Atelier – step into a wonderful online world of pre-loved fashion
A year on from the launch of her online business, The Atelier World, we reconnected with Michelle Payne to chat about her dedication to all things designer and discover the magic (and investment power) of pre-loved As a seasoned buyer and seller of pre-loved luxury, Michelle knew that she could utilise her marketing communications and customer service experience to create this exciting female-founded venture and provide a pre-loved portal that not only delivered the designer goods (at competitive prices) but served up an unbeatable, boutique-esque customer experience and created a unique community where connoisseurs of luxury could share the label love. North-West-based Atelier allows people to buy, sell and even swap luxury designer items from an endless list of iconic names and labels. It’s a veritable sartorial candy store – a feast for the eyes and filled with delicious fashion treats. We couldn’t wait to find out how this one-stop shop for exquisite bags, shoes, clothing and accessories was developing... Hi, Michelle! How’s the first year of business been? We’ve grown so quickly! Our client base has skyrocketed and we now have buyers and sellers from right across the globe. Client relationships seem very important to you, this isn’t just a ‘click, buy, goodbye’ service? Most def initely not. For me, it's about giving people the best experience; everything from initial communication and payment through to wrapping items beautifully and building lasting client relationships. Clients can also come into the studio to view items in person or book a virtual appointment.
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Is there a typical Atelier customer? There really isn't! We have everyone from first-time buyers to serious collectors. What’s been lovely is the creation of a community of Atelier friends, people who are so incredibly passionate about luxury items, and not in a ‘status’ or ‘show-offy’ way – they just appreciate their beauty and have, until now, had nowhere to share that excitement and enthusiasm. Pre-loved fashion is big news right now, your timing was impeccable... Definitely the right time, the right place! In the past few years, I think the whole perception of the pre-loved industry has completely changed. Now, those who buy pre-loved really own it, people are proud to
say, ‘I bought this pre-loved’. A recent article in Forbes stated that in 2019, the secondhand/consignment market ‘expanded 21 times faster than conventional apparel commerce did’. Covid has had a big, big impact too. I think we are becoming more conscious of how we’re spending. People are also realising that designer items, when cared for well, can prove great investments for the future. In fact, our tagline is ‘luxury doesn’t have a timespan’. How quickly can items rise in price? I bought a Hermès Kelly handbag in Christmas 2019 and could sell this on the resale market for significantly higher (not that I would!). It’s little wonder that divorce lawyers now do inventories of handbags as By Lisa Mcmahon
