At Vancouver’s Le Cellier, you’ll discover a thoughtfully curated selection of pre-loved luxury items from some of the world’s most prestigious brands. Owner Elise Valfrey is passionate about making high-end fashion more accessible, offering exquisite, authentic designer pieces in excellent condition at a fraction of their original price. Whether you’re on the hunt for a timeless classic or a standout statement piece, Elise’s keen eye for style ensures you’ll find something truly special. Below, Elise shares insights about her journey with Le Cellier, the thrill of curating rare finds, how she’s helping redefine the future of sustainable luxury fashion and how she’s settling into her new Gastown space. —Noa Nichol
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your business to start.
I am Elise, I come from France, and I have always been passionate about fashion. I have always dreamed of working in the luxury industry, particularly by having my own business. I started buying bags and reselling them, and that’s how Le Cellier was born.
Where can people find you/shop your offerings these days?
Since the beginning of September, I have opened my showroom at the Dominion Building in Gastown.
What’s the most exciting or rare luxury piece you’ve ever come across while curating for Le Cellier?
The rarest piece is a clutch from Louis Vuitton from a runway collection called “Les Extraordinaires.” It’s made from lizard skin and Swarovski crystals. It is likely the only one of its kind in Canada, from 2005.
If you could only choose one luxury brand to wear for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?
If I had to choose, it would be Gucci for clothes and Chanel for bags.
What’s a common misconception people have about shopping pre-loved luxury items?
People often think that luxury must be new or purchased from a boutique, but nowadays, you can find many luxury items that are pre-loved, in very good condition, and often rarer than those found in stores.
Can you tell us about a time when you discovered a hidden gem that totally took your breath away?
It was when I received the Louis Vuitton Extraordinaire and saw the craftsmanship on such a unique piece. It truly is extraordinary, and it’s because of bags like this that I created Le Cellier.
What’s the story behind the name Le Cellier, and how does it reflect your vision for the brand?
When I was looking for a name for my business, I immediately knew I wanted a French name. “Le Cellier” means “The Cellar” in French, a place where valuable things are stored in old French homes, like wine, etc. To me, Le Cellier is my personal cellar where I can store my bags as pieces of art. Because that’s what they are—art pieces to be admired, like in a museum.
Sustainability is key in your business model. How do you see the role of luxury fashion in a more eco-conscious future?
We live in a world where taking care of our planet should be our priority. Luxury is something unique, especially in the second-hand luxury market, where we have the opportunity to support this eco-conscious model.
What advice would you give to someone who’s new to shopping pre-loved luxury but wants to make their first purchase?
One’s first luxury purchase should be a love at first sight; it should be something that makes you happy the moment you buy it and that you would want to wear every day.
What’s one iconic item from your personal collection that you’ll never part with, and why is it so special to you?
It’s my first Chanel Bag, the N19 in white. I waited so long to finally become the owner of a Chanel. Since I was little, I always dreamed of Chanel, seeing it in fashion magazines, so being able to have one in my closet one day was truly a special moment.
If you could style any celebrity or fashion icon using pieces from Le Cellier, who would it be and what would you choose for them?
I would choose Blake Lively. She’s been my fashion icon since I was a teenager, and she continues to inspire me as a woman and a fashion icon. I would choose the Boy Bag from Chanel because she is known for her love of Chanel, and there is nothing better than a classic worn by an icon.
What’s the most rewarding part of connecting your customers with their dream luxury items? Do you have any memorable customer stories to share?
I love seeing people happy after buying a luxury item because I truly understand how gratifying it is to save money and finally gain access to their dream luxury item. I don’t have a specific story with a customer, but I can share my own story. My first luxury bag was a second-hand Louis Vuitton, and the day I brought it home, I wanted to sleep with it to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
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