Last Updated on September 4, 2024
If you’ve been hunting for the latest designer clothes or other cool fashion accessories lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a number of publications recommending Lyst as a potential place to consider.
Lyst is a website that brings the latest fashion accessories from some of the world’s renowned fashion designers under one roof. The company attempts to live up to its promise of being the “world’s largest fashion shopping destination.”
But like any cautious shopper, one question that could be lingering on your mind is – is Lyst legit?
This post shall offer a definitive answer to that question by providing an in-depth review of Lyst. We’ll highlight both the benefits and drawbacks of shopping for your next fashion apparel from this platform.
But first things first…
What Is Lyst?
Lyst is a website that allows fashionistas and fashion traders from various locations worldwide to search for the latest designer clothing, shoes, and related accessories.
The fashion technology company was founded in 2010 in London, the United Kingdom, by Chris Morton, Sebastjan Trepca, and Devin Hunt. It’s currently available in multiple countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
Company Overview
- Company Name: Lyst
- Industry: Fashion
- Sector: Online Fashion Retail
- Company Type: For Profit
- Founders: Chris Morton, Sebastjan Trepca, and Devin Hunt
- Year Founded: 2010
- Place Founded: London, United Kingdom
- Current Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Owner: Chris Morton (Presumptive)
- Availability: Worldwide
- Operating Status: Active
- Official Website Link: https://www.lyst.com/
How Did Lyst Begin?
Lyst was founded in London in 2010 by Chris Morton, Sebastjan Trepca, and Devin Hunt. The company was launched as a global fashion search engine with the aim of connecting millions of shoppers with over 17,000 high-end fashion designers and stores. Some of the renowned brands that Lyst has collaborated with include Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Saks Fifth Avenue, J.Crew, Lane Crawford, and Neiman Marcus.
Lyst is the first fashion company to launch an integrated checkout tool. Unveiled in 2013, this service allows shoppers to purchase items from several retailers directly through the Lyst website.
As of the time of writing (May 2022), Lyst has raised more than $160 million in funding. Some of the company’s notable investors include Global Founders Capital, Accel Partners, and Pitango Venture Capital.
What Is Lyst’s Business Model?
Lyst operates an inventory-free platform. The website doesn’t feature any ‘available products.’
Instead, Lyst uses its proprietary search engine to offer each customer a personalized fashion shopping experience.
Is Lyst Available In My Country?
Lyst is currently available in more than 190 countries. The website can also be accessed in up to 12 languages.
However, while anyone can shop from the Lyst platform, the company only accepts listings from selected fashion stores and designers. Most of these brands are sourced from London, UK, and New York City, US.
How Big Is Lyst?
With its availability in over 190 countries, Lyst is undeniably one of the world’s largest online fashion websites. But that’s not all. The company also promises an extensive collection of fashion accessories from 17,000 of the world’s leading designers and stores.
Lyst registers more than 160 million shoppers annually. Depending on the purchase volume, this can translate to billions of dollars (or pounds) in annual revenue.
Is Lyst Legit?
Lyst is a legitimate online fashion retailer which doesn’t try to scam its clients. The fact that the company operates primarily as a fashion search engine and not a marketplace further diminishes the risks of getting scammed on the platform.
The following are the top reasons to buy from Lyst;
1. Global Availability
Lyst is available in over 190 countries and territories worldwide. That’s a remarkable achievement for a company that traces its roots to humble beginnings in London, the UK.
In addition to its global availability, Lyst also offers access to thousands of fashion accessories from some 17,000 stores and designers.
Popular items you can buy from the platform include;
• Clothing
• Shoes
• Handbags
• Lingerie
• Belts
• Hats
• Sunglasses
• Jewelry
• Watches
• Other accessories like scarves, gloves, and bag straps
2. Affiliation With Reputable Brands
Lyst only partners with high-end fashion designers and stores. Some of the brands the company has collaborated with include;
• Alexander McQueen
• Balenciaga
• Balmain
• Bottega Veneta
• Burberry
• Fendi
• Gucci
• J.Crew
• Lane Crawford
• Moncler
• Neiman Marcus
• Off-White
• Prada
• Saint Laurent
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Valentino
3. Personalized Shopping Experience
Lyst is one of the only few fashion companies that maintain a reasonably clean website and offer a personalized shopping experience. The platform doesn’t bombard you with pop-up ads and other distractive features.
Instead, you search for a product directly from the website and allow for a few minutes for Lyst to match you up with the item.
You can search products by designer, category (women and men), or keywords. There’s also the option of browsing through Lyst’s ‘lookbooks’ to get insightful tips for your next outfit.
4. Fast and Seamless Shopping Experience
Not only does Lyst offer a personalized shopping experience. But the process is also fast and hassle-free.
First, finding a fashion item through the Lyst website only takes a single click of a button.
Besides, Lyst implements an integrated checkout tool that lets you buy products from multiple retailers directly via its website.
5. Friendly and Professional Staff
Rarely do you find a company that maintains a team of friendly yet professional employees.
Lyst’s staff includes friendly customer support that’s always eager to answer queries from their clients.
The same team comprises professional fashion, technology, and data experts whose experience can help the company verify the quality of products offered by its affiliate designers and stores. Lyst’s professional team has been instrumental in offering insightful fashion data analytics through The Lyst Index.
Overall, Lyst enjoys a review of 3.1/5 stars on Site Jabber and 4.5/5 stars on Trust Pilot.
How Do I Use The Lyst Website?
The following is a brief procedure on how to shop on Lyst;
i. Log into the Lyst website or launch its mobile app.
If you don’t already have an account, you can sign up for one by clicking on the ‘Join’ tab located on the top right corner of the company’s website. You’ll need to enter your email address and create a password, check the box below and click ‘Join Lyst.’
ii. Once you’re logged in, search for the product you’re looking for.
You can also browse through the featured list.
iii. After finding the item you’re looking for, click on it.
You’ll be taken to the product retailer or designer’s page. Take some time reading the item’s description to ensure it’s what you really wanted. Also, check reviews to learn more about what past clients had to say about the product or brand.
iv. If all looks good, add the product to your cart and pay via any of the retailer’s payment getaways.
Note that shipping and any returns will also be handled according to the retailer’s policy.
Final Word
Lyst is one of the coolest websites to shop for your next luxury fashion accessories. The platform offers thousands of products from high-fashion designers through its search engine.
And yes, Lyst is a legitimate website. There’s hardly anything negative to write about this online fashion giant.