Any regular ukay-ukay devotee would know that a treasure trove lies in between the racks. But often, there are the lucky few who hit the biggest jackpot, as some even scored pieces worth upwards of a million pesos!
LOOK: A Content Creator Paid P5000 for a Vintage Designer Trunk Worth P1 Million at a Thrift Store
Writer, content creator, and devout thrifter Virginia Chamlee is among the lucky ukay regulars, scoring a treasure of a trunk–and quite literally, at that.
After testing her luck at an unassuming antique shop in Orange Park, Florida, USA that advertises “old wicker” products, Virginia struck gold when she spotted a unique piece: a vintage Goyard trunk.
“I gasped audibly,” the author said in an interview with Business Insider. "My grandmother was with me and she was like, ‘Be quiet, why are you screaming?’ I thought it must not be real; it was too good of a find. But I figured I would just buy it anyway because if it was fake, it was a really good fake.”
At that time, she paid $90 for the trunk (approximately P5099 now), which carried the emblematic monogram of the French leather goods maker. Virginia contacted a Louis Vuitton and Goyard expert, who confirmed its authenticity.
While Virginia said that it’s difficult to pinpoint the trunk’s exact worth, she–who specializes in designer thrifting as well, having authored Big Thrift Energy–estimated it to potentially sell for approximately upwards P1.1. million.
“My hunch is that someone would pay at least $20,000 for it,” she said in the same interview.
Reseller sites like 1stDibs have listed similar pieces, including a Goyard wardrobe trunk from the 1920s. Currently, it’s listed at $34,471.41, or approximately P1,953,339.
Wardrobe Trunk circa 1920, $34,471.41 (approx. P1,953,339) GOYARD, 1stdibs.com
Aside from its recognizable monogram and sturdy build, the designer trunk also features drawers and compartments inside for jewelry.
According to the report, a local woman had found it in her mother’s attic, and left it at the antique shop. As for Virginia, she has no plans to part ways with it. “But I don't ever intend to sell it. I joke that I'll be the old woman who lived in her trunk.”
Here’s hoping we’re blessed with her ukay luck!
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