Introduction

This all started with a mere idea. An eye for detail and an insistence on integrity are what drive this project. I was sick of seeing endless fashion shows displaying abysmal work at best, completely ignoring their brand integrity. Even worse, the only fashion review sites had been jeopardized by biased reviewers. I have been horrified by many things going on in the fashion world today, so the only way I saw fit to ameliorate this problem was to create my own site.

I’m obviously not Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar, and I also haven’t graduated from a prestigious university yet; however, I bring something those institutions rarely offer: scrutiny, honesty, and the blunt truth of what everyone is thinking. I’m here to focus on true fashion, credentials, regardless of the brand name. I notice the details most people miss—the embellishments, the hems, the stitching, the proportions—because those have the ability to make or break a design.

Currently, there is a major brand erosion crisis across fashion labels such as Dior. This erosion isn’t unique to Dior; it’s a symbol of broader disregard for craftsmanship across luxury labels. Let’s face it, Chanel is abusing tweed to the point where I wouldn’t be surprised if we were approaching a global shortage. Matthieu Blazy’s decision to use leopard print on a two-piece skirt suit for a house that was founded on simplicity and timeless elegance? Absurd. Again, the tacky J’adore Dior sign plastered everywhere, clothes or shoes anyhow, originally by John Galliano and now being reinforced by Maria Grazia Chiuri, is a fashion crime against Dior. Although they claim it is to honor the history of Dior, having visible labels in every visible spot of a piece completely defeats the high-end look and instead lowers a brand to Gap status.

Archive 25 exists to dissect each detail, critique both the obvious and the understated, and remind brands that craftsmanship isn’t optional, and prestige cannot be faked.