by Kait Fowlie
While Yorkville may not scream thrifty when it comes to hunting down affordable yet fashionable threads, the modest company at 946 Yonge Street totally does. Haute Classics opened a mere month ago, but is already making a big impact on style in the area. I had a seat in a small, stylishly upholstered change room with Stella Kim and Jina Han, the young entrepreneurs responsible for the online store turned pre-loved boutique. Haute Classics caters to those who are hankering for something a bit more DIY in the construction of their aesthetic. With the addition of new consigners every day, you will always find fresh pieces at Haute Classics – where unique style, urban flavour and timeless classics are all in the mix.

What made you decide to start the store?
Stella: We both have a history in fashion, we grew up inspired by it. My mom is a total vintage fashion junky, and Jina is very interested in business administration. In high school we were buying designer goods, we recognized the value in them, and then started selling them online. It started as very much a hobby, then turned into a livelihood. So about a month ago we opened the store that was originally online at first.

Why consignment?
Stella: It’s a great way for women to style on a budget. We offer designer goods for a fraction of the cost. It’s good for both the buyer and the consigner – we give 60% of the sale to the consigner, while many other consignment shops in the city only offer 50 or even 40%. The clothes are all 100% authentic. An added bonus is the eco friendliness of recycling clothing.

How do you know each other?
Stella: We’ve known each other for ten years. We’re best friends turned entrepreneurs. We really work well together, because we both give off different qualities. I’m really into the creative and design side of things and Jina is a little more into the business administration side.

Why did you decide to choose Yorkville as a location?
Stella: When we sold clothing online, we realized that our clientele was of a very mixed demographic. We had young trend setters as well as people who appreciated classic pieces, who were usually more mature. We’ve just got access to a great mix here in Yorkville.

What differentiates you from other consignment stores in the city like Paper Bag Princess or L’Elegante?
Stella: We’re really selective about what we pick. Our motto is “it’s in the mix”, we’re interested in mixing modern pieces with timeless. That’s an endless source of inspiration for us. To us, fashion is all about mixing pieces and eras and thinking about your own, personal style.

What do you love most about running your own business?
Stella: First of all, we’re our bosses, which is great. Being an entrepreneur, you experience a whole new level of responsibility. Every day is a learning experience.

Who are your style icons?
Stella: I love Alexander Wang’s effortless style, it’s sort of a rolled out of bed look, but with an edge. I also love Erin Watson as well as Stella McCartney. I like effortless fashion, simple stuff.
Jina: Chanel is a timeless classic, you can pass it on to your daughter or younger relatives and it will still be Chanel. Lucian Matis is also modern with an edge. I like things flowy, elegant and glamorous.

What kind of clothing are you looking for?
Stella: Basically we accept anything seasonally appropriate, clean and free of damages, excellent to mint condition. For contemporary designers like BCBG or Marciano, the piece should be no more than 2 years old. For more classic labels like Gucci or Chanel, we are a bit more lenient with time. We’re currently looking to extend our men’s collection.

How would you describe your personal style?
Stella: Effortless, eclectic, mixing highs and lows with a spin on vintage. I like to mix different concepts.
Jina: More tailored, clean modern looks with a bit of a twist.

How can people sell you their stuff?
Stella: Just call us to make an appointment or check out the site, www.hauteclassics.com, where you can upload images of your stuff. There you can also get an idea of what we accept.