Four years ago, Julie Philogène founded Double Life, a brand born from her deep love of fashion and a life-changing experience in Australia. There, she discovered that thrift and consignment stores were fully integrated into everyday consumer habits — offering an alternative that’s sustainable, accessible, and responsible, compared to traditional shopping.
That discovery completely reshaped her vision of fashion. Upon returning to Mauritius, she decided to introduce this innovative concept, giving Mauritians a way to consume more mindfully and eco-consciously.
A Second Life for Fashion: Valuing What Already Exists
At the heart of Double Life lies a simple but powerful idea: thousands of quality clothes sit unused in closets, even though they could be loved again. The project created a space where style meets sustainability, offering a carefully curated selection of second-hand clothing that encourages a more ethical and conscious approach to fashion.
The name Double Life itself reflects its mission — to give garments and accessories with a story a new existence, allowing them to continue being worn and appreciated rather than forgotten or thrown away.
A Streamlined Process in the Service of Sustainability
Julie Philogène explains that Double Life’s success is rooted in a clear and efficient system:
- Individuals bring in clothing in excellent condition directly to the store.
- Each piece is carefully selected, displayed, and offered for sale for one month.
- The rotation rate is impressive — 80 to 90% of items find a new owner within 30 days.
- Once sold, the seller receives 50% of the sale price.
- Unsold items can either be retrieved or donated to partner charities — continuing their journey through circular fashion.
A Passionate Team Behind the Brand
Double Life thrives thanks to a team of six passionate women, fully dedicated to evolving the concept and creating a responsible, enjoyable shopping experience.
Beyond resale, the store also offers:
- Personalized style advice to help clients refine their look.
- An active social media presence sharing inspiration and sustainable fashion tips.
- A tailoring and repair space, led by Soubita, to adjust garments for their new owners and extend their lifespan.
- And now, a new section dedicated to second-hand items for mothers and babies.
“Our long-term goal is to turn Double Life into a full-fledged second-hand concept store, by diversifying our offerings and strengthening our local impact,” Julie explains.
She also announced upcoming drop-off points across the island, making resale even more convenient and accessible.
Supporting Circular Fashion and Local Designers
Double Life also collaborates with Mauritian designers and brands, reselling their unsold stock at discounted prices — a great way to reduce waste while promoting local talent.
But the initiative doesn’t stop at retail. The brand is deeply engaged in raising awareness about responsible consumption through:
- Social media campaigns
- Private events
- Upcycling workshops
- Fashion shows
All designed to change mindsets and challenge prejudices around second-hand clothing.
A Sustainable Trend Taking Root in Mauritius
As overconsumption continues to pose environmental challenges, circular fashion is gaining traction. Double Life has successfully inspired many Mauritians to embrace responsible shopping — proving that second-hand can be both chic and conscious.
More than a passing trend, it’s a lifestyle shift, and Double Life stands as a pioneer of this sustainable fashion revolution in Mauritius.