Samina Virk is U.S. CEO of Vestiaire Collective
“Off the Cuff” is a Q&A series from Luxury Daily exploring the career paths, current projects and next steps of those shaping the world’s best luxury brands.
The interviews feature a Proust-style twist, allowing readers to get to know industry leaders on a personal level. The 15th edition features Samina Virk, U.S. CEO of Vestiaire Collective.
In this Q&A, Ms. Virk discusses working with diverse teams, building a village and a fantasy lunch with a power trio.
Here is the dialogue:
What was your first job ever? What did it teach you?
I worked for my father, proofreading real estate appraisals. It taught me the importance of attention to detail and the need to translate a lot of information into clear, key messaging points.
Which skills have been critical to your success? Did you gain these skills within or outside of the workplace?
The ability to work effectively with a variety of people. Whether it’s different functional teams - creative, commercial, data, or engineering teams - to colleagues from different cultural backgrounds.
Some of this came from my career. I spent the first part of my career managing cross-functional teams and clients in an agency setting. Later, I earned my MBA at London Business School, which was an incredibly international experience.
And, some from my personal life. I grew up a first-generation Pakistani-American, where I had to balance and bridge two very different cultures.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I genuinely feel like any advice can be good - it’s about how you translate it to your own situation.
But one of my favorites: Create your own personal board of advisors - a group of people you can trust, go to for advice, and offer support in return, personally or professionally. Build your own power group.
How has your field changed since you started out in luxury, and what do you think your industry will look like in a decade?
Luxury used to feel exclusive and out of reach.
Over time, luxury has evolved into concepts beyond just material goods. With the mix of technology and new business models, luxury is now accessible in more experiential ways, whether through fashion, travel or unique experiences. As technology continues to innovate, we’ll see even more opportunities to have tailored and personalized ways to experience luxury.
What recent projects have ignited your passion for working in luxury?
Working in the fashion resale industry has given me a new appreciation for quality over quantity, and the idea of investment pieces that stand the test of time. I’ve also grown to love the storytelling behind vintage and archival pieces.
At Vestiaire Collective, sustainability has been a core pillar; we were the first resale B-corporation. This has really impacted my awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, and excited to offer fashion circulatory to the U.S. community.
Who, in any industry or sphere, would you most like to share a long lunch with and where would you take them?
I was so inspired when Michelle Obama, Melinda Gates and Amal Clooney joined forces last year to advance gender equality and combat violence against women. I would love to have lunch with all three of them together, to hear about each of their journeys and how they come together as a power group. And I would invite them over to my home to have a relaxed, comfortable lunch.
How do you get into the right mindset before a big meeting or presentation?
I have a strong coffee, scan my notes and listen to a good song!
On your days off, what can you be found doing to relax or have some fun?
Long dinners with my husband or dinner with friends. A walk in the park. A good power yoga class.
What does luxury mean to you?
For me, luxury is less about material goods and more about the freedom to choose how I spend my time and energy. It’s about having the flexibility to choose experiences, moments that I enjoy the most.
Whether a product or service/experience, what is your favorite luxury indulgence?
Travel is my ultimate luxury - I love to travel. I love trips that give me the chance to explore a mix of places and regions, with the luxury of time. For example, on my last trip to Morocco we experienced the energy of Marrakesh, the peacefulness of the Atlas mountains and the magic of the Sahara Desert.