Read below for my exclusive interview with Marcy Carmack, Creative Director and Co-Founder of The RealReal, the ultimate online destination for vintage finds, stylist-selected pieces, and perfectly-priced designer deals.
Candy Washington: What was the inspiration behind TheRealReal?
Marcy Carmack: CEO and co-founder, Julie wainwright was shopping with a friend of hers who always buys full price. The boutique was not consignment but had consignment in the back that was beautifully presented and she bought something. A light went off in Julie's head with her ecommerce background and she thought if consignment was displayed on a beautiful flash sale site it could be a very compelling proposition.
CW: I love the name, how did you come up with it?
MC: We did a naming session and were discussing the fact that we authenticate everything. The real deal was obviously too cliche and taken. I said what about The RealReal? Julie had her laptop there, checked the availability and The RealReal was born.
CW: How does The RealReal work?
MC: We have 72 hour flash sales of women's luxury designer resale. You can easily become a member by signing up. There is no waiting period.
CW: How do we consign with you guys?
MC: We want it to be as hassle free as possible. If you are in NY, LA, Dallas or SF you can call and someone will come and pick it up. Outside of those areas, you can fill out a form on line and send it to us. When your merchandise sells we will refund your shipping cost. You can also call us and we will walk you through everything.
CW: How does the Warehouse sale work?
MC: The Warehouse sale is made up of secondary and contemporary lines. It is always up (24/7) unlike our premier designer sales which are 72 hours.
CW: What’s your favorite part of the job?
MC: Experiencing the enthusiasm and excitement our buyers and sellers have for the business. Not only do we think it is the right time for The RealReal but we have a lot of support.
CW: Any advice for budding fashionistas?
MC: Get solid experience with the best people in the industry. After that, try not to get sucked into the vortex of what everyone else is doing. It's a changing world and fashion is always changing especially now.
CW: How do you decide which pieces to sell?
MC: I have list of the most relevant designers that have the most resale value so both TheRealReal and our customers have the most success and make the most money.
CW: What’s your favorite magazine?
MC: It is still Vogue after all these years. Not only does it have the most comprehensive and well done coverage of the high end, it speaks to women intelligently and knows we are interested and made up of more than a love for clothes.
CW: What’s your favorite blog?
MC: I don't have a lot of time to look at blogs with a start up business. I love the Sartorialist which was one of the first mega hits and Scott and I worked together in the early 90's. I think Tavi has an awesome blog. Love Cathy Horyn's cause she is my favorite fashion writer. She is so smart and it is always about much more than the clothes. I have a blog that is attached to the site that I would say is slightly off beat, it is not a commercial trend driven point of view and always geared toward the high end. I started it before TheRealReal and it aligns well with our luxury focus.
CW: Who’s your favorite designer?
MC: That's a tough, there are so many talents out there fortunately. I never like everything from someone's collection, I like a little bit from Derek Lam, Proenza Schouler, Lanvin, Alex Wang, Balenciaga, Rodarte, Alaia, Prada, Thom Browne and of course Chanel.
CW: Who/what inspires you and why?
MC: Beauty and making people happy. I think these are god given talents that I am on earth to pursue.
Candy Washington: What was the inspiration behind TheRealReal?
Marcy Carmack: CEO and co-founder, Julie wainwright was shopping with a friend of hers who always buys full price. The boutique was not consignment but had consignment in the back that was beautifully presented and she bought something. A light went off in Julie's head with her ecommerce background and she thought if consignment was displayed on a beautiful flash sale site it could be a very compelling proposition.
MC: We did a naming session and were discussing the fact that we authenticate everything. The real deal was obviously too cliche and taken. I said what about The RealReal? Julie had her laptop there, checked the availability and The RealReal was born.
MC: We have 72 hour flash sales of women's luxury designer resale. You can easily become a member by signing up. There is no waiting period.
CW: How do we consign with you guys?
MC: We want it to be as hassle free as possible. If you are in NY, LA, Dallas or SF you can call and someone will come and pick it up. Outside of those areas, you can fill out a form on line and send it to us. When your merchandise sells we will refund your shipping cost. You can also call us and we will walk you through everything.
CW: How does the Warehouse sale work?
MC: The Warehouse sale is made up of secondary and contemporary lines. It is always up (24/7) unlike our premier designer sales which are 72 hours.
CW: What’s your favorite part of the job?
MC: Experiencing the enthusiasm and excitement our buyers and sellers have for the business. Not only do we think it is the right time for The RealReal but we have a lot of support.
MC: Get solid experience with the best people in the industry. After that, try not to get sucked into the vortex of what everyone else is doing. It's a changing world and fashion is always changing especially now.
CW: How do you decide which pieces to sell?
MC: I have list of the most relevant designers that have the most resale value so both TheRealReal and our customers have the most success and make the most money.
CW: What’s your favorite magazine?
MC: It is still Vogue after all these years. Not only does it have the most comprehensive and well done coverage of the high end, it speaks to women intelligently and knows we are interested and made up of more than a love for clothes.
CW: What’s your favorite blog?
MC: I don't have a lot of time to look at blogs with a start up business. I love the Sartorialist which was one of the first mega hits and Scott and I worked together in the early 90's. I think Tavi has an awesome blog. Love Cathy Horyn's cause she is my favorite fashion writer. She is so smart and it is always about much more than the clothes. I have a blog that is attached to the site that I would say is slightly off beat, it is not a commercial trend driven point of view and always geared toward the high end. I started it before TheRealReal and it aligns well with our luxury focus.
CW: Who’s your favorite designer?
MC: That's a tough, there are so many talents out there fortunately. I never like everything from someone's collection, I like a little bit from Derek Lam, Proenza Schouler, Lanvin, Alex Wang, Balenciaga, Rodarte, Alaia, Prada, Thom Browne and of course Chanel.
CW: Who/what inspires you and why?
MC: Beauty and making people happy. I think these are god given talents that I am on earth to pursue.