Toronto’s luxury consignment queen
We are pleased to spotlight Amy Polevoy, the visionary behind Angels Wear Preloved and a leading voice in Canada’s luxury consignment space. With a lifelong passion for fashion that began in Toronto’s vibrant vintage scene, Amy has transformed her expertise into a thriving platform that champions both style and sustainability. Her journey from early retail roles to founding The Style Heiress, reflects a deep understanding of evolving consumer behaviours and the growing demand for accessible luxury.
Amy’s latest venture, Angels Wear Preloved, brings together some of the country’s most respected luxury resellers under one roof, creating a unique and elevated shopping experience. At its core, the platform is about community, authenticity, and redefining how we view ownership in fashion.
This vision comes to life at the highly anticipated luxury resale event taking place in Toronto on April 12. Attendees can expect a thoughtfully curated environment featuring premium designer pieces, industry-leading vendors, and an immersive atmosphere that blends fashion, culture, and connection.
As the resale market continues to flourish, Amy Polevoy remains at the forefront reshaping the narrative around preloved luxury and inspiring a new generation of conscious, style-savvy consumers.
For readers meeting you for the first time, how would you introduce yourself and your journey into luxury consignment?
It all started with early teenage subway trips to Kensington Market. My first love was unbridled and unbranded vintage (Courage My Love, for life!). I had a deep passion for fashion from a very young age, my mother kept a stack of Vogue magazines on her bedside table that I would marvel over with her. I religiously watched Jeanne Beker on FT every day after school. As I moved into the corporate world, I quickly fell in love with luxury brands and still always wanted to look different from my friends. I think luxury consignment is ultimately the “Adult Amy” version of unbranded vintage, where we can get the best of both worlds, in vintage and luxury at a lower price point, with the thrill of finding a unique piece.
Can you tell us about your background in fashion and what led you to become known as a luxury consignment expert in Toronto?
My obsession with fashion quickly became a very expensive habit. While in university studying business and marketing, I managed Mendocino at the height of its glory. Then, after interning at Toronto Fashion, I worked at Tribute magazine. I ended up leaving Tribute to work for an absolute genius named Jamie Salter, who currently owns Authentic Brands Group. My work experience there left a permanent imprint on my career, inspiring so much of what The Style Heiress does. After more amazing roles at MuchMusic and MTV Canada, where I was constantly recognized for my unique sense of style, I landed my dream job at FLARE magazine, where my shopping obsession flourished. After FLARE, I saw a gap in the marketplace and launched a highly successful consignment store, The Style Heiress, which I ran for nearly a decade.
What inspired you to create Angels Wear Preloved, and how did the idea first come to life?
After a decade at The Style Heiress (which operated out of my house), I felt a deep desire to get back out into the world with designer consignment, without having to own a store in the city. The Vintage Consignment Show had been in existence for 40 years, but I recognized there was no trade show that focused exclusively on luxury goods, so I jumped on the opportunity and led the surge in demand.
How would you describe the mission behind Angels Wear Preloved and what sets it apart from traditional resale platforms?
Angels Wear Preloved is a community. I’ve brought everyone together under one roof. We’re focused on networking, proving that there’s enough business to go around, and showcasing how many incredible designer consignment boutiques and luxury resellers exist in Canada.
You’re hosting a massive luxury resale event in Toronto this April, what can attendees expect from this experience?
Consumers can expect beautifully curated booths in an airy, luxe space where they have room to browse freely and source the very best luxury goods all under one roof. It’s the epitome of convenience. The space will also feature a coffee and beverage lounge, photography by George Pimentel, music, and a curated collection of lifestyle boutiques and offerings to round off an incredible day celebrating luxury fashion.
Why do you think Toronto was ready for a large-scale luxury resale event like this now?
The market is absolutely booming, from online platforms like Poshmark featuring thousands of independent resellers to more boutiques opening across the GTA and Canada. This is also coupled with a difficult economy, with people wanting luxury goods for less. And a huge thank you to Gen Z for making thrifting so cool on TikTok!
