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UCL alum's enterprise aims to change the way people think about fashion consumption

UCL alumni from a huge range of academic backgrounds are pursuing rewarding careers in sustainability. Here we share the story of Max Bittner, CEO of Vestiaire Collective.

Max Bittner (UCL History and Economics 2001) is CEO of Vestiaire Collective, a global online marketplace for pre-loved fashion and certified B Corporation.

About Vestiaire Collective

Vestiaire Collective is transforming the fashion industry. By providing consumers with a platform to buy and sell their clothes and accessories, the start-up gives pre-owned items a new lease of life. Max joined Vestiaire Collective in 2019 and under his leadership the company has become the world’s first B-Corp certified fashion resale platform. 
Before joining Vestiaire, Max founded Lazada - an online shopping portal which “revolutionised” the retail industry in Southeast Asia. At a time when consumers were only just starting to shop online, Max led a team of entrepreneurs and investors to turn the business into a powerhouse that would eventually be acquired by Alibaba for a sum to the tune of $4bn.

UCL alum Max Bittner
Max's vision

After achieving immense success in the retail space with Lazada, heading up Vestiaire Collective gives Max a new opportunity to disrupt consumer behaviour. He explains:

“I want to help fundamentally change the way people think about consumption. It’s about creating a circular economy and behaving sustainably - repair, recycle, reuse. I think people are becoming much more aware of the need for that.”

Listen to the podcast

Listen to Max’s recent guest appearance in UCL’s Generation One Climate podcast episode “Does the earth have to be a fashion victim?” where host Mark Maslin chats with Max about all things fashion.  They discuss the industry and its current problems from greenwashing to fast fashion, what needs to change and how you can shop more consciously.

Study Climate Change at UCL