Image Source: Getty Images / Monica Schipper
I often joke that one of my regrets in life is I wasn’t a teenage girl when Olivia Rodrigo first burst onto the scene in 2021 with her debut single “Drivers License.” The song became an anthem for a new generation of emotionally in-tune teen girls, and I was a little sad that I’ve definitely aged out of that particular group by a good decade and some change.
While I’m no longer an angsty teenager IRL, I can certainly still channel that energy. That’s exactly why, to this day, I belt out “Drivers License” and just about every Rodrigo song with zero shame. But it’s not just her music that resonates with me – it’s also her unique style, which often fuses ’90s and 2000s trends with classic shapes and silhouettes. Much of Rodrigo’s wardrobe is, admittedly, unattainable for a mere non-pop-star such as myself. Or, at least, that’s what I thought, until I discovered Lidow Archive, a crucial celebrity style secret.
This Los Angeles-based business is essentially a museum of clothes and accessories, housing more than 7,000 vintage and contemporary designer pieces from labels like Chanel, Moschino, Marc Jacobs, Dior, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton, to name a few. Founder Haile Lidow holds her collection in a wing of her 1930s Spanish Colonial-style Hollywood home, located in Los Feliz.
Lidow Archive’s discerning clientele includes celebrity stylists, editors, and influential creatives; items from the archive have been worn by the likes of Rodrigo, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and more. So when I had the opportunity to pull a few pieces for my trip to Paris Fashion Week, I (naturally) had to ensure that one of those items was serving up some serious Miss Rodrigo vibes.
As it turned out, the exact red knit beret that the “Vampire” singer wore for a 2021 Rolling Stone shoot was available to pull for my fashion week wardrobe. I couldn’t believe my luck – a beret in Paris would normally be a little too obvious, but in this case, I had a feeling it would end up being the perfect accessory to have on hand.
Of course, one label-less hat doesn’t equate to an entire ‘fit. I wanted to re-create Rodrigo’s Rolling Stone look as accurately as possible, and the Lidow Archive team was essential in helping me pull it off. In addition to the beret, they also suggested a pair of black trousers with removable suspenders and a large gold safety pin to be worn at the waistband.
To complete the ensemble, I wore my own short-sleeved white T-shirt and nude sandals with a low heel. Accessory-wise, I reached for a simple black-and-gold wristwatch and a black crossbody purse.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Mekita Rivas
Working with the archive has several advantages, whether you’re wanting to minimize packing stress when preparing for a big event or trip, or you’re looking for rare fashion pieces that no one else will have. Appointments can be made to come to visit and try on pieces for your next event or trip with the help of styling advice from the Lidow Archive team. Pricing for rentals begins at $250 minimum per pull, and each piece has its own itemized pricing upon request (contact pulls@lidowarchive.com for more information).
My first-ever experience with pulling archival fashion pieces – let alone celebrity-approved items – reminded me that the best style moments often come from the most surprising places. I loved having access to seemingly endless options that all felt distinct and one of a kind. Not to mention, the whole process offers a more sustainable approach to fashion. It’s a win-win for anyone who wants to up their designer and vintage fashion game without buying anything new.
