Pangaia's QR Codes & Converse's New Kicks

Recommerce is getting creative this September + the gorgeous Loewe squirrel cardigan

It’s taking a lot of self-control to not turn this newsletter into a U.S. Open newsletter for the remaining duration of the tournament, but I’m trying my best. I mean, did you see that Tiafoe-Shelton match on Tuesday? Omg. If you’re into tennis, I highly recommended Ben Rothenberg’s No Challenges Remaining podcast - he’s doing daily episodes during the Open, each featuring a guest to banter with, and it’s true informational delight.

But you’re not here for tennis. Let’s talk resale and style.

(OK but real quick: here’s new-mom and two-time U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka making an appearance in a beautiful tangerine number.)

Two news bites caught my attention this week: the launch of Pangaia’s new resale program in the U.K. – particularly the tech they’re incorporating – and Converse’s new upcycled sneakers collection. So let’s get into it.

I first came across Pangaia on – if I recall correctly – an episode of Bravo reality television a few years ago. The minimalistic sweatpant set looked comfortable, basic, and chic (I was no fool; I assumed it was spendy) – and the tiny font detailing what made its fabric and dyes unique and sustainable was completely indecipherable to my then-untrained eye. And yet! I thought, ‘well, that’s cute.’

Even cuter is the integration of QR codes (stay with me here) into Pangaia’s items such that when an owner is ready to re-sell their set, they can just scan the QR code with their phone and the item’s details are retrieved and instantly uploaded to the Pangaia ReWear platform. As someone who understands the effort involved in selling on peer-to-peer platforms because of the energy required to take photos, measurements, write a description, capture the fabric makeup, etc., I am loving this “scan and ta-da” experiment. This makes reselling so much easier for sellers ready to part with their Pangaia goods. Now, just launch in the U.S., please.