Where do the dresses come from?

The vintage dresses were found in car boot sales and charity shops around the world, discovered through an interest in roaming through piles of old clothes. Some pieces were gifted or inherited from family and friends. The collection began in the late 1980s in Sweden and continues today, though at a slower pace. For the brief chronology of the development of the dress archive you can see more here.

What condition are the garments in?

All dresses are pre-owned and may show subtle signs of wear. Some have been more preloved than others. Any notable flaws are clearly described and shown.

Are all items unique?

Each dress in the archive is a single vintage piece. We only hold one copy, though other examples of the same model may exist elsewhere. If you see one, we would be interested to know where you found it and its story.

What makes a garment worth preserving?

The garments in the archive are chosen quite randomly date from the 1950s to the early 2000s. What they share is character and a feeling that they still have some life left in them. It may be the fabric, a beautiful pattern, an interesting button or detail, or simply the sense that the garment deserves to be worn again.

Why does every dress have an archive number?

Every garment is given a permanent archive number so its record remains part of the collection, whether it is available, archived, or has found a new owner. The archive continues to grow over time, preserving a record of each garment.

Are the dresses cleaned or repaired before sale?

Every dress is cleaned, measured, and in some cases mended or redesigned before returning to use.

Can I have a discount if I want to buy several dresses?

Yes, if you do want to buy more than one dress we offer discounts. Get in touch with sales@thedressarchive.com.

Professional Enquiries?

We work with boutiques, vintage retailers, stylists, costume departments, photographers and other professionals interested in sourcing garments from The Dress Archive. Whether you are looking to curate a selection for your shop, or use some pieces for a project, please get in touch. We offer wholesale pricing, curated selections and showroom appointments. Get in touch with sales@thedressarchive.com.