Hawkeye Vintage’s Founder Shares Her Secrets To Shopping Second-Hand Designer Like A Pro
thanks, it's vintage
By Victoria Lewis | 22nd May 2026The demand for vintage designer pieces is booming in the wake of an ever-growing fast-fashion crisis, and one woman who has harnessed the market in a truly spectacular fashion is Danielle Goodwin, with her successful luxury resale business that reaches her online audience predominantly through streaming.
Born in Sydney, Hawkeye Vintage possesses a truly one-of-a-kind curation showcasing some of the most coveted vintage handbags and accessories, earning founder Danielle a devoted global following. Unlike other channels, Hawkeye finds its success through its unique livestream commerce model, currently hosting around 42 livestream sales per week, and streaming up to 744 hours monthly. Now exceeding $500 billion in Asia and projected to surpass $70 billion in the United States this year, Hawkeye Vintage is living, breathing proof that the designer resale market is a force to be reckoned with.
Ever wanted to know how to spot a fake? We ask Danielle for her tips for buying second-hand designer, the trends she’s seeing in the vintage world, as well as how she styles vintage pieces in her personal wardrobe. Read the interview here.
What trends are you seeing in the vintage market right now?
Maximalism is a big one, think bold colour, layered textures and clashing prints all work perfectly with vintage. Logomania is another trend where vintage does it better, such as older Gucci, Fendi and early 2000s Louis Vuitton pieces which have so much more personality. And then there’s dopamine dressing, wearing things that are fun and expressive.
Any expert advice for purchasing vintage designer goods?
Always buy from a reputable seller that guarantees authenticity. The counterfeit market is huge now, and the fakes can be very convincing, so where you shop matters. Beyond that, buy pieces you genuinely connect with rather than chasing trends.
How can shoppers make sure their purchases are authentic? Any tips for spotting a fake?
The safest option is always buying from a trusted reseller with experience and a strong authenticity process. If you’re shopping elsewhere, pay attention to details like hardware, stitching, logo fonts and overall quality. Luxury brands are meticulous with finishes, and fakes often miss the finer details. It also helps to learn about the specific brand you’re buying; the more familiar you are with the craftsmanship, the easier it is to spot inconsistencies.
What are three beginner-friendly ways to incorporate vintage pieces with new pieces for everyday dressing?
Don’t overthink it; there really aren’t any rules. A good place to start is with one standout vintage piece, like a bag or jacket, and keep the rest simple. Accessories are also the easiest way in: scarves, belts, jewellery, brooches and mixing vintage with modern makes an outfit feel more personal. If you find a piece that you genuinely love, build around that. Personal style usually starts with one thing you’re excited to wear!
What was the thought behind the live streaming model?
We actually started doing live sales during COVID out of necessity, and it completely changed the business. Customers loved being able to see pieces in real time, ask questions and get a closer look at details like leather, hardware and condition. It made online shopping feel much more personal and interactive, and it also opened us up to customers all over the world.
Is there anything in particular you are drawn to when sourcing?
I’m always drawn to pieces that feel special or unexpected, strong colour, interesting detail, something with personality. Japan has been an incredible sourcing market for us because vintage luxury is so well cared for there. I’m constantly looking for pieces that feel rare and memorable rather than overly safe or predictable.
How do you mix high-end with more affordable items in your personal wardrobe?
Most of my wardrobe is vintage or pre-loved, including designer pieces. I’ve always preferred finding something with character over buying new. The great thing about vintage luxury is that you can often buy much better quality at a more accessible price point. You’re also finding pieces that feel unique and have a story behind them, which is what makes fashion interesting to me.
What would be your words of advice for those starting in the fashion or business world?
Know your point of view and back it. The people who stand out usually aren’t trying to copy what everyone else is doing. Build genuine expertise in your area, stay consistent, and focus on relationships with customers, suppliers and your community. And don’t forget to enjoy it. People can tell when passion is real!
What is the power of the vintage designer market at the moment? How is it influencing fashion here and abroad?
The vintage luxury market has grown enormously in recent years. People are becoming more conscious about sustainability, quality and individuality, and vintage speaks to all of that. Customers are also recognising the long-term value of iconic pre-loved pieces, particularly from brands like Chanel and Hermès. Vintage is no longer niche; it’s become a major part of the fashion conversation globally.
What’s next for Hawkeye Vintage?
We’re focused on expanding internationally and continuing to grow the live shopping side of the business. The goal is to keep creating an experience that feels exciting and personal while sourcing incredible vintage pieces from around the world. There’s still so much room to grow, and we’re just getting started.
Imagery: @hawkeyevintage / @daniellevictoriagoodwin
