Cover Handpicked designer items showcased at the boutique in The Grove By Rockwell (Photo: Courtesy of The Bag Hub)
Handpicked designer items showcased at the boutique in The Grove By Rockwell (Photo: Courtesy of The Bag Hub)
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With unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence, The Bag Hub stands as a beacon of long-lasting luxury in a transient world of fashion by making high-end designer pieces more accessible
In the bustling metropolis of Manila, the fashion scene is alive and well. Among these is this unique store that blends luxury with accessibility and style with sustainability. The Bag Hub, founded by Maia Urrutia in 2009, has become a pioneer in the luxury resale market in the Philippines. Starting from a humble beginning, it has grown into a venture that offers high-end designer pieces while promoting environmental responsibility.
Urrutia’s journey with The Bag Hub is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. It started with her serendipitous discovery of luxury treasures in thrift stores during her formative years as a new employee who wanted to dress well for the office.
“It all began with me hunting for luxury pieces in ukay-ukays [thrift stores] when I was fresh out of college,” she recalls. “I figured I could resell those great finds and earn cash from my hobby. I still relate to women who aspire to get the best value for their hard-earned money.”
Above Maia Urrutia at The Bag Hub boutique in The Grove By Rockwell (Photo: Courtesy of The Bag Hub)
Maia Urrutia at The Bag Hub boutique in The Grove By Rockwell (Photo: Courtesy of The Bag Hub)
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Driven by a vision to democratise luxury fashion, Urrutia embarked on a mission to make designer labels accessible. She first catered to her clientele by making personal pitches in cafes, offices and doctors’ clinics. Later, she debuted an online shop, followed by the first physical store opening in Quezon City in 2014. As the brand evolved, The Bag Hub found its permanent home at The Grove by Rockwell.
Beyond authenticity, The Bag Hub is at the vanguard of sustainability and circular fashion. Recognising the environmental toll of fast fashion and overconsumption, Urrutia pivoted the business model towards consignments and pre-loved luxury items. This strategic shift aligns with global efforts to reduce waste and presents an opportunity for clients to embrace conscious consumerism. By extending the life cycle of luxury goods, The Bag Hub champions a more sustainable approach to fashion, where style coalesces with responsibility.
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Above Maia Urrutia and Ling-ling King (Photo: Courtesy of The Bag Hub)
Maia Urrutia and Ling-ling King (Photo: Courtesy of The Bag Hub)
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Collaboration lies at the heart of The Bag Hub’s success, with Urrutia’s sister-in-law, Ling-ling King, playing an instrumental role in shaping the brand’s identity. “Ling-ling has been part of The Bag Hub since the beginning; she was my first consignor and supplier and now, a partner,” she says. With a keen eye for style and a devotion to ethical fashion, King has been instrumental in helping Urrutia curate a diverse collection that reflects their shared vision of luxury with a conscience. King’s daring and adventurous spirit complement Urrutia’s meticulous approach, resulting in a dynamic partnership that continually pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
“She inspires me to step out of my comfort zone regarding product curation and company direction,” Urrutia shares.
Read more: From Tokyo to Shanghai and more: Tatler’s ultimate guide to vintage shopping around Asia
Above Handpicked items showcased at the boutique in The Grove By Rockwell (Photo: Courtesy of The Bag Hub)
Above A wall of carefully selected and authenticated shoes and bags (Photo: Courtesy of The Bag Hub)
Handpicked items showcased at the boutique in The Grove By Rockwell (Photo: Courtesy of The Bag Hub)
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Central to The Bag Hub’s ethos is a steadfast dedication to authenticity and integrity. In an industry plagued by counterfeit products and dubious practices, Urrutia set out to establish a hub of trust and transparency. Each item that graces The Bag Hub’s shelves undergoes meticulous scrutiny, ensuring that customers receive nothing short of excellence. Authentication became paramount, with Maia and her team undergoing rigorous training to detect the subtle nuances of genuine designer goods. This unwavering dedication to quality has earned The Bag Hub the trust and loyalty of fashion enthusiasts nationwide.
“Luxury pieces aren’t just about wearing expensive brands; they’re about durability and long-lasting quality, timelessness and the heritage that comes with each brand and designer piece,” says Urrutia.
The Bag Hub is growing, and its founder, Urrutia, hopes that luxury is no longer defined by high prices but by values such as genuineness, sustainability, and accessibility. Despite changes in the luxury resale industry, The Bag Hub remains consistent and encourages everyone to experience the timeless charm of reimagined luxury.
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Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
