Over the past decade, a building in Newcastle city centre was known for offering tea and sweet treats, first as Patisserie Valerie and later as Cinnabon. Now, it has been transformed into Designer Exchange, a high-end fashion heaven for Geordie fashionistas. Located on Grainger Street, the store is filled with labels like Prada, Gucci, Versace, and Hermes, making it a must-visit destination for label-loving shoppers.
A New Era for Designer Exchange in the North East
Designer Exchange has already proven successful in other UK cities, including Birmingham, Manchester, and London's prestigious Knightsbridge. Its arrival in the North East marks a first for the business, bringing a curated selection of pre-owned luxury goods to Newcastle. ChronicleLive visited on opening day to explore the offerings, which range from Louis Vuitton laptop bags and Gucci holdalls to stunning one-of-a-kind designer dresses. Some items, like a £20,000 Hermes Mini Kelly bag, are so precious they are kept under lock and key.
Local Talent Takes Centre Stage
Amid the international brands, a homegrown touch stands out. Newcastle's own designer, Corey Dixon of Somebody Else's Guy, has a dedicated section in the store. Dixon, who has dressed stars like Sam Fender, reimagines Newcastle United strips and scarves, combining them with garments from Gucci and Ganni. His creations include a dress featuring a Shearer top from the 1990s, proudly displayed in the store window.
Angela Seebue, co-founder of Designer Exchange, told ChronicleLive: "What we do as a company is we buy, sell and exchange pre-owned designer goods, luxury brands. So we have things like Hermes, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton... guys, where can you get this kind of stock in Newcastle?! You can't anywhere!"
Explore the Store
The store offers an array of must-have designer bags, sunglasses, and accessories. From the moment you step inside, you are surrounded by big-name brands. The dedicated Somebody Else's Guy section showcases unique designs that blend vintage Newcastle United with high-end fashion. Whether you are hunting for a bargain or a statement piece, Designer Exchange promises a shopping experience unlike any other in Newcastle.
