Company Leadership and Ownership
Sarah Davis, the founder and president of FASHIONPHILE, launched the company in 1999 as an eBay storefront to pay off her law school loans. Davis recognized the untapped potential in luxury resale after noticing her luxury items were selling close to or above retail prices.
In 2006, Davis partnered with Ben Hemminger, who became the company’s CEO and helped evolve the brand by expanding the collection and presenting it to a larger market. Hemminger joined after working in real estate development for Chevron Corporation.
The company operates as a private entity, though Neiman Marcus took a minority stake in 2019 when they formed their exclusive re-commerce partnership. This collaboration established the first major alliance between a leading luxury retailer and a re-commerce brand.
Nicole Richie Brand Ambassador Partnership
In May 2025, FASHIONPHILE announced Nicole Richie as its 2025 brand ambassador.
Nicole Richie:
“I have always felt that sustainability in fashion is not just a trend, but a responsibility. This is one of the many reasons I love and shop FASHIONPHILE,” said Nicole Richie.
“They have allowed me to embrace my vintage shopping habits with the best selection of pre-loved, ultra-luxury handbags, accessories, jewelry, and shoes.”
Sophia Tsao, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer of FASHIONPHILE:
“Our partnership with Nicole underscores a shared commitment to a more circular economy and a deep appreciation for secondhand luxury. Her longstanding passion for conscious consumption aligns seamlessly with our vision at FASHIONPHILE – to make luxury more approachable through longevity in fashion,” said Sophia Tsao.
ReNew Handbag Cleaning Kit Launch
In June 2025, FASHIONPHILE introduced its proprietary ReNew Handbag Cleaning Kit, marking the company’s expansion into handbag care products.
“When we realized we couldn’t find the right products on the market for our own Atelier, we knew we had to create them ourselves. This isn’t just a kit – it’s a reflection of years of research and the commitment to circularity we stand behind,” said Sarah Davis.
She further emphasized:
“Luxury is not about excess – it’s about quality and longevity, and we want to encourage treatment of luxury goods as long-term investments. Our Investment Protection Collection is our way of helping luxury enthusiasts and handbag lovers preserve their coveted collections and keep them looking the way they did when first purchased, for years to come,” said Sarah Davis.
Legitimacy and Authentication Excellence
FASHIONPHILE’s legitimacy is built on industry-leading authentication processes that have made it the most trusted name in luxury resale. The company operates with a 100% authenticity guarantee backed by a lifetime return policy.
FASHIONPHILE employs brand-specific authenticators who undergo rigorous training through the company’s proprietary “FASHIONPHILE University” program. Each authenticator must complete a minimum of 5,200 hours of training before being certified to authenticate just seven brands independently.
Every item undergoes inspection by two qualified authenticators who examine stamping, stitching, hardware, authenticity stamps, date codes, serial numbers, materials, and craftsmanship.
The company maintains strong customer satisfaction ratings:
- Trustpilot: 4.6/5 stars from 4,488 reviews
- Sitejabber: 4.8/5 stars from 8,980 reviews
- Yelp: 3.7/5 stars from 1,000 reviews
Financial Performance and Growth
FASHIONPHILE achieved 67% year-over-year profit growth in 2024, the highest in company history. This success reflects their omnichannel strategy, with 60% year-over-year growth in physical retail sales and aggressive expansion: new locations are planned for Newport Beach, Dallas, San Francisco, Atlanta, Boca Raton, and Philadelphia. The company will open a 33,000 square-foot flagship in Los Angeles by Fall 2025, and wholesale now accounts for over 20% of revenue.
Industry Recognition and Market Position
FASHIONPHILE earned Certified B Corporation status in 2023, a reflection of its verified performance, accountability, and transparency. The company has also been highlighted in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “100 Brilliant Ideas” and recognized as an Inc. 500 company.
Within the secondhand luxury market, valued at $34.39 billion and expected to reach $60.55 billion by 2029, FASHIONPHILE stands out both for its direct buyout model and best-in-class authentication, as well as its strategic partnership with Neiman Marcus. The platform has handled over two million handbag restorations in 25 years and is now recognized as a leading destination for buying and selling ultra-luxury, pre-owned accessories.
Future Outlook
FASHIONPHILE’s legitimacy is beyond doubt. Its industry-leading authentication, excellent customer feedback, and strategic expansion all reflect a company at the forefront of luxury resale. Under the leadership of Sarah Davis and Ben Hemminger, and as recent company announcements show, FASHIONPHILE continues to grow with innovation, trustworthy partnerships, and an unwavering focus on customer trust and quality. For those seeking genuine pre-owned luxury, this is the safest and most reliable platform.
