Katie Holmes opened the Queen Bee, the dêpot-vente for pre-loved luxury and vintage goods, in 2014.
A former fashion stylist of twenty years (she styled Sotheby’s catalogue for the New York sale of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s private wardrobe), Katie’s industry insight is evident in her eye-popping window fronts and daily fashion previews on Instagram highlighting the shop’s new arrivals from Gucci, Stella McCartney and Prada.
The Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein stylist also has a knack for business development. The Queen Bee hosts exclusive in-store pop-ups to showcase guest brands, Ladies’ Nights, and, as of the end of October, has opened an in-house Handbag Clinic.
“Customers will be offered an extensive bespoke menu of handbag repair and restoration services from the UK’s only premium accessories clinic,” Katie told Monaco Life. For example, a crocodile Hermès Birkin bag can be rejuvenated and recoloured to the colour of your choice.”
There are five Handbag Clinic stores in the UK – London-Chelsea, London-Knightsbridge (Harvey Nichols), Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester – as well as in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Katie and her assistant Olivia Gray underwent training at the Newcastle headquarters to learn about craftsmanship and specialist procedures, which includes minor repairs, protection and maintenance that can be completed on site. Full restoration will require sending the bags to Newcastle, where technicians have undergone three years of training.
In addition, she has brought on board a dedicated team of handbag technicians who will be able to help customers rejuvenate their beloved bags – from cleaning and protection to hardware and stitching work. Complete recolouring treatments and a comprehensive repair and restoration service will also be available.
Located in the Palais Gallia on the Place de la Crémaillère, the Queen Bee is open Monday though Friday, 10 am to 7 pm. Article first published November 4, 2017.