LAUNE x The Archive Project
Meet The Archive Project! The Archive Project is a secondhand style destination that partners with iconic individuals; artists, designers, stylists, founders of brands, fashion curators, thrifting connoisseurs, slow living enthusiasts and so many more, to consign pieces from their closet. They also travel the world to source and deliver a curated assortment of one-of-a-kind pieces. In a world of excess, The Archive Project is filling the gap and finding actionable solutions to help mitigate the fashion industry’s environmental impact on the planet. I applaud and admire their commitment and efforts while also looking oh so chic!
Get to know more about sustainability, the fashion industry, and The Archive Project below!
1. Tell me about The Archive Project? How was it created?
The Archive Project is a secondhand and vintage style destination specializing in contemporary designers and accessible wardrobe staples. We pride ourselves in sourcing quality, unique, value-priced pieces. Throughout my career, I worked with numerous direct to consumer clothing companies and saw firsthand the wastefulness derived from fast-fashion brands that were using outdated inventory models, leading to overproduction. This opened my eyes to the detrimental impact fast fashion has on the environment which ultimately fueled my passion and love for secondhand and thrifting. After experiencing the reward that came from sourcing one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, I was motivated to make secondhand and vintage clothing more accessible, which is when I decided to launch a project of my own. The Archive Project launched in November 2023 with the goal of delivering a solution-oriented shopping platform and style destination focusing on conscious consumerism.
Our business operates with two main functions: consignment and sourcing. For the consignment piece, we work with individuals we deem as “Icons,” aka artists, designers, secondhand enthusiasts, founders and more, to curate and sell items from their closet they are ready to part ways with. We partner with individuals who are inspiring or making a positive impact in the fashion industry. On the other hand, we also source special vintage and secondhand pieces to sell online (yes, we take sourcing requests)! My favorite part of our ethos is being able to share the stories behind our icons, and how they wore their pieces in hopes that it inspires someone else to buy these secondhand items and create their own unique experience and story with them.
2. What is the LAUNE (mood) of The Archive Project?
The way I would describe the LAUNE or mood of the Archive Project is playful, timeless and bold. Playful because we truly have so much fun and try to ensure our campaigns and aesthetic remain vibrant. Bold because we aren’t afraid to try new styles and mix and match patterns, prints and silhouettes when putting outfits together.Timeless because we try to stay away from trendy pieces that people will get tired of in a few months and instead try to focus on the pieces that help build a timeless wardrobe and can be repeated over and over again.
3. How do you source your pieces?
Whenever I travel, I make it a point to carve out at least one full day for thrifting. I go to Europe about 3-4 times a year, so I usually stock up on some great pieces there. I also source a lot of pieces online through various secondhand websites.
4. What inspires you?
Traveling, definitely. Exploring a new city, discovering the landscapes, indulging in the culture, eating and trying new foods. A big part of the reason I decided to launch the Archive Project is because I always felt like collecting pieces of clothing from new countries I visited was so special and exciting. Knowing that a piece I sourced in a country like Spain or Italy makes its way to someone across the world is pretty cool and makes me feel connected to the rest of the world in a way. I also love that every piece I source is truly unique to that country’s culture and design.
5. What are three staple items that every closet should have?
BLAZERS first and foremost. They are the most versatile piece of clothing one can own, make a statement, and ensure you always look put together.
A staple Tee or Tank. I wear a tank top about 5 times a week.
Point Toe Kitten Heel. I have not worn a “real” heel in about 2 years, all I wear are kitten heels. I have become obsessed with finding designer kitten heels and have sold quite a few through the Archive Project.
6. Describe your style in three words.
I would describe my style in the same way I describe the Archive Project. Bold, playful and timeless. I truly don’t shop firsthand or new or anymore, unless it’s for an essential piece like a sneaker or a workout outfit. I am thrifting and sourcing so often that I’ve been able to build about 90% of my wardrobe from secondhand pieces, which makes it so much better because I know I won’t see others wearing it.
7. What’s next for The Archive Project?
We are focused on growing the brand, exploring partnerships, and expanding our portfolio of Icons. Part of the reason we chose the name The Archive Project, is because we really wanted it to feel like a project; something that is collaborative, and always evolving, with the goal of achieving a desired outcome. In our case, our goal is to educate consumers on the importance of re-wearing, reusing, and upcycling garments to ensure longevity in your clothing. Sometimes all that is needed is a simple reminder to stop and take a moment to reflect on the need or purpose behind each shopping decision to avoid impulse buying.
8. You donate 10% of your profits to Remake foundation. Tell me more about The Archive Project’s pledge and ethos.
I always knew when I started something it would be mission oriented and purpose driven. I researched over 20 different organizations and really fell in love with what Remake foundation stood for. Remake foundation is a global advocacy organization fighting for fair pay and climate justice within the clothing industry. They put together community events, fundraise, educate consumers on how their buying decisions and habits affect the environment, and drive awareness around environmental issues. Donating 10% of our annual profits to them is our way of giving back and helping make a positive impact on the fashion industry, even if it's a small impact. You can learn more about our pledge here.
Rapid Fire:
1. Favorite brand?
Favorite Vintage brands: Jones NY or Kasper for Blazers, Emmanuel Ungaro for sets and tops.
Non Vintage Brands: The Frankie Shop or Dissh for more accessible pieces that feel and look luxe.
2. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Could never stick to one!
3. Favorite place?
Mallorca, Spain
4. Favorite style icon?
All the icons I work with through Archive Project are truly iconic and have amazing style. I also really love European style so a lot of my “fashion saves” are Spain or Copenhagen based creators. Danielle Copperman (@dcopperman) on Instagram is also one of my favorite style creators.
5. Favorite movie?
The Holiday
5. What are 3 things that are “in” in 2024?
Secondhand & Upcycling Clothes
Slowing down (in all aspects)
Doing things for YOU
6. What are you loving right now?
Long neighborhood walks and having zero plans :)
