Our Boutique in Focus series introduces you to our global Boutique network, featuring the most prestigious vintage luxury sellers from around the world. In this week’s instalment, we take a peek behind the curtain with Luxclusif owned Boutique, UpTeam.
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Completing the full cycle of circularity through their ‘resale-as-a-service’ model, Luxclusif – who span buying, selling and enabling brands and retailers with technology solutions for their resale programs – offer an exceptional authenticated pre-owned collection through its boutique, UpTeam. Their product offering is comprised of timeless handbag, jewellery, accessory and watch classics from heritage brands Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and more. With many of their pieces being rare and highly sought-after.
OFV caught up with UpTeam, to discuss everything from jewellery investments and this year’s IT-bags to predictions for the next big trend in re-sale.
Answers belong to: Guilherme Faria, (Co-founder and COO of Luxclusif), Jaime Abella (Product Specialist - Leather Goods), Jose Carvalhais (Product Specialist - Jewellery), and Illac Aragon (Lead Curator).
What’s the story behind how Luxclusif was birthed?
Luxclusif was born in late 2013 out of a market need to have tailored offerings of luxury brands for flash sales, auctions, and high-performing Retailers. As luxury brands had a no discount policy, this opened the door for consumers to look for pre-loved items of these brands. Since then, the market has evolved tremendously, spearheaded by sustainability-driven Millennial and Gen-Z consumers. Our role in the pre-owned space has also evolved extensively, from traders to providers and then to enablers (resale-as-a-service).
Today we operate the full spectrum of circularity in preowned luxury fashion: we buy, sell (via wholesale programs), and enable brands and retailers with technology solutions for their resale programs.
What do you love about pre-owned?
Everything! What is not there to love? First, we give a product a second life - something that was going to get stuck in a closet is now someone else's new love! Then, we create a genuine circular economy, as the seller trades an “old” item for something new (this financial decision is simplified by the fact the old good has an actual cash value). Third, we create awareness of sustainability for brands, retailers, and consumers alike - this will have a tangible impact on the world we live in.
When it comes to jewellery, what are 3 essential pieces you would recommend investing in?
The purchase of any jewellery piece is always associated with a special occasion in someone’s life. Each piece will tell a story, convey a memory to the wearer or be a form of self-gratification as a physical representation of one’s achievements. Every person will have their reasons for wearing the jewellery they want but, but no matter how big or small a jewellery collection is, the three essential pieces that should be present in every jewellery box are:
1.Pearl Strand Necklace: Pearls are timeless. In the past, they have adorned the necklaces of the most elegant women in formal events but today, they are the perfect accessory to create an edgier look mixing elegance and street style.
2.A pair of Diamond Studs: Every woman’s jewellery box must have a sparkling pair of diamond earrings. They will be the perfect subtle complement to add sophistication and class to any outfit.
3.An iconic bracelet: Bracelets are everyday jewellery pieces that show one’s personality. Be it a simple diamond tennis bracelet or an iconic Cartier Love bracelet, every person should have one bracelet that represents themselves through jewellery.
What products do you have in stock right now that would make the perfect go-to accessories for, say, a fancy dinner with friends or a partner?
I would always go for timeless pieces that are both logical and sophisticated to bring with me for a fancy dinner with my loved ones. Louis Vuitton Twists would be one of my top-of-mind bags to bring. It has a sophisticated lock system to secure my belongings when I’m enjoying the moment, durable leather (epi) when we accidentally spill the wine to our bag, a timeless, elegant chain strap to match my chic outfit, a shape that is very versatile to any setting of the occasion if we decide to go from a fancy restaurant to a nightclub, and lastly, it has a mirror for vanity and self-actualization of beauty because of course touch-ups are essential. Aside from the LV twists, timeless pieces like Chanel Double Flaps, Lady Dior, and Hermes Birkin 25 would be ideal for capturing a romantic moment that I’ll surely remember forever.
Have you noticed a boom in popularity for any specific bags this year?
5 must-have pieces for the fall season?
Among all the re-editions and introductions in the A/W 2022 runways, we saw a revival of bigger, chunkier, and stackable formats of jewellery, particularly bracelets. Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta are some of the fashion houses that brought back these pieces and so, having to pick 1 must-have piece, would be the iconic Tiffany Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff, an icon from the American brand.
For watches, brands presented, in 2022, a throwback to their classics. Timeless elements like thin cases, minimalistic dials, and leather straps in watches filled with history were significant characters in this year's watch fairs. Therefore, a classic like the Tank de Cartier, in this year’s Chinoise version, is a must-have piece for every watch addict.
Lastly, no top 5 must-have list will be complete without the Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie and winter-specific materials such as shearling and tweed by way of the Louis Vuitton Monogram Giant Teddy Onthego GM and the Celine Tweed Besace Small 16 bag.
What do you predict will be the next big trend in re-sale?
Brands are gathering interest in this segment and will exert efforts to control their brand image in this market. Technologies and products in this space will evolve (like our current RaaS solution), and new collections will feature some pre-owned items (and evolutions of it).
In the short term, live sales will be a new way of shopping. It's the evolution of a trip to the store, but now online – having that assurance on the spot, by someone, will be the trigger.
