Many people use this time to go through their closets and give away their undesirables to those less fortunate. Suddenly, your wardrobe transforms into a time-traveling machine, revealing your past through embarrassing pieces, like those bleached denim overalls from your college days. But there’s also those favorite garments that you never want to let go, like that heavily shoulder-padded 80s Versace cocktail dress that you pray will eventually come back into style. Now, that dress may very well might, but your pre-four kids, size two body probably won’t.
It’s time to let go. The problem is, that hideous purse with the jokes written on it from your aunt three Eids ago happens to be a Louis Vuitton worth hundreds of dollars. And the purses your grandma has decided to give away to charity all happen to be highly coveted now-vintage Chanel quilted 2.55s worth thousands. In fact, if your grandma is getting rid of those — forget this article and just e-mail me directly! I’ll take them!
But for those of you with other designer goods that are have been stashed in the depths of your closet, losing its sentimental value and collecting dust over the years, Madame La Reine provides the perfect solution.
Madame La Reine is a consignment service based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — with representatives in Riyadh, Dubai, and Cairo. “It started because I found that there are a lot of people who wear a bag for a year, while it’s in style, and then khalas, they’re over it,” explains founder Heba Akki.
What’s great about Madame La Reine is that it gives you an opportunity to get the most out of our designer duds. Think about it. If you drop off your tiny Dolce & Gabbana clutch, Gucci sunglasses, and over-worn Donna Karen shawl at the orphanage, you’re helping one girl carry her lipstick, another shade her eyes, and yet another keep warm in cashmere. But, if you sell it at Madame La Reine, you can make a few hundred riyals and then use that money to buy 20 orphans brand new sweaters, sunglasses and purses to place their Eid money in!
Instead of giving your used handbag to your maid, who won’t even realize she’s carrying a coveted 2007 Balenciaga — trust me, to her you just handed down an old, used bag — take it over to Madame La Reine, where there’s sure to be a fashionista who was unable to get her hands on that sold-out color and would be happy to pay 50 percent of its value. Then you can go to Nine West or Aldo and get your maid a brand new bag from this season that she’s sure to love!
Akki’s clientele is very diverse. Some are women from the upper echelons of society, who scour the fashion capitals for limited editions and rare finds. For them, Madame La Reine can be a fashion savior, especially when another hardcore fashionista decides to drop off a much-loved accessory after she’s become bored with it, or worse — she discovers a member of her entourage has acquired the same one.
Then there’s the post-recession conservative shopper, who would rather spread her costs and buy that must-have designer purse from the boutique as well as another used, but still fashionable, bag from Madam La Reine.
The last type of client is a mix. She’s the budding fashionista who still lives on her parent’s allowance. She’s the 20-something whose new job doesn’t allow her to binge shop on Manolo Blahniks like her idol, Carrie Bradshaw — which is so unrealistic especially on a columnist’s salary! Or she’s the mother whose money cannot be selfishly splurged on a five thousand dollar Zagliani botox-injected python bag just on a whim. So for this lady, finding one for almost half that price alleviates any guilt. That is, until her husband finds out and lectures her on her decadent ways.
In the Middle East, many women find it taboo to buy secondhand.
“That’s the main thing about this whole operation, it’s very hush-hush,” says Akki.
“I even become aware of the circle of friends of my clients, so I won’t show them items from friends of friends. We don’t want our client socially meeting the original owner of her Valentino gown at a dinner!”
Even men come to Madame La Reine, buying expensive gifts at a heavily discounted price.
“I have men who want to get the wives or friends gifts they’ll like without depleting all of their funds,” says Akki, who with five years experience in the fashion industry, doubles as an impromptu personal shopper when needed.
“We work by appointment only, to give our clients the time and space to browse and try things on comfortably,” explains Akki.
“Items for sale are done anonymously and names are not mentioned so the previous and new owner will always remain a mystery to both parties!”
So find those Bulgari sunglasses from 2001 and that seasonal-specific Dior purse that you’re never going to use again, and take it to Madame La Reine. Get its full worth and use that money to reach more individuals this Ramadan. It’s the fashionable way to do charity!
