Fashion archeologists start dusting off archival pieces every time there is a major red carpet event. At this point, every celeb appearance has begun to resemble a roaming fashion museum since garments now carry as much history as they do glamour.
Arrival fashion is not a cyclical revival of trends; it is a philosophical reclamation of fashion’s lineage, the motto being “true design does not have an expiry date.” As the global audience cultivates a nuanced sense of style, they expect their icons to match with the global taste level or serve as role models for better points of perspective, putting immense pressure on image architects to craft engaging narratives around each ensemble. This has made stylists turn to archival fashion! They are the ones transforming vintage couture into the apex of rarefied expression.
While celebrities and stylists may be posing this revival of archival fashion as a commentary on sustainability, it is very obvious that it is more so about being exclusive. What they have, no one else has. Archival garments are unrepeatable; they are finite, irreplaceable (looking at Kim Kardashian while saying it), and imbued with histories that defy replication. To appear in such a piece is to assert individuality within a landscape that often encourages wild stylistic expression.
Here is a list of 5 celebrities who donned archival fashion in 2025
The model was spotted in Look 18 of John Galliano’s Fall 1997 collection, which was described as “Egypt as seen through the eyes of Hollywood.” The liquid silver chainmail dress was worn by Hedvig Marie Maigre on the runway, styled with wraparound metallic sandals. Bella styled herself in silver lace-front Jimmy Choo’s to match the vibe of the chainmail.
Woman of the Year by Billboard— Doechii donned a Donna Karan 2014 vintage look. The black sheer gown with velvety panels was styled with very Y2K accessories like gold and silver stacked bracelets, rings, and a colorful Fendi purse. Sam Woolf did a smart thing by pulling a look from this DKNY collection, which mirrors the spirit of New York and pays tribute to diversity.
Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Raye performed at the Academy Awards 2025 in Versace FW 1997. Styled by Rebecca Corbin-Murray, Ray looked divine in the white draped gown with a leather sculpted front, which almost created a trompe l’oeil effect The collection was significant, as it was one of the last presented before Gianni Versace's death in July 1997.
Luxury Law Roach created magic again by styling Ariana Grande in a black ballgown (instead of her usual pink) for her WICKED promotions, and we couldn’t have asked for a better look. Designed by the costume designer of The Wizard of Oz himself—Gilbert Adrian. This specific black ballgown was worn in 1952 for the film “Lovely to Look At.”
Being the first and only Indian ambassador of the brand has its own perks. Alia Bhatt showed up to “The Bad’s of Bollywood” premiere in a Tom Ford for Gucci FW 1996 white gown featuring a G-buckle belt. The white dress worn by Kate Moss who closed the collection. Rhea Kapoor styled the look on Alia Bhatt with a Gucci Bamboo 1947 mini and Tiffany jewels.
Ultimately, the resurgence of archival fashion affirms a profound truth: that the future of style is inextricably intertwined with its past. In embracing the archive, the contemporary fashion world acknowledges that heritage is not a constraint but an inexhaustible reservoir of ingenuity and identity. Wearing an archival piece is, in essence, a conversation with time: a way to honor the artistry of another era while reframing it in the present.