Into the archive with Antoniazzi

We sat down with the founder on Antoniazzi Archive to talk sourcing, why she doesn't wear her favourite archive pieces, and why you should be uncompromising in your pursuit of the ultimate piece!

What are your favourite designers and collections to source?

My favourite designers to source from are Gianni Versace, Azzedine Alaïa and Chanel, and my favourite collections are those ranging from the early to late 90s. A personal favourite is Gianni Versace ss94. I dream of those gowns that closed the show and of course will never not be obsessed with the safety pins!

What are your favourite items from your collection?

My favourite items in my collection are my Gianni Versace ss94 safety pin blazer, Chanel ss95 lilac suit and chanel fw90 velvet yellow suit.

When did your passion for collecting begin, and why?

My passion for collecting started roughly 10 years ago when I was an SA at Chanel. Whilst discovering the current Chanel collections, I suddenly became obsessed with the 90s shows and slowly began researching those in depth and also finding vintage Chanel pieces at amazing prices! For instance, I did have the lilac cropped barbie jacket from ss95 which I sold and still haunts me to this very day.

What designer do you feel deserves more recognition in the vintage community?

A designer I feel deserves more recognition is Margaretha Ley (ESCADA). The craftsmanship of the clothes are of the highest quality as well as fun and playful designs that really embody the 80s and 90s. the ad campaigns are iconic too, featuring the supers such as Iman and Linda!

How often do you wear your archival pieces?

I don’t wear my archival pieces so often just because I really want to preserve them! And in all honesty I don’t go out as much as I used to! I do stare at them a lot though hanging in my wardrobe! There are a few select pieces I wear such as a Chanel military style suit from fw1996 but for the most part they stay hanging in my wardrobe.

What motivates you to continue collecting?

The thrill of finding beautiful clothes motivates me. I have a mental checklist of pieces that I’m always on the lookout for so this keeps me going. I’m a very nostalgic person and love looking to the past, whether it be fashion, music, art etc. I’m a 90s baby so I feel especially connected to that era as times were simpler then, and the clothes and fashion just spoke volumes!

What advice would you give to someone who is just getting into curating an archive?

For those people who are just getting into curating an archive, I would advise to purchase pieces that you absolutely love. Never give up on tracking down your must haves, you will find them!

Also to deep dive into the collections and designers that you love. The research never stops!