On May 14, 2024, singer Sabrina Carpenter celebrated her 25th birthday in a yellow satin slip dress sourced from the secondhand clothing app Depop. The dress was purchased from Jules Berg, a New York-based Depop seller, for $256. Berg initially thrifted the vintage Caché dress for around $50 and altered it into a mini dress.
Following the event, Berg's TikTok post about the sale garnered nearly 3 million views, sparking criticism over her pricing methods. Berg has been selling on Depop under the username @jbeescloset for about a year. TikTok user Kiana (@kaym0neyyy) highlighted Berg's re-selling practices, particularly pointing out a pair of Forever 21 sequin leopard shorts labeled as “vintage” and priced at $298.
Responding to the criticism, fashion expert Virginia Chamlee explained that the resale market often involves significant markups, reflecting the time and effort sellers invest in sourcing and curating items. Chamlee noted that the term "vintage" can technically apply to fashion items over 20 years old, thereby justifying labels like the ones used by Berg.
The resale of vintage fashion, particularly among Gen Z, is growing, driven by sustainability and affordability concerns. Depop, founded in 2011, serves as a platform for young consumers to purchase unique, secondhand items.