Frequently asked questions
What does The Rareté specialize in?
The Rareté sources vintage and archival designer clothing, dresses, tops, bottoms, sets, shoes, and accessories, with an emphasis on documented runway and archival pieces from established design houses. Every item is a single, non-repeating find rather than part of an ongoing production run, so the mix of designers and categories shifts as we source new pieces.
What's the difference between items listed for purchase and the Archival Collection?
Most pieces on the site are available for direct purchase through our category collections. The Archival Collection holds rarer or more significant pieces that we handle by inquiry rather than checkout, typically because of their scarcity or context. Reach out through Sourcing Requests if something there interests you.
Why do some pieces show as sold rather than disappear from the site?
Our Sold Archive keeps a public record of pieces that have already found buyers. We maintain it as a reference for collectors, stylists, and researchers tracking what has moved through our archive over time, not as an indication that similar pieces are guaranteed to reappear.
How often does new inventory appear?
There's no fixed schedule. Because every piece is one-of-a-kind, we list items as they're sourced and authenticated rather than restocking on a calendar. First Look is the fastest way to see what's newest across every category, but the assortment there and sitewide is always in motion.
Can I request a specific designer, era, or garment?
Yes. If you're looking for a particular house, decade, or type of piece that isn't currently listed, submit a request through our Sourcing Requests page. We can't promise a timeline or exact match, but it helps us prioritize future sourcing.
