Charles Gorra, founder and CEO of Rebag, gives us an insider look into the second-hand luxury fashion business. Charles shares his full story: starting as another generalist MBA graduate to becoming a leader in the circular economy space as a tech founder. We also have an exciting back-and-forth on AI tools, the use of NFTs in fashion, luxury fashion as an alternative to the S&P, and the return of brick-and-mortar stores. Enjoy!
Rebag is an online marketplace for 2nd-hand luxury items like handbags and fine jewelry and a leader in the circular economy space.
(00:00) Next on Sobremesa
(00:30) Introducing Charles, CEO of Rebag
(03:33) Going from a generalist job to becoming a tech entrepreneur
(06:10) How to start a business without a specific passion?
(09:42) Current fashion industry is completely broken
(12:14) Challenges of being a foreigner in the US
(16:14) Discussing the ideation phase and the studio model
(19:55) How does Rebag work?
(25:44) Why did The Real Real and other companies lose ~90% of their value?
(30:30) Key to success in 2nd hand: authentication process
(34:32) Using AI as a luxury valuation tool
(35:37) Fun tips to identify counterfeit items when thrifting?
(37:37) NFTs and the future of authentication in fashion
(42:53) Do fashion brands have an issue with startups like Rebag?
(45:40) Views on the circular economy
(48:40) Buying luxury items as an investment: worth it?
(53:20) Benefits of having physical stores as an online brand
Shownotes
- https://www.tradingview.com/chart/?symbol=NASDAQ%3AREAL
- https://auraluxuryblockchain.com/
- https://time.com/4182246/hermes-birkin-bag-investment-gold/
- https://www.rebag.com/clair-report/