Own a piece of ‘The Traitors’ history thanks to Stephen Libby’s eBay sale
The series four winner talks personal style and his strategy for sourcing vintage gems
Forget fashion week, it’s reality TV everyone’s looking to for style inspo. At least that was the case with The Traitors winner Stephen Libby, whose knack for ’70s silhouettes instantly made him a style super star.
“In my mind I’m not doing anything novel or new, and I think that’s the most striking thing about my look,” Libby tells me. We arrange a call to talk about how he cultivates his personal style as he prepares to auction off pieces from his wardrobe in collaboration with eBay. All proceeds from the sale will go to The Leanne Fund, the Scotland-based cystic fibrosis support organisation.
Were you always fascinated by vintage fashion?
My love of vintage clothing came later in life. I started vintage shopping when I was a student because it was cost effective. Vintage clothing for me was affordable, but the quality was always so much better. I realised quite quickly that I didn’t have to replace my clothes every three months.
Vintage pieces really do have longevity. Clothes today aren’t always built like that.
The thing about pre-loved clothes is that it’s been around. I hate to say that the ’90s is vintage now, but if something has lasted that long, it proves its quality. I have a trench coat from the 1940s. To think that’s almost a hundred years old. And let me tell you, it’s better quality than anything I could buy in the 2020s.
Going into this partnership with eBay, how did you decide what to part with?
This partnership has really made me look at my wardrobe in a whole new light. Every article of clothing I have reminds me of moments in my life when I bought and wore them. But at the end of the day, they are just pieces of clothing.
I started with the blue jacket. This particular jacket was made for me by a friend, so it holds a lot of sentimental value. But knowing I can pass it on, using eBay as a platform and raise money for charity, I’ll be so happy knowing it’s carrying on a legacy in its own way.
What’s your process when hunting down gems on eBay?
About 70% of my journeys to charity shops end in failure, which isn’t a bad thing. The great thing about eBay is that I can curate my perfect shop. There are saved items, tags and filters that I come back to time and time again. It’s essentially curating my perfect rail for me, which I can’t do when I shop pre-loved in person.
What was your last search on eBay?
I’m always on the lookout for ’70s suits. I will never have too many because I can wear them casually with a white T-shirt or really dress them up for an event. It’s probably the most versatile item a man can have in his wardrobe.
Do you have any tips for finding gems?
I don’t only look for clothes in my specific size. People think the high street is easier because they can find their exact size. I use my local dry cleaners regularly because I buy things in sizes bigger that can be tailored to my size for very cheap.
Were there any musicians from the ’70s that really shaped your style?
There are stalwarts like Bowie and Elton John. They weren’t just doing ’70s fashion they were pushing it even further. Elton John in stacked shoes with those insane platforms and photos of Bowie leaving parties in jumpsuits. They walked so me and Harry Styles could run.
Shop Stephen Libby’s wardrobe now at eBay.com.