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Photograph courtesy of Chris Haston/Style Network
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Designer duds. St. Louis. Rachel Zoe. My three favorite things came together this weekend in the series premiere of Resale Royalty on the Style Network. The Rachel Zoe-produced reality show delved into the world of high-end designer resale, focusing on the inner workings of Women’s Closet Exchange (11575 Gravois, 314-842-8405) and the women who have turned a family-owned business into the most lucrative resale shop in the country. That’s right ladies (and gentlemen), St. Louis is building a reputation in fashion that doesn’t involve North Face and Birkenstocks.
The premiere episode had me hooked immediately. Showcasing everything from shiny Louis Vuitton bags to Jan Leach Givens’ beautiful Manolo’s to interior designer extraordinaire Annie Brailer’s drool-worthy home and even more covetable closets, it’s a miracle I didn’t jump in my car and head to WCE before the episode ended.
The show focuses on matriarch and owner Sue McCarthy along with her two daughters Laura and Diana and their team of stylists, sales associates, and even an authenticator. What high-end designer resale shop doesn’t have a world-class authenticator? While it may have only been the first episode, Resale Royalty is sure to bring the drama along with the designer duds. With Dena, the store’s authenticator feeling underappreciated and wanting more floor time to Laura, the bad cop to sister Diana’s good cop, who isn’t one to shy away from confrontation, Resale Royalty may quickly become the next Pawn Stars, but with estrogen and goodies geared towards a chicer set.
The cast seems like a solid set. I’m curious to see how WCE events like HandBag It Over (sell one of your designer bags and get 25% off any store purchase) will continue to explode into full-fledge St. Louis media blitz, and how the employees will handle the growth of the business and pressure to stay on top. I have high hopes for Resale Royalty. What can be better than a show chock-full of designer goodies, drama, and an untapped fashion market ready to boom?
Airs Sundays at 8 p.m. on Style Network.
