Ever wondered how every content creator on your fyp has managed to score those sold-out, hard-to-come by designer finds? Personal fashion sourcing is the secret service that the uber-wealthy 1%, influencers and celebrities use. When they see it, they want it, they call (or more often WhatsApp) a fashion sourcer and hey presto, it’s delivered to the door of their walk-in wardrobe.
Luxury sourcing services are usually provided by stylists or personal shoppers dedicated to securing unique pieces for their demanding clientele. While the world sometimes seems like it’s full of one-click shopping options, there are still some pieces you just can’t *add to cart* online or even pop to the shops for. So far, so boujee. Although personal fashion sourcing is not just a service for VIPs…
Sourcing is a growing and global industry and whether it’s a pair of sold-out trainers or a limited edition handbag, anyone can use a fashion sourcing service. Whether for a special occasion ‘fit, birthday present bag or just because, the reasons for making that call (or sending that message) are many but include lack of time, guaranteed authenticity and unrivalled access…
Queuing up outside a Bond Street boutique is not a time-efficient way to shop and have you ever called round different stores to find that one item in your size before giving up, frustrated and exhausted? Likewise, shopping online (unless it’s the brand’s own website) can be sketchy.
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Amber Gordon has run Tailored Styling since 2015. Beginning as a stylist, Amber moved her business to become a concierge service devoted to delivering rare items - we’re talking watches worth £250,000 or Hermes Birkin bags that Jackie Aina and Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe are fans of. She told GLAMOUR, “People don't want to faff around, trawling through the internet figuring out if something is a reliable source.”
Along with Amber, in recent years a few personal fashion sourcers have been discreetly building up their businesses, although it's an ever-growing market. Gab Waller (who shops for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Hailey Bieber and the Kardashians) is a major name to know but Amber advises, “If you're going to be successful (in this industry), you have to have a huge network or you need to be able to build one. You won’t just find these things in London…”
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Personal service is the extra touch that sourcers like Amber offer, too. It involves taking messages from clients on Boxing Day (to help them find New Year’s outfits) and personally delivering pieces across the globe. “I had sourced a Richard Mille watch for a client, which ended up being delayed from the supplier. It was a Christmas gift so when it was finally ready, I had to fly to Singapore to deliver it in person,” Amber recalls.
Of course, there’s an app for personal fashion sourcing too, that's making major change within the industry. Sourcewhere is the first fashion sourcing network app where anyone can put in a request, no matter the price point… As well as this season’s must haves, Sourcewhere also share old season treasures (Phoebe Philo-era Celine is still a hot ticket.) Erica Wright, Sourcewhere's Founder told GLAMOUR, “It was important to make Sourcewhere a platform that would be inclusive and accessible. (Sourcing has) historically has always been a service offered to VIP clients and celebrities. If you’re looking for a one-off luxury item and you aren’t considered a “VIP” client, where do you start? We wanted to change the way people associate sourcing with personal shopping by democratising the space."
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But who are the shoppers that call on sourcing services? Davina Wedderburn, Head of Brand and Communications for the British Fashion Council asked Sourcewhere to help her find black sandals from Hermes. “I was having problems locating them myself," Davina remembers. "They weren't in any Hermes store I went into and I couldn't find them on the website… I’m a mum of two kids, juggling full time work, so time is of the essence. I didn’t have time to shop around so I took my quest to Erica and her team at Sourcewhere…” And, the sandals were secured.
“It felt like a big leap for me but Sourcewhere delivered some of the best customer service I’ve ever had," Davina shared. "The process is super simple, the request takes a couple of minutes - it’s seamless. I asked lots of questions around sizing and the whole purchase was easy and efficient. Would I do it again? Absolutely. I’ve since had another two pairs sourced for me…”
Believe it or not, the official start of winter is only just arriving.
That seamless process is a huge pull. Who wouldn’t want to send a message and have your dream designer shoes / bag / belt arrive on your doorstep? Amber reveals she has plenty of clients who don’t have wardrobes bursting with designer fashion but still use personal fashion sourcing for special pieces. “They'll stick to more classic colours because they want to wear it for a few seasons because luxury does last and if you buy correctly, sometimes it can even make you money.”
If you're thinking of making an investment, Erica reveals that Sourcewhere's number one requested item is the Alaia Mesh Ballerina Flats. “These have shown no sign of slowing down since our community started requesting them earlier in March this year.” And thankfully, the best fashion sourcing services will help you shop even if your most desired item is a pair of New Balance trainers, rather than a Birkin bag.
Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at Large Alex Fullerton or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton
