak. (The RealReal)

Malique Morris

12 January 2026

For most of its 14 years in business, The RealReal was yet another money-losing online retailer with a growth-at-all-costs mentality, despite being a pioneer in luxury resale. In the past year, the company has turned profitable, with its adjusted EBITDA jumping 83 percent year on year in 2024 to $9 million.

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The State of Fashion 2026: When the Rules Change

The 10th annual State of Fashion report by McKinsey & Company and BoF Insights, The Business of Fashion’s data and advisory team, reveals how changes in trade, technology and consumer behaviour will challenge businesses in 2026. Download the full report to understand the 10 themes that will shape the industry and opportunities for growth in the year ahead.

Fashion Brands Are Missing Out on the Resale Opportunity

As secondhand sales soar, brands are finding reselling their own items is an increasingly attractive proposition even as operational hurdles remain, according to the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026.

In This Article

Topics

Retail:Resale & Rental

People

Rati Sahi Levesque

Series

The State of Fashion

Organisations

Therealreal

The Debrief | Why Some Retailers Are Ignoring the Internet

As the global luxury e-commerce engine stalls, BoF correspondent Austin Kim discusses his look at independent boutiques finding that the right strategic move is to stay offline.

How Some Founders Are Redefining Fashion’s Idea of Success

As the pipeline to scaling a fashion business grows more precarious, some designers are ditching the pursuit of global prestige in favour of a slower approach to growth they say is more sustainable — and more fulfilling.

As Brands Get Tariff Refunds, What Do They Owe Their Customers?

Brands are finally able to apply for refunds, but now they also have to decide how to deal with the customers who paid higher prices on their products, some of which are filing lawsuits against retailers demanding compensation of their own.

Retail Sales Rise in Britain After Iran War Prompted ‘Panic at the Pumps’

Textile, clothing and footwear stores reported a 1.2 percent month-on-month sales increase, while department stores recorded a 1.1 percent sales rise.

Adwoa Beauty to Enter Liquidation

A Texas court ruled that the hair-care label’s bankruptcy filing be converted to Chapter 7.

How Chanel Became the Hottest Brand in Fashion

As the French couture giant cruised into Biarritz this week, surging interest in its revamp under designer Matthieu Blazy scored it the top spot on the Lyst Index. But could Blazymania go too far?

Building Connection Through Luxury’s Sensory Evolution

Luxury fragrance house Amouage, together with The Business of Fashion, convened leading creatives for an evening of open dialogue on the evolution of the luxury industry — from visual symbol to deeper emotional connection.

The BoF Podcast | Inside Dries Van Noten’s Venice Manifesto

After stepping back from his namesake brand, Dries Van Noten has opened a foundation in a Venetian palazzo dedicated to craft, beauty, and the things made by hand and soul. BoF's Tim Blanks speaks with the designer about why, in ugly times, making something beautiful is the only real form of protest.

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