Luxury fashion is evolving, and Exchange Store is leading the charge. As New Zealand’s premier vintage Chanel reseller, director Sabrina Soar has created a go-to destination for discerning fashion lovers seeking authenticated luxury. Frustrated by the country’s limited resale options, she set out to redefine the market with her sharp eye and deep industry expertise. In this Q&A, Sabrina discusses how she balances a career in corporate finance with her passion for luxury vintage pieces, the art of authentication, and how she curates rare treasures.
In conversation with Sabrina Soar
Let’s get up to speed. Please tell us a bit about you and your career to date.
I have a background in both corporate and fashion. Currently, I work as a Channel Manager at Ricoh Finance New Zealand, managing third-party finance for the North Island. Alongside this, I am the Director of Exchange Store, leading a team of four. My passion for fashion and luxury goods has been a lifelong journey, influenced by my mother, who taught me to sew, and my own experiences in buying and selling high-end pieces.
You founded Exchange Store to fill a gap in New Zealand’s luxury resale market. What was the moment that made you realise there was a real demand for an authenticated luxury consignment boutique?
I struggled to sell my own luxury items, which I had sourced mainly from overseas. Platforms like The RealReal and Vestiaire were difficult to navigate from New Zealand due to high shipping costs, sometimes reaching hundreds of dollars. Local platforms were equally frustrating, with people consistently low balling premium pieces. I saw a gap in the market for a trusted, locally-based platform where people could buy and sell authentic luxury goods with confidence.
Exchange Store features an incredible selection of rare and vintage pieces, from Chanel tweed to Louis Vuitton trunks. What do you look for when selecting items for the store, and do you have a personal favourite piece that’s come through?
I don’t focus solely on trends; instead, I look for fair deals. Some sellers expect to recover the full price they paid for an item, but the resale market doesn’t always work that way. The brand, item popularity, and condition are key factors in determining value. One of my personal favourite pieces was a vintage Chanel tweed jacket- an absolute classic and incredibly rare to come by. Another standout was a fluffy Chanel bag from the 2021 Metiers D’Art collection, only available to VIP buyers. These are the kinds of unique finds that make Exchange Store special.
Can you walk us through the authentication process and how you’ve built trust with buyers and sellers?
My authentication process is rooted in years of personal experience in the luxury market. I have also completed courses through Marque Mentorship to deepen my expertise. For items over $1,000, I work with Nancy from My Haute, a trusted authenticator used by the New Zealand Police and major retailers like Webb’s auction house. If I ever have doubts about an item, I send it to her for verification to ensure no one ends up with something inauthentic. New Zealand’s luxury market is small, and reputation is everything, so I take authentication seriously. I also collaborate with industry professionals, such as Regal, to help verify items.
How do you see Exchange Store contributing to a more circular fashion industry, and do you think attitudes toward pre-owned luxury are shifting in New Zealand?
More people are recognising the value in purchasing pre-owned luxury rather than spending on mid-priced, trend-driven pieces that don’t last. A $400 second-hand Gucci piece will hold or even increase its value, whereas fast fashion items have a much shorter lifespan. Luxury resale also reduces waste. The sheer volume of fast fashion ending up in landfills is staggering. By recirculating high-quality pieces, we contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry!
What’s the most cherished piece in your personal collection, and what makes it special to you?
The 2021 Metiers D’Art collection has a Chanel tweed dress… that I found on TradeMe for $250! And it’s worth $5500USD – I wore it 3 times a week without even knowing the value of it.
Do you have a go-to ritual or activity that helps you recharge and stay centred?
An everyday sauna. It calms me down, decreases inflammation, and helps me de-stress. It also means I have to stay off my phone for 15 minutes to disconnect. I go to the Herne Bay Club – it’s a real hidden gem!
How would you describe your personal style, and what influences it the most? Are there any New Zealand designers you gravitate to?
I would describe my personal style as structured and tailored, with a love for suits, co-ord sets, blazers, and skirts. I gravitate towards prints and matching sets, particularly in pink, black, and white. My style blends corporate wear with a luxury fashion twist, favoring feminine cuts and structured silhouettes. Coordination is key to my look. As for New Zealand designers, I love REBE and Paris Georgia.
