There’s already been a bombshell addition to the villa but away from the relationship drama, we’re keeping an even closer eye on Love Island stylist choices… Previously a hotbed for super synthetic fast fashion (which we all know is hardly a sustainable choice) Love Island are continuing their pre-loved relationship with eBay this series. In 2022 there were some seriously iconic couplings; (Tasha Ghouri in a yellow Versace co-ord springs to mind…) and in this season’s opener, all the contestants wore pre-loved, sourced from eBay. So it’s fair to say we’re expecting big things, especially considering vintage aficionado and eBay’s Pre-Loved stylist Amy Bannerman is back on board for 2023.
We have so many questions for Love Island stylist Amy, but most importantly, how can we score the kind of vintage gold that she seems to attract? First off, don’t use the word ‘vintage’ in your search terms. Eh? Amy clarifies, “If someone is clearing out their closet and lists a black dress they’ve had for twenty years, they’re not necessarily going to describe it as vintage.” Lightbulb moment. Instead, hone in on brand names. Also, search for misspellings. Amy found an epic Jean Paul Gaultier two-piece for a bargain price, because the seller had listed the name incorrectly.
But if you don’t have hours to wade through every wrong iteration of the spelling of Jacquemus? Amy, who has styled Dua Lipa, Sophie Turner and Rita Ora, has a hitlist of eBay shops she sources from…
When we clicked on this store the first row alone included Mach + Mach heels and Valentino earrings. The goodies just keep coming. “They’re good for designer finds,” says Amy. “We got the major Paris Texas boots from here for season 9.”
Chanel and Burberry and Mulberry, oh my! “We bought lots of the men’s pieces here, including Jacquemus,” Amy reveals. If you’re worried about the authenticity of buying designer bags on eBay, the site now offers a physical verification service to ensure your bag isn’t a fake.
Head here for archive designer pieces from Tom Ford, Roberto Cavalli and Versace. The vibe is sexy, clubby and the stores specialises in Y2K originals – so, perfect for the islanders.
Does what it says on the tin. There is lots of menswear and an array of upcycled pieces, too. Keep an eye out for a customised tie dye Westwood shirt that Amy sourced from here for the boys in series 9.
In keeping with the circular model, the star pieces from series 8 have made their way back to the villa for the islanders to wear in South Africa, too. But outside the rails in the villa? Love Island stylist Amy has also picked a few gems that won’t be making their way onto your screens anytime soon, but are still worthy of snapping up…
Whether you’ve been glued to Love Island since the opening credits or are skipping this season, the impact of vintage fashion is making waves. Since series 8, eBay saw searches for pre-loved pieces up 1600% since and a 24% rise in circular fashion businesses joining eBay. Shopping pre-loved before you shop for something brand new has to become the new normal and, as Love Island is proving, it can be even more stylish than hitting the high street.
For more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton, follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton.