It’s old, it’s trending, it’s not vintage. Make way for archive fashion
Style-seekers are tracking down once-iconic looks to create outfits that tell their own story. IYKYK
It’s like a treasure hunt, but for designer gear. Stylish folks in the know are currently obsessing over archive fashion – designer clothes, shows and accessories that hold some kind of historic value or carry a compelling story. Think of Vidya Balan’s saris, designed by Sabyasachi, that shone at Cannes in 2013. Or Deepika Padukone promoting Chennai Express in bridal-gown saris designed by Sonaakshi Raaj in the same year.It could also be an item that simply embodies the spirit of its time, such as a VJ’s low-rise, sand-blasted, Levis denims, worn to a turn-of-the-millennium party.
It’s goes beyond vintage. Archive items are more difficult to track down and source. An authentic archival piece must be original, in relatively good condition, and be special to the wearer in some way. Lily-Rose Depp’s army of stylists have turned her out in outfits made famous by Naomi Campbell in the 1990s. Kanye West was inspired by vintage Raf Simons for his Yeezy designs. Model Kaia Gerber has shown up in runway blockbusters that are often three decades old (It helps that her mother is supermodel Cindy Crawford). K-pop star Cha Eun-woo and musician Rihanna have been spotted running errands in archive clothing.
Sure, re-wearing old clothes is the green thing to do, but with the world tracking your every sartorial decision, it’s one way of standing apart. IYKYK. Designers and pre-loved fashion store owners offer advice on tracking, stocking investing and acing the game.
