Behind the scenes with Bad Mouth Archive

Finn Thomas is a London-based archive fashion re-seller, and founder of Bad Mouth. If you've been to any of the London archive pop-ups, you will have spotted Finn and his exceptional collection of designer and lesser-known pieces.

We sat down with Finn to discuss his journey into archive fashion collecting and re-selling, the favourite pieces he's acquired so far, and his advice for people who are new to collecting…

When did your passion for collecting begin, and why?

I’ve always had a bit of an obsession with collecting vintage pieces, whether it’s clothing, furniture or little objects. My mum is a bit of an Ebay addict, so I think it’s been ingrained in me from a young age! My passion for collecting specifically designer and archive clothes came about as my own style and interests changed, around 3 or so years ago. Archive and vintage pieces are like little parts of cultural history, often referencing the styles, subcultures or trends of that era. It’s also fun to see how these trends circulate back in to today’s fashion scene. 

What is your favourite item that you have ever sourced? 

There is a dress from the Jean Paul Gaultier SS01 collection that I have been trying to source for over 5 years and I finally managed to source one the other week! The dress features an epic satan/hell print, inspired by iconic Rock motifs of the early 90’s. 

What motivates you to continue collecting?

No matter how long you’ve been collecting, finding an iconic or rare pieces is as exciting every time it happens. It’s kind of addicting! 

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

Collect the piece you love! It’s easy to fall in to the trap of copying other vintage or archive dealers, but your niche as a store comes from your own tastes and curation. While it’s important to follow today’s trends, it’s great to also focus on curating a timeless collection.

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

There’s a designer called Stefano Pilati, who’s menswear style I’m obsessed with (he’s kind of my main fashion influence at the moment). He was creative director at YSL from 2004 to 2012 following Tom Fords departure, and he created some amazing timeless pieces and collections. Although it’s hard to call the pieces he designed at YSL ‘vintage’ since they’re only from 2004-12, I think in the next decade they’ll become great collectable pieces.  

What has been your favourite thing about building a career in sourcing and selling Archive Fashion? 

Being able to create a brand and build something from scratch has been amazing. There is so much freedom for creativity within vintage fashion, whether it’s styling, lending for editorial shoots, or providing your knowledge on the history of fashion.

If you weren't sourcing and selling Archive, what would you be doing? / In another life, what would you be working on? 

I studied economics at Bristol Uni, so I guess in another life I could have been working in a bank right now. Although I’m not cut out for that life so I couldn’t be happier this turned out!