Catriona McGettigan: Fashion’s Saviour or Just Another Thrifty Hero?
Meet Catriona McGettigan, the Cork-based fashion aficionado who found her calling by rummaging through other people’s designer regrets. Who knew that while working at Brown Thomas, a renowned luxury retailer, she inadvertently moonlit as an unofficial therapist for guilt-ridden customers? “Take my credit card, please!” she might have thought, whispering sweet nothings to those barely worn dresses hanging lifelessly at home.
“I’d love to buy that because it’s only been worn once,” McGettigan mused, probably picturing herself wearing those ill-fated garments on repeat while simultaneously harboring a budget that would make a squirrel blush. This epiphany led her to the brilliant idea of sourcing lightly used designer pieces from her friends and colleagues—because why let some rich person’s leftover handbag go to waste?
In 2020, she took a leap of faith and kicked off her entrepreneurial escapade by selling these “pristine” pieces through her Instagram. Initially, it was merely a side hustle, much like everyone and their grandmother trying to start a TikTok account during a pandemic. But soon enough, it morphed into a full-blown monster that demanded all her time. “I had this full-time job, and then I got home to another set of responsibilities. It was chaos!” she recalls, probably considering a career change to circus juggler.
Fast forward to 2022, when McGettigan decided she had enough of the 9-to-5 grind and launched Luxury Exchange with her partner, Cillian Moloney. Now they’re serving pre-loved luxury handbags on the internet and airing clothing live on Instagram, because why not add a reality TV twist to shopping? It’s like watching a fashion show, but instead of models strutting down the runway, you’ve got everyday folks trying to look effortlessly chic while shopping from their sofas.
The results speak for themselves: last year, Luxury Exchange generated a cool €1 million in turnover. They even managed to sell over 150 pieces in just four days at a pop-up in Dublin—something that probably made local fashionistas faint in disbelief. Looks like swapping out yesterday’s designer blunders for a little cash is all the rage these days.
Amid the luxury chaos, McGettigan claims there’s a growing desire among shoppers for sustainable fashion—probably because they’re too busy feeling guilty for contributing to a fast-fashion apocalypse. “They’re getting that thrill of swapping out their wardrobe, but more sustainably!” she declares, as if saying it louder will convince everyone to abandon their Zara hauls. With the likes of Vinted making circular fashion trendy, it’s like she’s welcoming a whole new world of thriftiness—but with an air of sophistication that only pre-owned high fashion can offer.
Enter Luxury Exchange, a curated paradise for those who want to avoid the digging through thrift store rubbish that you might find on Depop or Vinted. Here, bags start at a casual €299 and escalate all the way up to €6,999, all while promising a shopping experience befitting royalty. “You won’t find your sister’s hideous crossbody from 1972 here!” she laughs. Every piece is carefully selected, properly bagged, and promises to have customers feeling classy—who knew shopping could involve such self-care?
As shoppers circle around vintage designer pieces like moths to a flame, McGettigan takes personal pride in her encyclopedic knowledge of each bag’s quirks and characteristics. While some might call it obsession, she prefers the term “dedicated.” “I know every bag we have in stock,” she insists, “so I can recommend the perfect piece, like a sommelier for fashion.” Ah, nothing like real-time bag recommendations for the discerning shopper.
To really drive the point home, McGettigan shares her current top picks for those eager to splash a bit of cash. Because who doesn’t want to feel like a five-star Michelin restaurant critic when addressing their next handbag acquisition?
All-round summer bag: “The Louis Vuitton canvas is so impervious to splashes, you might as well start wearing it in the pool. At under €500, it’s practically a steal—if you don’t mind calling your bank manager.”
Pop of colour: “Chanel knocks it out of the park with funky colors. Think of it as an elegant wedding accessory that doubles as a conversation starter or awkward icebreaker.”
Mini-bags: “Smaller is better this summer. Think of them as blissful little accessories rather than actual bags—just don’t expect them to carry your entire life!”
Under the radar gem: “The Hermes Herbag—light as air and perfect for summertime. Because who needs additional weight when you have societal pressure to look good?”
Luxury under €500: “The Louis Vuitton Saint Cloud is practically a deal at €499 for a cross-body that might just save the world from fast fashion—at least until its next collection drops.”
Timeless classic: “The Chanel Classic Flap is essentially fashion’s version of an investment bank—guaranteeing returns, love, and envy for years to come.”
So, if you’re contemplating diving into the world of pre-loved luxury, consider Catriona’s offerings. Just remember to leave your guilt about splurging at the door—and perhaps your credit card, too.
