The global pre-owned luxury market has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry, fueled by consumer demand for heritage brands, sustainable consumption and the prestige of high-end fashion. As resale platforms multiply, one theme has become increasingly central: authentication.

The rise of counterfeit goods, coupled with rising consumer expectations for trust and transparency, has pushed authentication to the forefront. For platforms like Libas Collective, founded by Ivan Todorov, authentication is more than a service—it is the foundation upon which the resale market is built.

A Market Vulnerable to Counterfeits

The resale market for bags from legacy houses such as Hermès bags, Chanel bags and Dior bags is especially vulnerable to counterfeiting. These brands command high resale premiums, making them lucrative targets for forgers.

According to industry estimates, counterfeit luxury goods account for more than 60 percent of global fakes seized by authorities each year. Many of these counterfeits are convincing enough to mislead untrained buyers, underscoring the need for expert evaluation in the resale space.

“Counterfeits don't just harm consumers—they undermine trust in the entire ecosystem,” said Ivan Todorov, founder of Libas Collective. “That's why we built our marketplace around authentication. Without it, resale cannot thrive.”

Authentication as a Competitive Edge

Resale platforms that prioritize authentication are quickly separating themselves from the rest. Buyers increasingly gravitate toward marketplaces that guarantee legitimacy, even if that assurance comes at a higher cost.

Libas Collective has invested heavily in multi-step verification processes. Each item is examined by specialists trained to identify subtleties in stitching, hardware, date codes and materials. Digital technology, such as AI-driven image analysis, supplements this process, but human expertise remains critical.

“Technology helps, but luxury authentication is still an art,” Todorov explained. “Our experts know how Hermès leather should feel, how Chanel hardware should age, and how Dior stitching should align. Those details matter.”

Why Trust Matters in Resale

In the primary market, consumers buy directly from brands or authorized retailers, where authenticity is guaranteed. In resale, however, trust must be earned. Buyers are often making significant investments—sometimes tens of thousands of dollars—on pieces like Hermès Birkins or Chanel Classics.

“The higher the ticket, the more essential authentication becomes,” Todorov said. “Nobody is willing to gamble on a five-figure bag without proof that it's real.”

Trust also benefits sellers. Owners of genuine pieces are more willing to consign or sell their items on platforms that guarantee authentication, ensuring they receive fair value.

Authentication as Part of Brand Value

Authentication also supports the prestige of the original brands. Hermès, Chanel and Dior have all expressed concerns about counterfeit trade tarnishing their reputations. By safeguarding authenticity, resale platforms help preserve the value of these fashion houses.

In recent years, some luxury brands have even begun collaborating with resale platforms, recognizing that controlled secondary markets reinforce brand equity. “The stronger authentication is in resale, the stronger the primary market remains,” Todorov said.

Technology Meets Expertise

Authentication is evolving. Blockchain technology has been tested as a means to create immutable digital certificates of authenticity. Some brands have embedded microchips or QR codes into products to support verification.

Still, many experts caution that technology alone is not foolproof. Counterfeiters often adapt quickly to new methods, making human expertise indispensable. At Libas Collective, the company relies on a hybrid model—tech for efficiency, experts for precision.

“Our approach is layered,” Todorov explained. “AI helps flag potential risks, but our human authenticators make the final call. That's what gives our buyers confidence.”

Consumer Education

Another key aspect of authentication is consumer education. Libas Collective publishes guides to help buyers understand common counterfeit red flags, from misspelled logos to incorrect serial numbers. The goal, Todorov says, is to create a more informed buyer community.

“Education builds trust, and trust builds loyalty,” Todorov noted. “When buyers know what to look for, they feel more empowered in the resale process.”

Sustainability and the Circular Economy

Authentication also reinforces the role of resale in sustainable fashion. Verified pre-owned bags extend the lifecycle of luxury goods, reducing waste and minimizing the need for new production.

“Authentication protects both buyers and the planet,” Todorov said. “When people know their purchase is genuine, they're more likely to invest in resale as a sustainable alternative.”

For many, buying pre-owned Hermès, Chanel or Dior is not just a fashion choice but a conscious lifestyle decision—one made possible only by trust in authentication.

Looking Forward

As the pre-owned luxury market continues to expand, authentication is likely to remain its cornerstone. Buyers and sellers alike will demand stronger guarantees, and platforms that can deliver them will dominate the space.

“Resale is no longer a niche—it's the future of luxury,” Todorov concluded. “But without authentication, the foundation crumbles. At Libas Collective, we believe authenticity is not just a feature. It's the standard.”

Conclusion

The pre-owned luxury boom shows no signs of slowing, but its success depends on one principle above all: authenticity. In a world awash with counterfeits, platforms like Libas Collective are proving that authentication is not optional—it is the currency of trust.

By combining human expertise, technology and education, the industry is redefining what it means to buy pre-owned luxury. For buyers of Hermès, Chanel and Dior, authentication is more than a safeguard. It is the assurance that their investment—and their style—is genuine.