The Who What Wear Podcast: Christos Garquinos, the "Robin Hood of Fashion"

Episode Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, host Bobby Schessler engages in a deep conversation with Christos Garquinos, the visionary founder of the luxury live shopping network, Covet by Christos. Known as the "Robin Hood of Fashion," Christos shares his remarkable journey from his early days in Michigan to revolutionizing the luxury resale market. The episode delves into his entrepreneurial ventures, personal challenges, and insights into the evolving fashion industry.

Early Life and Passion for Fashion

[03:00 – 05:00]

Christos Garquinos opens up about his upbringing in a Greek immigrant family in Detroit, Michigan. Growing up in his parents' restaurant, he fondly recalls observing his father, Nick the Greek, craft stylish outfits without any formal training. This early exposure ignited his passion for fashion.

Christos Garquinos ([03:20]): "The minute I realized I was going to be a fashionista, I was nine years old... Something like thunderbolt hit me."

This pivotal moment during his childhood playground experience cemented his desire to immerse himself in the world of style and elegance.

Career Path: From Marketing to Fashion

[05:00 – 07:30]

Christos details his initial foray into the corporate world, working with prominent companies like Clorox and Disney. Despite his creative inclinations, he grappled with conforming to corporate norms, exemplified by his seersucker suit mishap at Clorox.

Christos Garquinos ([04:59]): "I showed up my first day in a seersucker suit with a yellow tie, thinking chic. They sent me home and said no."

Choosing to bypass Harvard Business School, he joined Disney, where he played a crucial role in expanding Disney stores across Europe. However, the digital revolution in music, particularly Napster's rise, led to a significant career pivot.

Founding Covet by Christos

[07:40 – 14:54]

Transitioning into the resale market three decades ago, Christos leveraged his expertise in fashion to create Covet by Christos. Initially a one-man operation streaming live luxury and vintage fashion on Instagram, it has since expanded to a global network operating seven days a week across ten countries, amassing $150 million in sales.

Christos Garquinos ([13:11]): "We have a community called Stow Squad... They're ballers and they've all become friends."

Christos recounts the humble beginnings of his live shows, starting with just a handful of viewers, and his strategic partnerships that fueled exponential growth. His innovative model blends live interaction with the convenience of online shopping, creating a "Netflix of shopping."

Personal Challenges and Resilience

[10:52 – 21:49]

Christos candidly shares his struggles with addiction following the cancellation of his Bravo reality show, Dukes of Melrose. This tumultuous period saw him drowning in debt and battling substance abuse. However, his commitment to sobriety over the past nine years has been a cornerstone of his resurgence.

Christos Garquinos ([11:10]): "I'm nine years sober now, so I'm really excited about that."

His resilience shone through as he reinvented his business model during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming his closet-based live sales into a thriving global network.

Insights on the Luxury Resale Market

[16:23 – 18:34]

Christos provides a deep dive into the luxury resale market, highlighting perennial favorites like Chanel clutches and Hermes Birkin bags. He emphasizes the enduring demand for these iconic pieces, often reselling at impressive percentages of their original prices.

Christos Garquinos ([16:23]): "Every girl and now I say boy, because I care... needs a great clutch."

He also spotlights emerging trends, such as the rising popularity of Miu Miu and Tom Ford for Gucci, underscoring their strong resale value and cultural cachet.

Personal Anecdotes and the "Robin Hood" Philosophy

[07:40 – 09:13]

Christos shares memorable stories from his career, including helping a Chanel hoarder declutter her possessions and his playful moniker, the "Robin Hood of Fashion." This philosophy centers on making luxury fashion accessible by redistributing high-end pieces to a broader audience.

Christos Garquinos ([08:13]): "I have to keep my poker face on because I would see the Tom Ford for Gucci piece that they had no idea they had in their closet."

His approach not only promotes sustainability through circular fashion but also democratizes access to luxury goods.

Advice for Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs

[20:16 – 21:38]

Offering invaluable advice, Christos encourages aspiring fashion entrepreneurs to trust their instincts, stay solution-focused, and seize every opportunity to network and collaborate.

Christos Garquinos ([20:16]): "Don't listen to the stuff in your head and don't listen to other people... just take that first step."

He underscores the importance of persistence and proactive engagement, sharing personal strategies that propelled his success.

Future Endeavors and Conclusion

[21:59 – 22:54]

Christos reveals exciting future projects, including the release of his memoir, The Comeback, which has already topped several bestseller lists. He hints at plans to expand Covet by Christos into new categories, including beauty and supporting independent brands.

Christos Garquinos ([22:09]): "The business is going to start growing. We have so many new categories to get into."

He teases a forthcoming second book, promising an insider's look into the retail world with entertaining and insightful anecdotes.

Closing Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive look into Christos Garquinos' extraordinary journey, blending personal resilience with entrepreneurial brilliance. His story is not only inspiring but also offers actionable insights into the luxury resale market and the broader fashion industry. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to innovate and thrive in a competitive landscape, making this episode a must-listen for fashion enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Christos Garquinos ([03:20]): "The minute I realized I was going to be a fashionista, I was nine years old... Something like thunderbolt hit me."

• Christos Garquinos ([04:59]): "I showed up my first day in a seersucker suit with a yellow tie, thinking chic. They sent me home and said no."

• Christos Garquinos ([08:13]): "I have to keep my poker face on because I would see the Tom Ford for Gucci piece that they had no idea they had in their closet."

• Christos Garquinos ([11:10]): "I'm nine years sober now, so I'm really excited about that."

• Christos Garquinos ([20:16]): "Don't listen to the stuff in your head and don't listen to other people... just take that first step."

Connect with Christos Garquinos:

• Book: The Comeback available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Audible.
• Instagram: @covetbychristos
• Website: covetbychristos.com

This episode was produced by Hilary Kerr, Summer Hammeris, and Natalie Thurman. Editing by Ko Takasugi Chernovin, with audio engineering by Glen Canyon Audio and music by Jonathan Leah.