By Marissa Ross
Celebrating 25 years in the fashion industry, Christos Garkinos has traversed a remarkable journey from a shop owner to a beloved Bravo personality and a successful HSN seller. His latest venture, Covet by Christos (CBC), launched in 2018, is a testament to his passion and dedication to luxury fashion. Through his innovative approach and keen eye for detail, Christos has created unforgettable experiences for fashion enthusiasts, showcasing some of the most coveted vintage luxury items. Delve into the inspiring story behind CBC and the vision that continues to drive its success.
Can you tell us about your journey in the fashion industry and how it led you to create Covet by Christos?
This year marks my 25th year in fashion. I’ve gone from a shop owner, to a Bravo personality and then to an HSN seller. It’s been quite a ride. I founded Covet by Christos (CBC) in 2018 as a trunk show business that takes vintage luxury on the road to underserved markets like Omaha, Detroit, and Kansas City.
How do you identify and curate the luxury vintage items featured on your platform?
We partner with carefully selected and vetted partners who share our same values for curated products and presentations.
Can you share some of the most memorable or significant items sold through Covet by Christos?
There have been so many, but a few standout moments were:
- On one show, a client bought 5 Birkins to complete a rainbow Mauve, Nata, Poppy, Kiwi & Lectin
- VCA DIAMOND
- Hermes Birkin 25 Cargo Canvas 2021
- Hermes Himalayan Kelly for over six figures
- A Chanel necklace like the one worn by Anne Hathaway in “The Devils Wears Prada”
- All our celebrity closet shows from Kathy Hilton to Jennifer Aniston to Lisa Kudrow plus so many more.
What are some of the challenges you faced when transitioning to a live-streaming model, and how did you overcome them?
I was one of the pioneers. The pandemic forced me into solution mode. I went “live” each day at 5 p.m., starting with 8 people watching, and just kept at it. Now, we have over 200 hours of programming across the world monthly.
Your platform has amassed over 2 million views and sold over 150,000 units. How do you engage with your audience and keep them coming back for more?
We have created a very interconnected community based on friendship first and love of luxury goods second. We travel the world together and tune in on a daily basis. Our lives are entertaining and elevating.
Are there any upcoming collaborations or special events that you’re particularly excited about?
I am excited about our continued growth in new categories like beauty and home and our continued expansion of celebrity closet sales. This fall, the community will go to Greece for the fourth installment of ChristoCon. Hundreds of clients and partners will gather (we’ve been to Las Vegas, London and Paris) for fashion, fun and friendship.
You have plans to expand into new categories such as beauty, wellness, and home decor. Can you tell us more about this expansion and what customers can expect?
We’ve broadened our product range to encompass homeware, health and wellness, and beauty products. As the foremost seller of beauty products, we take pride in our offerings. Leading our beauty division is the exceptional Kelly Atterton, known for her expertise and industry connections from her time at Allure and Vogue. Her curated touch enhances our selection, making it truly exceptional.
Do you have any personal favorite items or brands that you’ve featured on Covet by Christos?
Personally, I love our forays into Paris vintage shops, where the best of the best display their collections of clothing and homeware.
As Covet by Christos continues to grow and evolve, Christos remains dedicated to bringing the finest luxury vintage items to a global audience. His passion and commitment to creating a community that values both friendship and high-quality luxury goods have set CBC apart in the industry. With exciting expansions into new categories and the continued success of live-streaming sales and celebrity collaborations, the future looks incredibly bright for Christos and his brand. Covet by Christos will continue to set trends and redefine luxury shopping for years to come.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
