Authenticity & Curation
Every piece tells a story. Every story deserves to be preserved with the highest standards of authenticity, care, and expertise.
Acquisition & Sourcing
- Expert curation by Doris Raymond with decades of industry experience
- Direct relationships with estates, collectors, and fashion insiders
- Exclusive access to private collections and designer archives
- Rigorous pre-screening before items enter our inventory
Authentication Verification
- Material composition and construction quality assessment
- Stitching and detail verification
- Date code authentication when applicable
Professional Care & Restoration
- Dry cleaning and restoration services
- Specialized treatment for delicate fabrics and vintage textiles
- Expert stain removal and odor elimination
- Gentle pressing and shaping to restore original silhouette
- Minor repairs and reinforcement as needed
Condition Assessment
- Comprehensive inspection of each piece
- Detailed condition reporting with photographic documentation
- Transparent disclosure of any wear, repairs, or alterations
- Professional recommendations for care and preservation (when asked)
Authentication Standards
Our authentication process follows rigorous standards in the luxury vintage market, employing techniques used by major auction houses and authentication services worldwide.
Construction Analysis
Review of stitching patterns, seam construction, and finishing techniques unique to each designer and era. We verify hand-stitching versus machine work, French seams, and period-appropriate construction methods.
Material Verification
Assessment of fabric quality, texture, and composition. Authentic luxury items use the finest materials available during their production period, with specific characteristics we can identify through touch and visual inspection.
Label Verification
Verification of labels, care tags, and size markers against known authentic examples. We maintain extensive databases of label variations across different production periods.
Historical Context
Cross-referencing items against fashion archives, runway photos, and documented collections to verify authenticity and proper attribution to specific designers and seasons.
Expert Curation
Our collection is built through direct relationships with estates, collectors, and fashion insiders. Access to private collections and designer archives provides customers with extraordinary pieces that come with their own fascinating stories.
Many of our pieces come with unique stories—from estate acquisitions to private collector relationships. These stories add value and authenticity to each piece, connecting you not just to fashion history, but to the lives and moments these garments have witnessed.
Professional Care & Conservation
Specialized Dry Cleaning
We partner with conservation-grade dry cleaners who understand the delicate nature of vintage textiles. Using gentle solvents and techniques specifically designed for historical garments.
Fabric-Specific Treatment
Each fabric type receives customized care—silk requires different handling than wool, and beaded garments need specialized attention. Our process accounts for the age and fragility of vintage materials.
Odor & Stain Removal
Professional treatment of age-related odors and stains using methods that won't damage delicate fibers or cause color bleeding in vintage dyes.
Structural Restoration
Minor repairs to reinforce weak seams, secure loose beading, and restore functionality while maintaining historical integrity.
Storage
In some cases, items are stored using acid-free materials in climate-controlled conditions until they find their new home.
Questions About Authenticity?
Our experts are here to help. Contact us for detailed information about any piece, authentication process, or care recommendations.