When Preowned Luxury Is the Real Deal

May 14, 2020StyleRebecca O'ByrneComment

Sustainable fashion is an important topic of conversation right now. Considering how we choose to consume + care for the planet is something so vitally important, it’s thankfully beginning to get the attention + care it deserves as a movement in itself. Yet while some of us have begun to pledge never to shop at Zara again, it’s no joke that sustainable fashion can be a difficult one to navigate in terms of varying budgets + in some circumstances a lack of real opportunity to shop more sustainably on a permanent basis. It’s important though, to begin, at the very least, to consider the way in which we shop, to consciously consider what we actually need (I mean, let’s face it, how many pairs of jeans does one person actually need to survive, not to mention how many bags + pairs of shoes is acceptable before it’s a case of having to move into the spare room?) + why is it we think that in order to be seen to be cool we need the latest, greatest, newest, freshest. Style is a way of living, it’s about the how, not the what. It comes in your thinking of the world + your approach to it + those around you. It’s about how you dress + conduct yourself, not what you’re wearing + killing yourself + your wallet to get the latest IT item.

So in regarding more the idea of sustainable shopping + how we dress, we come to the idea of spring cleaning, something that many have been undertaking in lockdown + the way in which we disregard things we no longer need or want in our wardrobes. In light of the current worldwide situation right now too, it’s important to be a lot more considered about consumption. Thinking of the world as it is today, it’s like Mother Nature is saying SLOW the F down guys, consume less, be kinder, appreciate what you do have + reconsider.. well just about everything. In the words of Marie Kondo, you should really only hold on to things in your life that “spark joy” - things that either make you feel fabulous whenever you wear them or perhaps hold dear + fond memories for you. Our wardrobes + the way we shop are no different, that’s why consignment stores are the way forward, the ‘real deal’ so to speak + just like us, our wardrobes deserve a second chance to be loved by someone else in a new light + a refreshed perspective. So today I’m sharing some of the best places to shop + sell preowned luxury items..

T H E H O S T A

I recently came across The Hosta on IG + loved it first for it’s beautiful aesthetic + the flow of colours + then upon rabbit-holing my way through the page, for it’s minimal style + chic selection of preowned luxury + vintage bags, carefully selected within The Hosta style. It’s focus is a fully serviced consignment service where you can sell your beautiful preowned luxury (fully authenticated) bags + also shop it’s amazing selection. It’s a really good service if you’re Spring cleaning + want to let your bags be loved by someone new, as they only charge a flat fee of 30% of the sale price which is consignment terms is pretty good. New to the market, it’s collection is growing by the day.

Shop at T H E - H O S T A . C O M

H E W I L O N D O N

Hewi London (aka Hardly Ever Worn It) is London’s most famed pre-owned luxury destination for fashion lovers to shop + sell their designer pieces. Founded in 2012 by Sharon Wolter-Ferguson + her two daughters, Natalya + Tatiana when she + her family were living in Monte Carlo, upon the idea of being able to keep up with the never ending jet-set lifestyle of Monaco’s elite - where parties are legendary + outfits are never repeated. Ever. Wolter-Ferguson began the Hewi journey so that women could shop + sell their poses with ease + have fun keeping their wardrobes fresh on a regular basis. Hewi ‘s HQ is in a beautiful townhouse in Mayfair, London + has gone from local shoppers to a global customer base with celebrities + fashion insiders as regular shoppers.

Housing everything from luxury watches + high end designer shoes to kids clothing + major wardrobe statements, Hewi is an absolute must to check out if you’re in the market for buying or selling..

Shop at H A R D L Y E V E R W O R N I T . C O M

R E B A G

For the bag lovers of all bag lovers, Rebag is the ultimate bag lovers dream. At Rebag, it’s alllllll about the idea of stepping into a haven of bags + never wanting to leave. Having been to their LA + NYC locations in person I an attest the vibe is of so real. At Rebag you can sell, shop + exchange your favorite handbags. When selling through Rebag, they gives you cash up front based on condition, designer, + price + when buying, well, just be warned, the selection is OFF.THE.CHARTS. Something great about Rebag too is instead of waiting for your bag to sell, you can get a free binding offer + simply mail it to Rebag (which they cover the shipping of) + get paid within one to two days - this is an unbelievable service in the consignment world.

