A Look Inside Haut Corporation, One of London’s Best Stockists of Rare, Covetable Vintage

Words and styling: Katy Cutbirth | Photography: Olivia Ezechukwu | Hair: Hannah Godley | Makeup: Grace Ellington | Clothes: Haut Corporation

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Continuing our series by Fashion Director Katy Cutbirth and Beauty Editor Grace Ellington, which spotlights the best vintage stores around the world, we turn to London. Tucked into East London’s Hackney neighbourhood, Haut Corporation sits along the it-girl–approved stretch of independent shopping on Hackney Road. Small but impactful, the space is packed with an impressive curation of Junya-Watanabe, Margiela, Miu Miu, Alaïa, and so much more.

Founder Hanna Samson brings not only impeccable taste, but a sharp eye for the rare and covetable pieces she knows her clientele is after. It’s not often you’ll find Bless alongside JPG, or Chanel styled with Helmut Lang, but if you’ve ever imagined it, Haut is the place to find it.

Part boutique, part archive, Haut has become a go-to for London’s leading stylists to loan from and a trusted destination for top collectors to consign to. Here, Hanna shares her best tips and tricks of the trade, favourite memories on the job and gives a rare insight into what an archival specialist is truly searching for.

Hi Hanna! What was the first vintage piece you fell in love with?

I was 12 years old - a tuxedo suit in my best friend's mother's closet - she was a stylist.

Do you remember your best vintage find? What made it special? 

I still find beautiful pieces that keep me up at night but the earlier finds were probably a Junior Gaultier piece and a 98’ Margiela jumper.

Which era do you feel most connected to and why? 

The 90’s because it was less cool.  People just threw things on and didn’t do fashion or fits, so it was all quite authentic and expressive in a casual way. Street photography from all over the world emerged like Fruits magazine and you saw people coming from sub culture, dressing wild without a care. You dressed for yourself and your peers and the guy/girl you fancied at that time.

What's your dream vintage find?

I love Helmut Lang! I would like to own all of his dresses and skirts. Margiela 1990 - I have not seen many pieces of that season.

What's the most unexpected place you've sourced from?

The floor.

Which fashion decade do you think is the most underrated? 

The 70’s was great and fluid, and I think we lack Asian influence in pattern making here in the west.

What's a vintage trend you're hoping makes a comeback?

(I) don’t do trends.

Do you prefer archival designer or unknown labels? 

Both! The Archive is for reference and historical reasons. We need new ideas mixed with old. I think fashion has became lazy. The references are obvious. Egos rather than focusing on the brands heritage and then flip it- I love when a designer flips the whole ID but also respects the foundation. It’s all very short lived and customer friendly. The focus is not on the clothes or idea anymore rather then the show and random people around it. Too much noise about nothing. Fashion was cool when it wasn’t.

Have you ever regretted letting a piece go?

Most of my Margiela and Lang.

Which city do you think has the best vintage scene?

London because of it's fashion designers and music scenes. London always recreates itself. It has a lot of history to take from. Since it’s so industry driven and uni fees have become so expensive, fashion has lost its spark a bit but that’s why I’m more involved with vintage these days. It’s more independent and slightly an antidote to fashion. Let’s see for how long.

What fabric or detail do you always look out for when sourcing?

Nylon, sheer, thick cotton and Scottish wool.

What's the story behind the most valuable piece you've ever sourced?

An Alaia model in the 80’s - what she wore on the runway. She sold her items to me.

Has your eye for vintage evolved over time?

Yeah I got to know more brands, but I don’t change much. I like what I like…. I've looked for quality since I was young. I’ve been going to flea markets since I was eight. I'm a hunter. My dad showed me how beautiful the world can be. People around me dressed very well so I was lucky to train my eyes early on. I was lucky.

What makes a piece feel timeless rather than trend driven? 

The idea, intention, soul and self expression.

Thanks Hanna!

Haut Corporation is at 260 Hackney Road, London