Fashion company Vaunte is a website that allows any fashionista to shop previously owned, high-end clothing and accessories. Vaunte selects Starlets (people with amazing style) to feature their clothes and sell them as well. Starlets consist of stylists, designers, accessories directors and even editors. Upon visiting the website, in order to start shopping, it’s required to sign up. It only takes a few minutes to complete the process and you can start shopping right away. After allowing time to search, once the person seems right, clicking on their name directs you to their closet which is available for sale. If time is an issue, clicking the “shop” tab directs you to look at multiple closets instead of trying to find the perfect Starlet. The site is easy to use: you can shop by brands, sizes, apparel, shoes, bags, accessories and jewelry. If an item is sold, a member can be wait-listed and be notified if the item becomes available again. What we enjoy the most about Vaunte is how affordable some of the pieces are (a Diane Von Furstenberg hot pink and black shorts for $75? We’ll take it!). Although many items are high-end brands, and are naturally expensive, you can always find great deals by browsing. Innovative and simple to use is what more sites need, and Vaunte does a great job of this. We sat down with Vaunte founders Christian Leone and Leah Park to discuss the inspiration behind the company, how they choose a Starlet, and what every woman should have in her closet.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: What was your inspiration for creating Vaunte?
CHRISTIAN LEONE: This was really Leah’s concept.  She grew tired of the items in her closet and began to shop in her sister’s or friend’s closets to find pieces or items to go out in.
LEAH PARK: It’s true – once you wear a stunning piece, you really can’t wear it again, especially if everyone has seen you in it! I love the idea of walking up to people and saying, “I Vaunte that dress, bag, etc” and being able to purchase it off their backs. If an item is a standout, they shouldn’t be wearing it often anyway!

FM: What defines Vaunte?
LP:  Vaunte is revolutionizing editorial fashion by featuring stylish “Starlets” – our idea of a new social class. You don’t have to be a huge celebrity or actor to be celebrated for your style, work, and story. It is also a platform for the “Starlets” to show-off their closets.
CL: I feel what defines Vaunte is the editorial approach to shopping.  There are a lot of e-commerce and editorial sites but very few have combined the two to create a true shopping experience.  Vaunte provides the provenance of each product which is common when it comes to furniture and object but not done in fashion.  Women love to browse, explore, shop and get an understanding of the women that we feature. Vaunte’s mission is to create a fashion-obsessed audience by opening the doors to chic closets. Through a combination of online editorial and retailing, we aim to build our brand and create its following based on inviting members to learn – and subsequently buy – from trend setters. Many women have beautiful items in their closet that are rarely/never worn. Vaunte not only solves the problem of gently used and/or unworn clothing by providing a place to buy and sell such items, but it also encourages members to explore, define and express their own individual style.

FM: Are there qualifications when choosing a Starlet?
LP: There are more Starlets than celebrities in this world, but unfortunately the celebrities are the only ones who really get magazine covers! A Starlet is someone who has the qualities to be admired – from their style, outlook on life, passions, goals, achievements, and point-of-view. The special thing about featuring these Starlets is that you get to know them on such a personal level. By entering their home, seeing them interact with their kids, pets, their jokes, and especially their closets, is a true reflection of who they are.
CL: We launched the business in New York and therefore focused on shooting the women here.  The majority of my contacts are based here as well, not to mention some of the most fashionable women are in New York. Lastly, it was very cost effective to shoot in New York, but recently we were in Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco and plan in the next month to target Miami, Dallas and Houston. We look for women with great style, fashionable and career orientated.  We call them “Starlets” and they embody true personal style, a story to tell, appreciates, understands, and protects the value in the art of fashion. Also she has a strong sense of fashion, has a thriving career, point of view and extremely confident.

How would you describe your style?
LP:  LA vintage rocker meets NYC black and sexy.
CL:  Bespoke Prep.

FM: Are you considering having men as Starlets anytime soon?
CL: It’s funny that you should ask that.  We recently shot Nate Berkus and he will be our first male “Starlet” on Vaunte.  He is an old friend from Chicago and I think that he has the best style.

FM: What do you think about mixing high-end with low-end in an outfit? Do you have any favorite designers and why?
LP:  My closet is absolutely high and low. I happen to love old beat-up 80s rock band t-shirts thrown over fitted YSL skirts, and killer strappy heels. It’s important to mix high, low, with all designers so your ensemble reflects how you want to feel and be.
CL:  I am a huge fan of mixing high and low.  When I was in my 20s, I only wore designer: Etro, Hermes, John Lobb, Prada, etc.  Now I love a Thom Browne oxford with a Uniqlo cashmere sweater with APC jeans and Gucci loafers.

FM: Favorite destination spot when you’re in need of deep thinking and ideas?
LP:  It’s not necessarily a destination, but I do need to be alone with zero distractions. I also do not go hunting for inspiration because they tend to influence my thoughts and taint creativity.
CL: When I need time to really focus, I love to work from my apartment, particularly since I recently purchased a mid-century antique John Stuart desk.

FM: Is Leah more daring when picking out designer pieces or are you?
CL: Leah is much more daring than I am. I am very classic, where she has a more edgy style.  She is willing to take more risks and can go from downtown casual to uptown sexy.

FM: What should every woman own in her closet?
LP:  Every woman should have whatever their heart’s desire! I can’t live without perfectly fitted jeans, a white tank, killer heels (I mean hot, hot ones), and of course, converse sneakers.
CL: Great accessories.  It really is the most important item in every woman’s wardrobe.  A great day bag that can hold all of the essentials, a clutch that can go from day to evening, heels (Manolo Blahnik BB).  Also jewelry is so crucial; a large cuff, link bracelets and/or cocktail rings. An edited and organized closet is key. Women should not hold onto items that they feel that they will one day wear.  The rule is if you have not worn an item in a year, dispose of it.

What are the biggest style differences between women in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles?
LP:  Women in NY seem to carry significantly larger bags, so they can have walking flats handy.
CL: New York has a great street style and very few cities have this element including Paris and Milan.  LA, like Chicago, is much more insular.  The women that we shot for Vaunte had amazing closets filled with designer clothes and the most beautiful apartments and homes.  Chicagoans are much more classic than New York or LA, but they are very aware of their style and love to shop and are familiar with the designer brands. Chicago also has great specialty stores including Neapolitan, Blake and Ikram.

Check out Vaunte and shop the most chic closets, click here.

-Alex Mariscal

Photo: Vaunte founders Christian Leone and Leah Park c/o Vaunte, Vaunte featured Starlet