A note from Leah:

During my freshman year at Tulane, I discovered Allison’s Archive on Instagram and appreciated her talent for sourcing 90s and early 2000s vintage designer clothing. I was a merchandising assistant/intern for Allison during the summer of 2024 on my days off from working as a client advisor at James Perse in Soho. During my time at AA, I learned not only about styling but also the value of true archival pieces, their history, and what that history can mean for future seasons.

While living in Paris during my junior year semester abroad, I assisted her in sourcing archival Blumarine, Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, and other brands. Some of Allison’s other favorite brands to source are Jean Paul Gaultier, Dior by John Galliano, Moschino, Chloe by Stella McCartney, Gucci by Tom Ford, and Versace. When I started working for Allison, she was located in Williamsburg, and she is now on the Upper East Side. I included photos from my time at AA and from the archive’s Instagram below.

You can make appointments to shop the archive in person or shop directly from Allison’s Archive.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur in the fashion space?

Allison: When I was in school, I didn’t exactly have intentions of starting my own business, and when I graduated, I worked in marketing for a while. I always loved fashion and felt like I was missing something, so I started selling vintage on the side- the rest is history!

How old were you when you started sourcing?

When I was in college at Syracuse, during my freshman year, I became obsessed with going to the thrift shops after class. I can’t drive but would beg anyone and everyone to drive me…I wasn’t consciously “sourcing” for the shop then, more just shopping for myself, but looking back, it definitely started my vintage obsession.

What is your favorite sourcing or thrifting tip?

Always start in the lingerie/sleepwear section!

How do you decide which pieces to include in the archive?

It’s kind of a feeling… like sometimes I see something and just know I have to have it, later to find out it walked the runway or was seen on a celeb, other times I see a piece and immediately know its relevance.

What have you learned about selling exclusively online versus adding physical experiences like showroom appointments?

I truly feel like vintage shopping is a sensory experience and more of a feeling than anything. With vintage, when you know, you know. That in-person element is really important to our clients.

Who is your favorite celebrity who has worn AA?

Sabrina Carpenter was the first celeb who wore a piece from us, so she will always have a special place in my heart.

What’s a piece in the archive you personally wish you could keep?

Too many! To be honest, if I think about this, I’m not going to have anything to sell anymore. I just feel grateful to get to hold each piece until it finds its new home!

Why do you think vintage fashion has gained so much popularity in the past 5 or 6 years?

A few factors are at play here. Vintage fashion sits at the intersection of sustainability, individuality, and cultural nostalgia. As people grow more conscious of fast fashion’s environmental impact, vintage offers a circular, ethical alternative that feels thoughtful and elevated. At the same time, social media has amplified the desire for unique, curated personal style and vintage pieces provide that rarity, quality, and storytelling that mass-produced clothing simply can’t replicate!