Shop + sell at R E B A G . C O M

V E S T I A I R E C O L L E C T I V E

Vestiaire Collective is a well known platform, famed for it’s ample selection of amazing preowned luxury goods, with a very strong selection of Hermès, Louis Vuitton + Céline specifically. For anyone looking to sell on the platform, unlike many other consignment stores’ T+C’s, Vestiaire Collective allows sellers choose the price of the items they are selling + takes you through an eBay style step-by-step guide of how to submit the piece. It’s very simple once you get started. In terms of buying, well it’s a chic jungle of (way to easy to navigate) beauty + desires to loose yourself to in a moment of true love.

Shop + sell at V E S T I A I R E C O L L E C T I V E . C O M

W H A T G O E S A R O U N D C O M E S A R O U N D

Again, a more famous way to consign your luxury items, What Goes Around Comes Around is one of the first + almost celebrity/cult status vintage finds store that takes a strong ‘NO BS’ policy when it comes to the quality + vintage of their pieces. Having opened their first store in NYC’s SoHo in 1993, it’s been an upward journey for What Goes Around Comes Around for it’s reputable way of elevating vintage shopping into a serious high fashion experince. Now with stories in Miami, LA + The Hamptons + from Céline to Chanel, YSL, + far far beyond, you will always find what you’re looking for (+ all that you didn’t realise you were looking for) at What Goes Around.

Shop + sell at W H A T G O E S A R O U N D N Y C . C O M

L X R + C O

Trading exclusively as a bags, watches + jewellery destination, international sensation LXR+CO is something of an accessories-only enthusiasts sanctuary. At LXR+CO you can buy + sell on the spot, both in store + online by simply sending the company’s dedicated appraisal team images for cash on the spot. Also available in some countries is the option to rent pieces on a use + return basis. From all the major designers, it’s a collection that’s constantly being updates + refreshed.

Shop + sell at L X R C O . C O M

F A R F E T C H

Knowing you can never beat a classic piece to invest in for your wardrobe, Farfetch, the luxury e-commerce site, has it’s own preowned section which is FULL of amazing pieces. From accessories + bags to coats + dresses, watches, jewellery + lifestyle pieces, it’s a danger zone of WOW.

Shop at F A R F E T C H . C O M

Day Lau of Cafuné, The Interview

November 9, 2017Style, LifeRebecca O'ByrneComment

Cafuné - pronounced ka.fu.nay is not just a beautiful Brazilian-Portuguese word meaning the act of playing with a lover's hair but one of the luxury market's most recently established accessories brand. Founded in 2015 by childhood friends Day Lau and Queenie Fan, the company is making it's mark on an industry that is slowly but surely finding it's worth in more niche markets and tightly directed and curated design. After a lifelong love affair with arts and culture in general and a fondness for minimalist design, the duo pay close attention to strong construction in their collections and the finer details in each piece. With Cafuné, an immense weight is also placed in craftsmanship and the materials used to bring to life modern yet timeless creations that have found themselves in the style stores of consumers around the world.

In such a short space of time, we've seen them grow vastly with front row presence on the arms of some of the most influential bloggers and editors in the world and are stocked in some of the most notable retailers in Asia. Here we chat to Day about realising the dram of setting up Cafuné, the challenges faced and what's next for the brand..

Day, would you kindly tell us about your career thus far and what brought you to the point of creating Cafuné?

After graduating from LSE, I moved back to Hong Kong and worked in Giant Communications, a boutique communications agency that specialises in property and architecture. They specialise in strategy, marketing and PR work for clients in the real estate sector, e.g. Swire Properties, SOM and Heatherwick Studios. During that period, I also helped with the setting up of Very Hong Kong, an independent art and culture programme with a strong community focus; and Event Horizon by Antony Gormley, the most extensive public art installation in HK.

Around 2014, Queenie (who used to work in New York as a handbag designer) and I started to discuss the idea of creating our own brand together. When she relocated back to Hong Kong in mid 2015, we started Cafuné.

What is the philosophy behind the brand?

Cafuné’s accessories portrays the beauty of shapes and forms. Our accessories are minimal and timeless with well-considered details. Carefully crafted with Italian leather, offering superb quality that does not cost a fortune. Our brand is not trend focus, and instead we focus on the purity of design and construction; creating accessories with quiet elegance.

What roll do you play in the everyday running of the company?

