Scouring the internet in search of archival Galliano or Tom Ford-era Gucci tends to be an elusive process requiring hours of clicking and scrolling from one page to the next. But luckily for vintage fashion lovers everywhere, Paris-based resale marketplace Vestiaire Collective is revamping “The Archive Room” to feature a curated edit from its sellers spotlighting the best vintage and archival finds imaginable.
The relaunch of The Archive Room signals Vestiaire Collective’s commitment to create a platform where both seasoned collectors and budding vintage enthusiasts can find one-of-a-kind items from across the globe. “People come to us because we have a global assortment of tier to tier pieces that are rare to find,” Sophie Hersan, co-founder and fashion director of Vestiaire Collective, tells Vogue. With pieces priced between $90 and $27,000, The Archive Room encourages consumers to delve into its diverse vintage offerings—and, more importantly, to highlight the stories and history behind each piece.
Hersan believes that the value of a piece of vintage extends beyond its monetary cost of production and the limited supply available in the resale market. Instead, she emphasizes that the story behind its creation, combined with the cultural influences that shaped our sartorial landscape during those eras, fosters a deeper connection between the wearer and the garment. “Education is important for the new generation, and they are aware of the importance of knowing the stories behind the products they buy,” she says. “Our goal is to reconnect to design, to stories, to craftsmanship, to the designers themselves.”
This move comes at a pivotal moment in fashion where celebrities have increasingly embraced vintage pieces both on and off the red carpet. At the premiere of Dune 2 in London, Zendaya sported futuristic femme in a Fall 1995 Thierry Mugler couture suit. Similarly, at the 2024 Oscars, Sydney Sweeney, Jennifer Lawrence, and Carrey Mulligan all wore archival and vintage-inspired pieces on the red carpet. Even in the 2023 summer blockbuster movie Barbie, Margot Robbie was styled in several looks from Chanel’s archive (including a pink tweed skirt suit modeled by Claudia Schiffer in 1995). “There’s no fashion without storytelling,” says Hersan. “Wearing vintage is like wearing a piece of history, there are stories behind these designs, and celebrities have the power to influence consumers and our goal is to democratize vintage fashion.”
To elevate the shopping experience, Vestiaire Collective has refined its criteria for vintage listings with themed curations that are set to launch on a monthly basis. Looking to snag a rare Maison Martin Margiela artisanal black glove in March? Or perhaps splurge on the best vintage pieces from stalwart French houses in April (and yes, that includes Chanel, Hermes, and Yves Saint Laurent—need we say more?) If you’re feeling that nineties nostalgia, some vintage Prada and Miu Miu are set to go live in May while John Galliano-era Dior launches in June. It’s a lineup of vintage treasures that will carry you through the year and beyond.
Shop a selection of coveted vintage finds, below.