What if the future of luxury fashion isn’t about what’s new, but what’s already in our closets? As the global resale market surges toward a projected $350 billion by 2027, the way we shop for designer labels is undergoing a massive cultural shift. At the forefront of this movement is Courtney Watkins, the founder and CEO of Mine & Yours, who is on an ambitious mission to rehome 1 million designer pieces.
By transforming secondhand luxury from a niche market into a mainstream powerhouse, Watkins is proving that circular fashion can be both sustainable and high-end. We sat down with Courtney to discuss the rapid growth of the resale industry, how consumer habits are shifting toward more intentional spending, and what this means for the long-term future of the fashion world. —Noa Nichol
The Million-Piece Marathon: You have a massive goal to rehome 1 million luxury fashion pieces. Aside from the sheer volume, what is the most “untouchable” designer item you’ve successfully rehomed that felt like a major win for the circular economy?
One of the most memorable “untouchable” pieces we’ve rehomed through a third party channel was a Louis Vuitton x Supreme limited-edition skateboard and trunk priced at $95,000, originally retailing for $59,000 and now considered a true collector’s item. Another standout was a Hermès vintage Niloticus crocodile Kelly from 1994, an heirloom piece we sold for $38,500. Moments like that feel like major wins because they prove that even the rarest, most coveted luxury items can continue to have value and new life in the circular economy.
Resale vs. Retail: When you started in 2013, resale was a niche market, and now it’s projected to hit $350 billion by 2027. What was the exact moment you realized the “mainstream” was finally ready to embrace pre-loved luxury?
When we launched in 2013, resale was still a niche category. The moment it felt truly mainstream to me was when our top suppliers started becoming some of our top shoppers too and posting their purchases proudly. That shift said everything. Resale was no longer just about making money back or finding a deal. It had become a first choice for people who cared about style, quality, and shopping more consciously.
The “Closet Ghost” Challenge: We all have those high-quality pieces sitting unworn in our closets. What is your best advice for someone struggling with the “guilt” of letting go of a designer purchase that no longer serves them?
I think a lot of people hold onto designer pieces because they feel guilty about what they spent, even when they are no longer wearing them. But keeping something in your closet does not undo the purchase. If anything, letting it go allows you to get some value back and give the piece a chance to be worn and enjoyed the way it was meant to be. Sometimes an item suited a different version of your life, and sometimes it just was not the right fit in the end. Either way, there is no shame in moving on from it. That is one of the best parts of resale. It gives beautiful pieces another life and gives you the chance to make room for something that feels more like you now.
Authentication Superpowers: With expert authentication being a pillar of your business, what is the one “tell” that most people miss when trying to spot a high-end counterfeit?
Most people look for one obvious giveaway, usually the logo, but the biggest thing they miss is the overall quality. With real luxury, it is the full package. The stitching, the feel of the leather, the weight of the hardware, the construction, and the consistency all matter. Counterfeits can copy the look, but they often miss the integrity of the piece. That said, there is rarely just one tell. Authentication is about looking at everything together, which is why expert review is so important. At Mine & Yours, we have an in-house authenticator and also offer trusted third-party services like Entrupy and LegitGrails. In general if the deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.
The Holt Renfrew Effect: You’ve collaborated with luxury giants like Holt Renfrew and Hotel 1 Toronto. How does bringing resale into these high-end environments change the “vibe” of shopping for the modern consumer?
Bringing resale into luxury environments elevates the entire experience. It removes any stigma and positions pre-loved as curated and intentional. It shows customers that resale belongs in the same conversation as traditional luxury retail.
Sustainable Sophistication: You’ve stated that “luxury fashion should not be disposable”. If you had to pick one designer brand that consistently holds its value and craftsmanship through three or four different “lives,” who is it?
Hermès consistently stands out. The craftsmanship is designed to last decades, and we’ve seen pieces like vintage Kelly bags maintain and even increase their value across multiple owners. That’s true longevity in fashion.
Payout Personalities: Mine & Yours offers cash, store credit, or consignment. What does a customer’s choice of payout say about their “thrifting personality”? Are the store credit fans the true circular fashionistas?
At Mine & Yours, we offer different payout options so you can choose what works best for you and your goals.
Cash (30–50%) is great if you’re looking to declutter and get immediate value out of your current wardrobe.
Store credit (40–60%) is perfect if you’re someone who loves to refresh your wardrobe and trade pieces in for something new.
Consignment (50–70% on items $500+) is ideal if you want the highest return and don’t mind waiting a bit longer for your item to sell.
It really comes down to your mindset. Whether you want quick value, a wardrobe refresh, or to maximize your return, there’s an option that fits your style.
The Social Media Spark: With over 91,000 Instagram followers, your community is highly engaged. What is the “holy grail” item that, when posted, causes an absolute frenzy in your DMs?
Rare, collectible pieces always create the most excitement. A perfect example is the Chanel 2025 Spring Summer Bird Cage Minaudière. It’s a runway piece crafted from gold-tone metal and crystal strass, designed as a sculptural birdcage with intricate detailing. These types of novelty minaudières are produced in very limited quantities and are considered collectible fashion art, which is why they generate immediate demand and a surge of activity in our DMs the moment they’re posted.
At the same time, any designer items that are trending and priced under $1,000 tend to create just as much excitement. Think small leather goods and everyday luxury staples. Pieces like a Celine Triomphe leather belt under $500, a Chanel card holder, or a vintage Dior bag priced around $650 can spark an instant frenzy. These items are accessible, highly wearable, and still carry strong brand recognition, which makes them incredibly desirable to our community.
Earth Month Ethos: As we celebrate Earth Month, how do you respond to the idea that the “future of fashion” isn’t actually about making anything new?
The future of fashion is really about making better use of what we already have. It’s less about constantly creating something new and more about extending the life of the pieces that already exist. That can look like selling items you no longer wear, shopping resale first, donating thoughtfully, or even repairing and restyling pieces instead of replacing them. Small shifts like these make a big impact. Innovation will always have a place, but building habits around circular practices is what will truly move the industry forward and reduce waste.
The Personal Archive: After helping rehome over 137,000 items, what is the one piece currently in your closet that you will never, ever let go of?
That’s a hard one, because I could honestly see myself parting with almost everything in my closet at some point. I won’t make any promises, but one piece I can’t imagine letting go of is my Chanel Lucky Charm Reissue. I got it right before my first trip to Paris in 2024 as a gift to myself after hitting a milestone at Mine & Yours, so it holds a lot of meaning for me.
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