Gucci boots and Stella McCartney handbag available at Covetique

Imagine if Net-a-Porter and eBay got together and gave birth to a site that sells high-quality, pre-loved designer fashion and you have Covetique, a new place to hunt for designer treasure at a fraction of the price.

Founded by ex-City venture capitalist Nicola McClafferty, Covetique is home to premium condition Choos, Zanottis, Louboutins, Prada handbags, Chloe dresses, Balenciaga shifts, Phillip Lim coats and lots more - often unworn. Most of its sellers are Net-a-Porter shoppers and about a third of merchandise still has the tags on. In fact, at the site's launch party at Morton's in Mayfair, we spied a pair of sliver Giuseppi Zanotti pumps whose leather soles were as flawless as they day they were sold and an Hervé Léger dress that had never had a body in it.

After ten weddings over the course of one summer, McClafferty realised that she was spending all her money on dresses that she would probably only ever wear once. Not having the time to eBay her clothes ("back and forth to the post office - no"), she conceived of a service that makes selling designer clothes irresistibly easy. Covetique will collect all of your items from your home or office before verifying their authenticity (the site has an expert eye in its employ), photographing them, and posting them on the site. Too easy. The site takes a 37.5% commission but, in our opinion, it's worth it to avoid the logistical tedium of selling things yourself.

Julia Neel

There's London, New York, Paris and Milan, the fashion capitals where the established brands and emerging talent flock and where the attention turns each season. But it's not just the big four cities that are a breeding ground for talent. And it's Africa that's under the spotlight now.

This spring sees the arrival of the continents first pop-up luxury boutique, Merchants. Based at The Shop at Bluebird on King's Road the pop up showcases a selection of young brands, offering everything from fashion and accessories to leisure and homeware. Curated and presented by Merchants On Long, Africa's first concept store in Cape Town, the featured brands stem from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Malawi. With the majority of the designers having never been sold outside of their home countries before, the shop is a chance to explore those at the forefront of African design.

Visit the shop from 3^rd May until 16^th June.

Josie Sampson

Last night we celebrated the launch of 'The World of PRISM' at Harvey Nichols. The pop up shop has sprung up on the fourth floor to cater to all those lucky enough to be seeing some sun (and those who just fancy some rather stylish accessories). Pick up eyewear, swimwear and our favourite take on espadrilles yet - a limited edition version made in soft leather. Jeweller Bex Rox has also contributed to the collection with a range of sunglasses chains with rose gold triangle details. Whilst architect Rafael de Cárdenas and set designer Robert Storey created a space to show it all off. Go check it out.