Prada's CEO-in-waiting Lorenzo Bertelli poses for a photograph at Prada's industrial headquarters' garden factory, ahead of an interview for the Reuters Next conference, in Valvigna Italy, November 22, 2021. (Photo: REUTERS)

The market for pre-owned chic bags and clothes has surged over the last three years, driven by younger, more environmentally conscious shoppers looking for affordable high-end goods. It is expected to reach 33 billion euros in size this year after growing by 65% between 2017 and 2021, according to consultancy Bain. This compares with 12% growth for brand new luxury goods.

Some rival luxury companies are already exploring the sector. Earlier this year, French conglomerate Kering  took a 5% stake in Vestiaire Collective, a leading platform for second-hand clothes and handbags. Kering's star brand Gucci also formed a partnership with U.S.-based resale platform The RealReal last year.

"Second hand is a strategy we have been investigating for more than a year," Lorenzo Bertelli, the eldest son of co-Chief Executives Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada and the future brand leader, said in an interview at the Reuters Next conference aired on Wednesday.