The world of online shopping was forever changed in the mid-nineties with the emergence of the World Wide Web. Fast forward to 2016, and the retail landscape witnessed another game-changing phenomenon: social media shopping, particularly on platforms like Instagram. Today, live shopping events are dominating social media, with their success contingent on a loyal following and an enticing inventory. Enter Covet by Christos, the brainchild of Christos Garkinos, a seasoned fashion insider with 25 years in the Hollywood fashion scene. What began as a traveling vintage sale event has blossomed into a full-fledged streaming network.
In an exclusive interview with FashionNetwork.com, conducted during a shopping event in London, Christos Garkinos shared insights into how Covet by Christos has become a powerhouse in the luxury live-streaming shopping sphere.
The fashion industry has witnessed a wave of innovative concepts born during the Covid-19 lockdowns. For Covet by Christos, this period accelerated the transformation of a traveling vintage sale event into a social media platform aptly named Live in the Closet with Christos. This strategic pivot was aimed at a captive audience confined to their homes, resulting in over 3,500 hours of live programming, showcasing more than 200,000 vintage designer items, and amassing a staggering 2 million views across various show segments. Since its inception, the platform has achieved remarkable sales, tallying an impressive $70 million, firmly establishing itself as a leading luxury shopping social network through live streams.
Christos Garkinos leveraged his connections in the fashion world through his work covering red-carpet events for Access Hollywood and The Today Show. His television appearances, notably on Bravo’s The Dukes of Melrose, propelled him into the fashion realm, where he launched his fashion brand, Eureka by Christos Garkinos, in partnership with the HSN Network.
The success of his collections sparked the idea that curated fashion and luxury items could be directly accessible to people across various cities and towns. Thus, Covet by Christos, a traveling vintage luxury trunk show, was born. Garkinos’s extensive network played a pivotal role in connecting with these fashion connoisseurs, a relationship that has since evolved into the livestream model.
The platform bridges the gap between sellers and buyers through Garkinos’s network. Typically, a seller showcases items from their closet that they are willing to part with, and a show is organized around these pieces. The process involves set prices for most items, although auctions occasionally add an element of excitement. Viewers participate by registering in advance, and as the host describes and displays each product, viewers can express their interest and ask questions via comments.
The platform boasts remarkable sales figures, such as a purchase of five Birkin bags totaling $89,799, a vintage Hermes Himalayan Kelly sold for $128,000, an Inverse Shadow Birkin sold for $36,000, and a Bearbrick Coco Chanel for $37,900. These extraordinary sales reflect the platform’s ability to attract luxury buyers and collectors.
Covet by Christos is not limited to vintage goods; it envisions boundless growth potential. The platform is expanding its partnerships with vendors and brands and branching into new shopping categories, including beauty, wellness, and home decor.
A recent collaboration with Los Angeles retailer Fred Segal marked a significant milestone. This partnership signifies Fred Segal’s debut in the live-shopping realm, set to become a monthly event according to Fred Segal’s website.
As Covet by Christos continues to evolve, fashion remains at its core. Christos Garkinos recently hosted a live event in London, where 100 top clients enjoyed an exclusive weekend of shopping, cultural experiences, and dining. From prestigious stores like Harrod’s and Alexander McQueen to cultural events like the Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto Exhibition at the V&A Museum, the platform brings the live shopping experience full circle.
In conclusion, Covet by Christos has redefined luxury vintage shopping through live events, harnessing the power of social media to create a vibrant community of fashion enthusiasts and collectors.
