How to Shop Vintage with Allison’s Archive

Stepping inside Allison’s Archive on the Upper East Side is like entering into a real life version of every fantasy closet you’ve ever dreamed of. Pink rails flow over with the kind of rare, expertly curated pieces that make you gasp, omg this! every few seconds. Whether its straight from the runway 90s Gucci, or an archival Dolce & Gabbana lace tunic, last seen on Britney Spears, every item in her jewellery box of a showroom is sourced by Allison Dickerman herself and represents her deep knowledge of fashion history and her singular vintage obsession. Cher Horowitz, Carrie Bradshaw and Blair Waldorf are screaming crying throwing up.
One dreamy New York day we got to pay Allison’s Archive a visit and shoot our favourite pieces. Of course we also grilled Allison on how to shop vintage like an expert. Read her guide and our interview below!
p.s. all items in our shoot are shoppable via Allison’s online store.

Be Specific, But Stay Open-Minded

Have an idea of what you’re looking for, but leave room for surprise. The magic of vintage is often in the unexpected.

Keep a List of Grails

Not just as a form of manifestation, but because certain vintage items are truly once in a lifetime. Having your “dream list” means you’ll recognize those stop-you-in-your-tracks pieces when they find you.

Don’t Travel to Shop — Shop Where You Travel

Some of my rarest finds have come from the most unlikely places — European kilo shops, small-town consignment stores in the Northeast, and West Coast flea markets. Exploring local vintage is the way to go.

Don’t Be Afraid to Try

Vintage sizing can be unpredictable. Experiment and don’t be afraid to try things on.

Shop With Your Heart

Vintage shopping is nostalgic and emotional. When something speaks to you, you’ll feel it - trust your gut.

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Polyester: Which designer collections are you always on the hunt for and why?

My top 3 would have to be Dior by Galliano (duh), Chloé by Stella, and anything by Dolce from the nineties and noughties. These eras embodied unapologetic glamour, playful femininity, and a sense of storytelling that you just don’t see replicated today. Galliano’s Dior was theatrical and transformative, Stella’s Chloé captured effortless cool-girl energy, and ’90s/’00s Dolce was sultry and celebratory. None of them were afraid to have fun and let their hair down — exactly what fashion should be.

What is your current favourite piece in your archive?

That’s like asking me to choose a favorite child - impossible. The archive is full of pieces I’m obsessed with for different reasons, but I definitely go through phases with certain collections or designers. Right now, I’m deep in a Blumarine Spring 2001 ballerina-print rabbit hole. Honestly, each time I find a piece it still feels serendipitous and meant-to-be.

Why shop vintage over new?

In a world of re-editions and dupe culture, it’s clearer than ever that fashion is cyclical and ideas build off one another - so why not own the original? Vintage gives you the chance to wear something with history, craftsmanship, and individuality that can’t be replicated. There’s no better feeling than finding a piece no one else has, while also participating in the fashion industry in a way that’s both chic and sustainable.

Tell us your origin story as a vintage obsessive

It started with thrifting, every weekend freshman year of college it’s all I would do. I went to school upstate and they had thrift stores unlike anything I had ever seen growing up in NYC. Later that year, I was working a summer internship at a luxury clothing rental company. They collaborated with What Goes Around Comes Around, one of the early adopters of the idea of high-end vintage shopping. We got racks and racks of the best pieces (think the 2003 Versace lace up dress, worn by celebs like Beyonce). I couldn't get enough. I ended up convincing my boss to let me photograph some editorials with the pieces with one of the other interns which was WAY out of our job descriptions.

What do you wish people knew about shopping vintage

I wish people knew that shopping vintage is about much more than just buying secondhand clothing — it’s about discovering pieces with history, quality, and craftsmanship you can’t always find today. Every garment tells a story and unlike fast fashion, vintage isn’t mass-produced, so when you find something you love, it’s truly one-of-a-kind. It’s also one of the most sustainable ways to shop.

What made you open a physical showroom versus selling online?

While I love the reach of selling online and shipping worldwide, we opened a physical showroom because the unique and rare nature of the clothes lends itself to an in-person shopping experience. Vintage shopping really shines when you can see, touch, and try it on. So much of what makes a piece special- the drape of the fabric, the detail in the stitching, the way it feels when you put it on - can’t be experienced through a screen.

I also wanted to create a space where clients could connect with me directly, have a more personal styling experience, and immerse themselves in our world. The showroom allows for that intimacy, storytelling, and one-of-a-kind discovery that’s at the heart of vintage.