A true New Yorker and a Parisian at heart, ten years ago she co-founded ReSee, an ultra-luxury second-hand experience. He tells us about his daily life, his beginnings, his projects.
Madame Figaro. – One hour wake-up call ?
Sofia Bernardi. – 7:15 with two call reminders. If I could, I would sleep earlier.
The height of your position ?
Giving a second life to iconic pieces and telling a fashion story through them.
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Results must be given here and now ?
ReSee is a team of about twenty people, 13,000 pieces sold, 70% of our turnover outside of France (including 50% in the United States) and 50% in handbags. Finally, since the creation of the site in late 2013, there has also been an 80% year-on-year growth.
If we go back to the roots ?
New York, in the 1980s, an anthropologist father, a psychologist mother, and life in a slightly strange part of the city. Hell’s Kitchen and its two towers, built in the 1970s for artists. In the elevator, we could meet girls like Misty Copeland, who has since become the first African-American woman to be named a principal dancer, or my friend Alicia Keys… And many other strong personalities.
The device that started it all ?
I was a shy little girl until I was the captain of my basketball team. One day in 1999, Hillary Clinton visited us at school. At the time, everyone wondered if he would enter the Senate race. After my little introduction, I shook his hand and said. “Dare to compete !” (“Come on, start! “, editor’s note). A whole generation of girls and women was waiting for this moment. We have since met again and I carry this formula with me every day.
In my elevator when I was younger, I could meet girls like Alicia Keys, my friend
Sophia Bernardi
Mentor ?
I started as an assistant Vanity Fair And GQ, in New York. My boss at the time, Lottie Oakley, director of international affairs, took me with her suitcases. Vogue: trusting myself. “I move, you move.”
Travel Accelerator ?
This experience in New York. Everyone was working so hard. It was stressful, demanding, but there was a passion, attention to detail and fashion knowledge that never left me.
Obstacles on the way ?
In 2005 I felt I had to make a choice between my career and my personal life. I was offered my dream job, an American director Vogue China, near the start. However, I had just met a Frenchman whom I wanted to join in Paris. I followed my heart. Married for sixteen years, we have four children.
When I was working in New York, there was a passion and knowledge of fashion that never left me
Sophia Bernardi
Who trusted you? ?
My colleague Sabrina Marshall, eleven years ago. Vestiaire Collective and Collector Square had just launched. In my opinion, a sharper actor was missing. He told me: “I’m doing it with you.”
What a challenge for tomorrow! ?
Open an office in the United States to source parts from. Sébastien Fabre, former CEO of Vestiaire Collective, joined us in 2023 and brings a strong operational presence.
What would you like to convey? ?
My passion for fashion history. The average age for us is 35 years old. So a lot of people are discussing collections that they haven’t seen before, and that’s very interesting.
Having influence means having a vision
Sophia Bernardi
When do you go offline? ?
Once a week, for twenty years, for a Pilates class. I close my eyes and focus on the movement.
Off for a moment ?
Breakfast with my kids and the market on the weekend.
A look that sets you free ?
Phoebe Philo’s. She really thought about working women when she dressed them.
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Your definition of influence ?
Have a vision and carry it with authenticity.
Lunch in town ?
My husband: Alfred’s restaurant, Da Alfredo (formerly Finzi), Boulevard Haussmann, Paris. it looks like Naples in the 1970s.
Source: Le Figaro
