This week’s luxury reseller in the spotlight is Once Again Resale. This adorable boutique has been around for over 10 years – a hidden gem in a beautiful upcycled heritage row house on West 1st. The interior is clean and classic, and a beautiful black lacquer piano commands your attention as soon as you step inside.
Image: Angel Hung
Inside, serious shoppers will find a wide range of contemporary luxury fashion, accessories and footwear for both women and men. Pricing range from $85 to over $35,000. As the west coast representative for Shop-Hers.com, owner Angel Hung keeps all uber-luxury handbags and accessories off-site in a secret location with pictures available on Shop-Hers. An appointment is required to view and purchase any of the website items in-store.
Hermes Silk Scaves (Image: Angel Hung)
Hermes, Chanel (Image: Angel Hung)
Hung has a select clientele who thrive on the most exclusive luxury labels such as Hermes, Balenciaga and Chanel. She shared with Vancity Buzz that she has learned that most women wear only five to 10 per cent of what is in their closets, so they are looking to re-sellers for ways to turn unused luxury accessories into cash—either as a way of economizing or as a way of financing the purchase of more luxury goods.
As both a shopper and consignor at Once Again Resale, I am always pulled straight to the gorgeous footwear. There is a pair of crystal-heeled patent Miu Miu kitten heels that have stolen my heart, and I check in frequently just to ensure that they are still waiting for me to take them home!
Image: Angel Hung
I have always been very curious about the piano in your boutique. What is the story behind this beautiful instrument?
I played piano until I was 17 years old. Many years later, a lady, who is a world renowned pianist, came into my store. We became good friends and she inspired me to play again. Years later a client offered a piano from his parents who were relocating, and I said no but he was persistent and so I adopted it!
What keeps you opening the door each morning? What drives you to continue?
To me, my store is not about buying, selling or consigning designer apparel. It is a sacred place that I connected with different people, sharing our stories. The piano and music is a great way to unite people, something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common.
What is the most unique item that you have sold?
It was an extremely rare Hermes Himalayan Kelly 30cm last year. An insanely beautiful handbag!
What do you see for the future of luxury resale in Vancouver?
There is definitely growth in luxury resale market in Vancouver. Luxury apparel consignment itself is nothing new but there has been a change in mindset. Instead of spending $6,000 on a Chanel bag, women might invest their money elsewhere; however, they still have the desire to be fashionable and to have luxury goods. There is a new generation of shopper’s who are more open-minded about recycling and reusing of apparel and accessories. It fits into their modern lifestyles.
Clockwise: Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin, Tiffany (Image: Angel Hung)
Must have Hermes or Chanel? Once Again Resale is open Monday to Saturday 12:00 to 6:00 or by appointment. Sunday closed. Visit shop-hers.com to browse if you are looking for high-price point items.
Check back here next Wednesday as I recount my visit to RebornTwo in Yaletown.
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