Ebay report links creative director changes to rising demand for fashion archives

Fashion's whirlwind of creative director appointments are said to be driving renewed interest in archival designer pieces, according to Ebay's Autumn/Winter 2026 Trend Report, tracking shopping and resale activity across its marketplace.

The report, which was informed by data from 136 million active buyers and approximately 2.7 billion live listings, found that searches for Matthieu Blazy rose 291 percent year-on-year, while interest in Jonathan Anderson increased 92 percent and Demna 42 percent.

The attention is also influencing demand for pieces associated with previous creative eras. Listings for Karl Lagerfeld-era Chanel, for example, increased 87 percent, while average sale prices for John Galliano-era Dior rose 81 percent. Listings for Tom Ford-era Gucci were up 49 percent.

Runway collections and revived house signatures are also influencing searches. Following Prada’s SS27 show, searches for “Prada skirt” surged 360 percent compared with the beginning of the month, while listings for Loewe’s Amazona 180 and Bottega Veneta’s Veneta bags climbed 440 percent and 158 percent, respectively.

Ebay said the findings pointed to changes at major fashion houses prompting shoppers to look back and engage with new collections, creating further momentum for the resale market.

Speaking on the data, Ebay's resident stylist, Brie Welch, said: “This season’s Watchlist reads like a style diary of everyone shopping on Ebay: the eras they’re revisiting, the pieces they’re investing in and the moments in culture they can’t stop thinking about.

“What’s moving on Ebay right now tells a story, from archival influences to special finds that are perfect holiday gifts and watches meant for a special night out. I wanted to show how to bring those themes into everyday style, whether that’s one standout piece or a whole look.”

The company will also use the report’s findings to inform holiday shopping through Ebay Live, with dedicated streams featuring luxury sellers Vookum, Reserved Luxury and Bolt Luxury beginning November 15.