FASHIONPHILE, the leading U.S. resale platform for buying and selling ultra-luxury accessories, has officially entered the UK market with the acquisition of Luxe Collective’s intellectual property, customer database, and social media channels. Founded by brothers Ben and Joe Gallagher in 2018, Luxe Collective established itself as one of the UK’s most influential luxury resale voices before closing operations last year amid financial challenges. This acquisition marks the debut of FASHIONPHILE UK, signalling the brand’s ambitious move into the European luxury resale scene.
Redefining UK Luxury Resale
The new British arm launched under the domain LuxeCollectiveFashion.com, introducing FASHIONPHILE’s authentication-driven resale model into the UK and European markets. Luxe Collective, founded in 2018 by brothers Ben and Joe Gallagher, built one of the UK’s most engaged luxury resale communities. Despite rapid success, the business shuttered last year following serious operational and financial pressures from a high-value theft.
As Ben Hemminger, Co-Founder and CEO of FASHIONPHILE, stated:
“This acquisition allows us to combine Luxe Collective’s cultural influence and strong community with FASHIONPHILE’s scale, technology, and authentication expertise. The UK has a rich history of resale, but no one is doing it at our scale. Together with Ben and Joe Gallagher, we intend to change that.”
Reviving a Community Through FASHIONPHILE Collective
Under the new structure, Luxe Collective’s social channels — boasting millions of loyal followers — will rebrand as FASHIONPHILE Collective, extending the brand’s storytelling beyond resale transactions into community engagement. Plans are already underway to open a London flagship authentication center and retail store, signalling long-term investment in British luxury infrastructure.
The hardships they faced last year were heartbreaking not only for Joe and Ben, but also their entire community. We could not be more thrilled to help bring a breath of life back into the essence of what Ben and Joe Gallagher started.
Leadership Continuity: The Gallagher Brothers
Through the acquisition, both Luxe Collective founders take on leadership roles in FASHIONPHILE UK, ensuring authenticity remains core to the transition.
Joe Gallagher becomes Director of Operations, steering day-to-day management.
FASHIONPHILE shares our vision for what luxury resale in the UK can become. With their technology, scale and support, we can now realize that vision on a much larger scale.
Extending a Legacy of Innovation and Trust
Since its founding in 1999, FASHIONPHILE has been recognized as the world’s first ultra-luxury recommerce brand, pioneering authentication as the centerpiece of resale. Now, the company is the U.S.’s largest platform for preowned luxury accessories across brands like Chanel, Hermès, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
FASHIONPHILE’s Certified Authentication program and direct buyout model helped redefine how consumers engage with resale. Its flagship stores in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Diego, alongside retail points across Scottsdale, Philadelphia, Austin, and Newport Beach, showcase its blend of in-person luxury and digital prowess.
The addition of Luxe Collective strengthens this foundation by integrating cultural storytelling and community building — two areas that resonate with millennial and Gen Z consumers driving Europe’s sustainable luxury movement.
A Flagship for the Future of UK Resale
The first London flagship store, set to open fully in 2026, will function as a hybrid showroom and authentication hub — an approach aligning with the principles of FASHIONPHILE Certified and in-person verification standards pioneered in the U.S.. This initiative exemplifies Davis’s belief that resale is luxury’s next frontier, addressing rising consumer demand for transparency and sustainability within the circular fashion economy.
FASHIONPHILE’s entry represents a major strategic step toward realizing its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted and sought-after brand for ultra-luxury accessories. The company’s unique mix of community-led operations and data-driven authentication technology are key differentiators from existing luxury resale players.
Digital Momentum and Global Visibility
Social media engagement surrounding the deal has soared, with official posts from @fashionphile and @luxecollective_ confirming the collaboration. Comments from the Gallagher brothers highlighted their enthusiasm for future community-driven campaigns under the FASHIONPHILE Collective name, which will continue leveraging Luxe Collective’s original platforms to connect with young fashion consumers.
The Next Chapter of Luxury Resale
As the luxury market shifts toward circularity, FASHIONPHILE’s move stands as a statement of longevity and leadership — blending heritage with innovation. While traditional retail giants ramp up resale divisions, FASHIONPHILE’s merger with Luxe Collective underscores its commitment to authenticity, infrastructure, and community-driven design.
Or as Ben Hemminger summarized:
Together with Ben and Joe Gallagher, we intend to change that. With this partnership, the UK luxury resale market enters a new chapter — one deeply rooted in trust, technology, and cultural connection, setting the pace for global recommerce into 2026 and beyond.