What has been the biggest challenge and biggest reward of bringing together so many consignment sellers under one roof?
The biggest challenge has been wearing so many hats, as the show is still in its infancy. As the founder, I wanted to learn every aspect of the venture, and it’s easy to burn yourself out.
The biggest reward has been the opportunity to work with the publisher and creative director of FASHION magazine, the sensational Deidre Marinelli and George Antonopoulos, who, just six weeks after the inaugural event, wanted to endorse Angels Wear Preloved with a co-branded event inside their fashion closet. The credibility is huge.
Luxury resale is booming globally, what key factors are driving this surge in popularity right now?
Social media, aspirational influencers, actors and actresses, and the growing interest in luxury among younger generations are all major drivers. That, combined with rising retail prices, creates a significant barrier to entry for many people.
How are younger consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, reshaping the idea of luxury ownership?
They refer to it as “thrifting.” There’s no snobbery around it the way there used to be with pre-loved clothing. It’s widely celebrated among young people who love fashion, enjoy finding unique pieces at great prices, and want to establish their own distinct style.
In your opinion, how does buying preloved luxury redefine status and personal style today?
I think it shows that you’re open and unafraid, and that you don’t care about being judged for wearing a Chanel bag that didn’t just come out three months ago you simply love the brand and style and want to be part of the luxury market. It allows for far greater access to status overall.
For someone new to consignment, what are the main advantages of shopping preloved versus buying brand new?
Luxury consignment is often curated much like a luxury store, it’s a different experience from thrifting as a whole. Most clothing and footwear are in excellent condition, which makes the experience feel elevated. You can justify the spend knowing you’re getting an incredible piece at a lower price. And by exploring consignment, you naturally develop your own unique sense of style, since there’s often only one of each piece.
What advice would you give to shoppers looking to verify the authenticity of luxury items when purchasing second-hand?
If you have any concerns, there are a number of authentication services available, such as Entrupy. You can also choose to authenticate items independently. If you’re buying a handbag, it’s worth spending the additional money to ensure it comes with authentication papers.
Are there specific red flags consumers should watch out for when shopping luxury consignment online or in person?
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Which designer brands or pieces are currently holding their value the most in the resale market?
Hermès and Chanel handbags, definitely, especially classic pieces like the Chanel Classic Flap or a Hermès Kelly or Birkin.
Looking ahead, what types of luxury items do you believe will become the best long-term investments?
Handbags will continue to thrive. Outerwear, luxury denim, and designer footwear are also strong categories.
Can you share a few of your favourite or most memorable luxury finds from preloved shopping over the years?
My metallic gold jumbo Chanel with a 24-karat gold closure from Mine & Yours, a Balmain velvet band jacket with giant, truly giant crystal buttons (also from Mine & Yours), and a stunning candy-pink Alex Perry dress.
How do you curate vendors and pieces for an event like Angels Wear Preloved to ensure quality and authenticity?
The vendors I curate are well-recognized and highly respected. I make it very clear that if any customer has a concern, vendors must be willing to authenticate the item through a service of the client’s choice or issue an immediate refund, otherwise, they will not be invited back.
What trends are you currently seeing in the luxury resale space that excite you the most?
Denim and more denim! Luxury denim has become incredibly expensive, yet it’s such a staple in any wardrobe. Consignment stores are closely following retail trends so consumers can access current styles in a more accessible way.
How do you personally define “timeless style” when it comes to luxury fashion?
Timeless style reminds me of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, a great pair of denim, elegant closed-toe flats or loafers, a beautiful blazer, gold jewellery, a stunning coat in black, camel, or grey, and a classic luxury handbag, typically in black leather.
What’s next for you and Angels Wear Preloved, can we expect more events or expansions beyond Toronto?
We absolutely hope the demand continues to grow. Angels Wear Preloved will continue expanding, not just in Toronto, but across Canada and beyond.
Your message for us at TorontoPages magazine.
Answering these questions made me fall in love with what I’m doing all over again, so I’m truly grateful to you for the incredible feeling I have right now!