As Managing Director of Cafuné, I oversee the operations, finance, sales and marketing of the company. Day to day work varies a lot, since we are still a small team, Queenie (our Creative Director) and I share all the work between ourselves. For example, I still have to pack the goods and deal with shipping and logistics! All in all though I think my biggest responsibility is to ensure that Cafuné has a solid business foundation so that Queenie can have a stress-free environment to design without worry.

How would you describe yourself professionally?

Motivated, organised and meticulous.

When in the concept and design phase of creating a new product, what or who inspires you guys?

Queenie does all the design work, but as a brand, we are often inspired by sculptures and architecture, the play of positive and negative spaces in relation to form.

Seeing a gap in the market for a simplified but high-quality luxury accessories brand, Cafuné is really making a mark on the industry but how difficult is it in reality to break into that kind of a niche market?

I think there is opportunity for us in the luxury sector now because it has shifted focus to the mass market. To me, luxury is not just the price tag, but the design, the quality and exclusivity. Yet, many brands are now introducing second line with more ‘affordable' prices and subpar quality for a wider market, which to me, dilutes luxury. So what we are trying to do is to stay focused (it is so easy to lose sight of your own path in such a fast pace ever changing industry) on our aesthetic and quality, to slowly build a reputation and position in our targeted market.

Starting any new business is a huge risk and comes with many complications, what advice would you impart to those at the beginning of such a process?

Do research - we took a year to research and save up, before launching Cafuné. It is quite important to understand the industry and business environment you are going to be in.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions - at the beginning there will be a thousand questions in your head because there is no rule book on how to start a new business, so we would often just ask experts in the field for advice. It is a great learning process to meet with people who have more experience than you.

The collections are minimalist in nature - endlessly elegant and empowering, how do you set yourselves apart from the masses of new brands emerging?

You are certainly right about MASSES of new brands! There are so many brands out there nowadays, and customers are exposed to new information, fresh visuals so frequently it is hard to stand out. Being able to ride out trend-based waves, and offer customers a strong modern design that speaks quietly of luxury is how we set ourselves apart.

Where are your products produced and how does the process unfold from concept to consumer?

We are produced in China, with a factory partner that has always worked with European and American contemporary labels. They have been a great partner, their team has a great sense and understanding of our brand, so our designs can be fully realised through their workmanship.

Often times our inspirations come from nature, sculptural forms, and architectural structures. It’s always a fun challenge to implement these ideas into a functional everyday product. Hence, it’s important to convey our ideas through materials, colors and details. We source from across the world (leather from Italy, trimmings from South East Asia, fabric from Europe etc), and our materials really strengthen the concept and complete the product.

Season by season, 'influencers' are taking their positions front row alongside high-powered editors and season after season are becoming more and more powerful in the industry, what are your thoughts on the digital age and the rise of the ‘influencer’?

There is no doubt how big a role influencers play in the fashion industry now. I think the main reason is their ‘closeness’ to ordinary customers who feel they can strongly relate to them. Brands nowadays have to be really agile, to respond to new digital trends so not to lose touch with their audience, and influencers is one such channel to stay connected to our audience now.

Where do you see you relationship as a brand sit in terms of collaborating with influencers?

As a brand, it is up to us to find creative collaborations and partnerships with influencers, to offer our customers and future customers a fresh take of our products in new contexts.

What do you look for when teaming up? Is it all about the number of followers or the quality of content created by an individual and perhaps the direct link to your exact client?

We look for influencers’ sense of style and aesthetics, whether it aligns with our brand and if they represent our customers well. Also, we look at an influencer’s quality of content and his/her engagement rate with followers. I believe the better the engagement rate, the better the result. We would also look for individuals that have a strong regional reach, so we can tap into new audiences in places that we aren’t exposed to or stocked at.

Your pieces are stocked in both bricks-and-mortar stores in Asia and online at Shopbop and LUISAVIAROMA - are there plans to expand into Europe and North America?

Certainly, Europe is our major focus now so we go to Premiere Classe every season to showcase our collection and meet buyers. There is a lot of potential in the market despite great competition!

Do you have a personal motto that you live by?

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing where might we find you?

I might still be in the property marketing field since it was actually really exciting work. I used to work on projects from scratch - from naming, to branding, strategy planning, wayfinding design, marketing angles etc. There was also chance to meet with really talented architects (e.g. Thomas Heatherwick)!