The burgeoning second-hand market has thrust a profession once shrouded in obscurity into the spotlight: the anti-counterfeit expert. It's a highly sought-after profession today, with many candidates and few chosen ones. Yet, the demand for experts in luxury goods is increasing as the second-hand fashion industry gains traction.

"There's a rigorous selection process, as it's a profession that many dream of," said Victoire Boyer-Chammard, expertise ambassador & partnerships manager at Vestiaire Collective. She currently leads the Vestiaire Académie ) and explains that she learned her trade on the job, after a career in the auction world. That's also true for most of the anti-counterfeit experts working at Vestiaire Collective, who have been able to benefit from the company's training programme.

What qualifications are needed?

While it's now possible and effective to receive training from the employer, aspiring experts can also pursue studies that open doors to the profession. But aside from the Vestiaire Académie, there are few specific qualifications with a specialisation in fashion. Those who aspire to a job as an authenticator must therefore follow programmes that allow them to gain knowledge about the history and culture of fashion, learn about the landscape of luxury brands, understand the construction of clothing and accessories, and gain knowledge about textiles.

What career opportunities are there?

Aspiring anti-counterfeit experts can apply to platforms specialising in the resale of fashion items, but also work as consultants for various brands or join auction houses.

The future of the profession doesn't seem to be threatened by artificial intelligence yet, as the human eye is essential for detecting counterfeit items, which are sometimes extremely well made. However, technology is already being used by Vestiaire Collective's expert teams, who use algorithms, among other things, to carry out extremely precise checks when an item is placed in the catalogue.

Anti-counterfeit expert from the platform Vestiaire Collective. Credits: Vestiaire Collective

This article originally appeared on http://FashionUnited.FR . Translation via AI and edit by Rachel Douglass.