The Era of Fashion Archives

After years dominated by micro-trends and shaped by algorithms, the fashion industry is undergoing a true recalibration. Designers, stylists, and celebrities are turning to archival fashion as a powerful statement rooted in cultural memory. From red carpets to runways, rare pieces unearthed from the archives of iconic fashion houses are once again taking the spotlight, embodying discernment, privileged access, and a vision of style rooted in curation rather than consumption.

One of the most striking throwback moments remains Kim Kardashian appearing in Marilyn Monroe’s 1962 dress at the Met Gala in 2022—an appearance that is still among the most talked-about today. But the momentum has only intensified.

In 2025, Pamela Anderson chose a Spring 2012 look by Louis Vuitton for The Naked Gun London photocall. At the Academy Awards that same year, Kaia Gerber wore Valentino Spring 1997, Kendall Jenner opted for Mugler Spring 1992, and actress Margaret Qualley selected Chanel Fall-Winter 1989.

The Cannes Film Festival 2025 also saw stars embracing vintage fashion: Amal Clooney wore a Dior gown by John Galliano, while model Elsa Hosk chose a Mugler Haute Couture Fall-Winter 1995 piece.

Amal Clooney

Elsa Hosk

The archive wave continued into 2026, with numerous celebrities reviving iconic designs: Kylie Jenner wore Versace Fall 1996 at the Critics’ Choice Awards, while at the Grammy Awards, American singer Chappell Roan appeared in Rodarte 2007, and Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen Fall 2009.

For her part, Australian star Margot Robbie also embraced several vintage and archival pieces during the promotional tour for her movie Wuthering Heights. These included a brocade coat and mini skirt by John Galliano (Spring 1992), worn at a London promotional event; a leather corset and balloon skirt set by Vivienne Westwood (Fall-Winter 1988 “Time Machine” collection), worn for a London screening; as well as a Dior by John Galliano ensemble (Spring-Summer 1997), drawn from the archives for a London photocall.

Archival fashion, however, is not limited to dresses. At the Los Angeles premiere of Wuthering Heights, Margot Robbie elevated her Victorian-inspired look with the legendary Taj Mahal diamond necklace by Cartier, once owned by Elizabeth Taylor and gifted by Richard Burton over five decades ago for her 40th birthday.

Ariana Grande also made a series of archival appearances in 2025, wearing a Givenchy creation from 1966, a Bob Mackie design from 1997, a 1950s Lilli Diamond dress, and a piece by Elie Saab from his 2004 collection, among many other silhouettes.

Speaking of Lebanese designers, Bella Hadid started 2026 in Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2005 by George Chakra, before wearing, just last month, a red dress from his Spring-Summer 2003 collection for a Valentine’s Day dinner celebrating her fragrance brand Orebella.

You can also checkout: What Celebrities Wore to Coachella 2026

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