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Vestiaire Collective And Carine Roitfeld Just Dropped The Vintage Sale Of Dreams
We are talking runway Galliano, Tom Ford’s Gucci and Jean Paul Gautier LBDs.
Welcome to This Old Thing, where ELLE UK’s vintage-obsessed editors wax lyrical about the very best things they find on their scrolls, from the icons to the cult finds - because buying everything new is so last season.
Every vintage magpie knows that Vestiaire Collective is untouchable when it comes to sourcing those super-special, show-off-about-forever pieces – and today, the online resale destination has dropped a collaboration that will have fashion-history lovers salivating.
This month, Vestiaire Collective is joining forces with Carine Roitfeld on an ephemeral edit of runway relics. The legendary former editor of Vogue Paris, and now editor of CR Fashion Book, has selected 300 pieces from the most studied, celebrated and searched-for collections in fashion history.
Seriously, only someone of Roitfeld’s stature could have unearthed a selection of pieces this iconic: we are talking Jean Paul Gaultier fishnet dresses, John Galliano’s smoke-sheer silk slips and Tom Ford’s sexiest, slinkiest designs from the golden era of Gucci.
Vintage might be big business right now, but Roitfeld has always been a lover of past-season pieces, often sitting front-row at fashion month (she has reportedly attended over 4000 shows throughout her career) not in fresh-off-the-runway newness, but a vintage treasure instead.
Of course, a new-season hero piece always sets pulses raising – but, if you ask me, nothing compares to the thrill of finally finding a long fawned-over treasure from decades past. With designers under pressure to deliver newness at an increasingly rapid rate – and our desire to shop more sustainably driving us off the hamster wheel of the trend cycle – the thrill of the old can often outweigh that of the new (especially when we're talking about ruffle-trimmed, leopard-print Dior silk).
Here, feast your eyes (and empty your bank account) on the very best pieces from what may just be the best vintage edit of all time.
Tom Ford’s high-octane vision for Gucci feels as seductive now as it did in the early Noughties. (So much so, the brand has revived his seminal Horsebit clutch in recent seasons.)
With a lace-up front and plunging back, framed by an incredibly flattering cowl drape, this is undoubtedly the ultimate LBD from Ford's gothic 2002 runway moment.
It wouldn't be a Carine Roitfeld edit without a classic Chanel flap bag. This once, in metallic pewter leather, is as timeless as can be.
From the fishnet sleeves to the body-contouring waist and the coquettish ruffles, this Jean Paul Gaultier dress could have been plucked from SS24 collection (only you won’t ever see anyone else wearing this one).
Until Vivienne Westwood debuted her seminal Stature of Liberty corset in 1987, the garment was a relic of the past, created to constrict women and kept concealed beneath clothing. In the years that followed, fashion's original enfant terrible made the piece an enduring signature of her brand – one which still stands today. Made in England and a true feat of craftsmanship, this classic black design is one to be treasured.
Sheer fabrics are everywhere this season, which makes this vintage find all the more satisfying. Imagine it under low-slung, wide-leg jeans, elevated with a pin-thin stiletto heel.
Simone Rocha's couture collection for Jean Paul Gaultier in January paid homage to the designer's signature silhouette-snatching lacework – something shown to perfection on this original leather waist belt.
From John Galliano's spectacular AW04 collection for the house, this silk maxi skirt comes with maximum drama. Contrast the fluttering ruffles and slender smocking with a simple tucked-in tee.
From AW92, this black silk bodice is quintessential Yves Saint Laurent. Team it with louche tailored trousers, letting the eyelash lace peek from an oversized black blazer.
This early-Noughties Galliano piece features so many of the designer's hallmarks, from the slinky slip silhouette to the spiderweb-lace overlay, and the oriental fan appliqué.
Is there anything more quintessentially Dolce & Gabbana? This tiger-print two-piece comprises a power-mesh bodysuit and a matching scarf, which can be wrapped over your head, tied around your waist, or fashioned into a matching midi skirt.
Crafted from spun-gold silk and falling in fluid, ruffled tiers, this 2011 Chanel creation is Karl Lagerfeld at his best.
This knitted Dior top is Y2K perfection, from the high roll neck to the zebra stripes.
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
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