High-End Consignment Finds a Home in Wakefield

Sarah Hosseini, owner of velvet REvolution (vR), Wakefield’s newest high-end consignment shop, dishes the details on shopping designer consignment.

What goes around comes around, right? Does that old adage ring true at velvet REvolution?
In the fashion world, history repeats itself. There are trends that make a spirited comeback and then fade out. For example, how many crop tops and 1980s high-waisted cut-off shorts did we see this summer? Trends also come back with modifications. The plaid trend is streamlining for fall, but this does not mean that everything that was ever plaid is back in style. Timeless pieces though, will always remain hot and sought after. You will find some of those pieces at vR, including a gorgeous Hermes scarf, a little black dress by Diane Von Furstenurg and classic Chanel ballet flats. It doesn’t matter how old they are because classic style and premium quality trump a passing trend.

You mentioned that you have more of a “pop” style, can you describe this?
If you are looking for a solid black crew neck tee and a pair of ordinary slacks, vR shouldn’t be your first stop. We cater to the fashion-conscious looking to score high-end, head-turning pieces – things that “pop” out and grab your eye, whether it’s couture or casual. From Marc Jacobs to Kate Spade, Tory Burch to Christian Louboutin and Fendi to Jimmy Choo, we offer high quality products at a fair price. If you’re not a label junkie, don’t worry. Our main objective is to carry extraordinary pieces, whether from a big name designer or an independent label.

What’s behind the name, velvet REvolution?
A revolution is a fundamental change in the way of thinking about or visualizing something. This, combined with the concept that our inventory is always revolving, explains our name. It’s about breaking out of the consignment box and softly (like velvet), translating a certain style into the store’s selection. The capital letters in REvolution emphasize the concept of revival, repurposing and even recycling. The independent fashion designers we carry stay true to the same concept.

What sparked your passion for consignment clothing?
I have always had a passion for fashion (and rhyming apparently). I don’t love digging through coal to find a diamond, so creating a functional space with premium selection seemed like the perfect plan. The idea of re-defining something is pretty cool. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure at velvet REvolution. Speaking of men, we are launching a small men’s section this fall.

Give us your top three tips for shopping consignment.
There are no rules, so buy what you like and rock it. Set no expectations. Since our inventory is always revolving and no two pieces are the same, shopping consignment is often serendipitous. Finally, get it while it’s hot. If you’re on the fence, don’t wait! Here today, gone tomorrow! You can always re-consign it.

What’s the most fun item you’ve ever sold?
What makes an item fun often is the story behind it. We have a high-profile consignor who waited on a three month waiting list for a special edition Louis Vuitton and then she flew to Tokyo to pick it up. Now that she is “over it” it’s made its way to velvet REvolution.

You carry an array of local designers. Who are some of your favorites?
I’m in love with our local designer Sarah Campbell. She uses premium quality fabrics and her designs are truly functional art. Feminine and edgy, her pieces come alive when you put them on. What I love most is that they flatter any body type. Our line by Marsilia is also amazing. She works with a combination of high quality, organic fabrics and occasionally recycled/upcycled materials. Marsilia was approached by Project Runway, so we are thrilled to carry her line.