Inside our Accessories Department

With our newly launched Accessories collection and with so much going on here at Xupes, we thought it would be a great idea to delve into the thoughts of the team members who are heading up our newest department to get the inside information on how things began, as well as what's in store for Xupes next. We spoke to Directors, Reece Morgan and Debra Willis. 

Reece, you joined Xupes as an assistant photographer in 2014, you then went onto set up the bag department and now we're announcing the launch of the accessories department! How would you describe the process from then to now?

Reece Morgan: The bag department began in 2015, when Joe and Frank had the idea and offered me the opportunity to head it up. We started with a very small budget, choosing just a select few pieces but we quickly learnt that there was an appetite for a bag offering through our clients. We were also attracting new clients, so from there we expanded to stock the collections you see today.
We have toyed with the idea of having an Accessories department throughout the years and it’s something our clients have asked us for. Now just feels like the right time to be launching!

Debra, you joined in 2020 as Head of Jewellery and you're now a Director. How have you seen the business change since you joined the company?

Debra Willis: I was originally bought in to focus on expanding the jewellery offerings and broadening our core brands. From this, I bought in the sought-after ranges from Cartier like the Love range and the Juste un Clou range as well as more from Tiffany which are now staples within our collections. Accessories was always in the pipeline but as Reece says, now is the right time for it to be launching.

What would you say is your favourite part of your role day to day?

Debra Willis: My background is in buying so for me, sourcing special items is one of my favourite parts of the role. Not to mention when you’ve managed to find a certain piece, at the right price for a client and they absolutely love it, that’s really fulfilling!

Reece Morgan: I’d have to agree with Debra, I love the sourcing side and the investigation of hard-to-find pieces. It can be really rewarding when you finally find the thing your client has been unable to find elsewhere and seeing how happy it makes them. Another thing is that no two days are the same so there’s a lot of variety involved.

What would you say the most sought-after item in accessories is regardless of brand?

Debra Willis: I would say small leather goods are most popular as they tend to be a great starting point for people wanting to invest in designer brands. They’re a great entry investment into a brand, perhaps as a 21st birthday present which then stays with the recipient for many years as they add to their collection.

Reece Morgan: I totally agree. We all carry a wallet or a card holder and it’s the kind of item you would invest in anyway, so people aren’t afraid to spend that bit more knowing they’re investing in a brand they love and that it’ll be great quality.

Which accessory could you not leave the house without?

Debra Willis: I am partial to a scarf and when it comes to designers, Chanel has to be my favourite. I just feel a scarf can transform an understated outfit into something quite special. The team are all in love with the Hermès Twilly’s which are also really versatile as you can wear them in your hair, round your neck or tied to your bag!

Reece Morgan: I couldn’t leave the house without all my Louis Vuitton accessories. I am a major collector of the brand, so their accessories are a must-have for me. I have all the daily essentials from my laptop case, cosmetics pouch, card holder and even my keyholder! All the items I need with me on a day-to-day basis.

What’s been your vision throughout setting up the Accessories department? And has this aligned how you’d imagined?

Debra Willis: The vision was to bridge the gap between our departments. We had clients asking for certain accessories when buying a bag for example, so it just made sense. It now means we can provide clients with the whole offering when they come to see us! It has aligned how we’d imagined; we are thrilled with the launch collection.

Reece Morgan: It has aligned with how we’d first envisaged. We’re really pleased to now be offering, not only something our current clients have asked for, but we can now also reach new clients who may want to dip their toes into the world of pre-owned! I’d say it’s also opened our eyes as to what’s out there and there are already items we hope to stock in the future.

How do you see the Accessories department growing? Are you planning on adding any other product ranges to the offering?

Debra Willis: We will probably begin by bringing in more seasonal items, for example, heavier scarves, gloves and some more playful items around Christmas which will make perfect gifts.

Reece Morgan: We see the accessories department becoming as big as bags and jewellery. There are no barriers as to what we can offer and that’s what makes it so exciting. If we want to add a Chanel basketball to our collection we can. In fact, we have just sold a Louis Vuitton one!


Explore our accessories department, whether you’re looking to purchase your first item of a brand you’ve loved forever or you’re looking to add to your ever-growing collection, there’s something for everyone!