Authentication First, Always
Nothing enters the selection process without passing authentication. This is not a formality—it is the foundation. We have declined pieces from well-known sources that failed authentication on label construction or hardware details.
Condition Threshold
We stock pieces in very good condition or better, with occasional exceptions for pieces of exceptional rarity. We do not stock pieces that require significant repair before wear—our clients should be able to wear a piece immediately upon purchase.
Design Cohesion
We select pieces that reflect a clear design vision—pieces where construction, fabric, and silhouette work together intentionally. This excludes a significant portion of the vintage market: mass-produced pieces with less design consideration, pieces from transitional periods where a house hadn't yet found its direction.
Rarity & Market Relevance
We pay attention to what is genuinely hard to find. A 1989 Mugler corset jacket in pristine condition is rare in an absolute sense. A 2000s Chanel tweed suit is less rare but remains relevant because demand is consistent and quality is reliable.
What this means for you as a buyer
When you purchase from ALE PARIS, the curation work has already been done. You are not navigating a marketplace where authentication is your problem and condition descriptions are approximate.