INTERVIEW #48 SECOND ARCHIVE
Based in: London, United Kingdom
Founded in: 2020
Founded by: Josefina Boston
Shop at: Shipping worldwide. Free worldwide shipping over £200
https://www.secondarchive.com/
https://www.secondarchive.com/shop
Price range: Starting from £35
Instagram: @secondarchive
What is Second Archive and why did you start?
Second Archive is a highly curated online second hand boutique. Establishing itself with a clear Scandi Rock style, a place where Scandinavian simplicity and rock'n'roll meet. Think vintage Levi’s, rocker tees, unique coats, oversized blazers, designer handbags and amazing leather boots.
What started as a hobby visiting all the markets sourcing vintage items for my own wardrobe, ended in converting my friends to fall in love with items being preloved to the point of perfection, too. And from there it was a natural progression to start selling a few items online while on maternity leave with my second son. I then quickly realised that this was something big when most items kept selling out within minutes.
We can see that you have a wide range of amazing preloved branded items on the site. Where do you source these from?
I’ve spent the past decade hunting for second hand. From dusty basements in London and flea markets in Paris to sleepless nights online holding my son. I had a big archive of vintage pieces that got me going. But now I travel all over the UK to source items for my shop. From The Lanes in Brighton, the Friday market on Portobello in London to big vintage wholesale warehouses across the UK. In addition to this I also source a lot of my stock online. I also have some exciting sourcing trips planned for the US and for Paris.
What have been and are the major challenges of starting Second Archive?
Sourcing is by far my biggest challenge, as I know if I source more I sell more. I am very lucky in that way, that I know the demand is there. I just need more days out on the road finding all those pieces that I know my customers will like. But I have taken a first step to overcoming this challenge by employing a photographer and copywriter to help me with a lot of things in the studio, which frees up time for me to go out sourcing. She is a hero!
What has been the largest gain so far?
I think the freedom of being my own boss. For the past 10 years I have worked in the relentless Fashion PR industry as well as in the Digital Marketing world of big companies ranging from By Malene Birger to Coca-Cola. Running my own business means I am more present as a mother to my two sons, I am able to pick them up everyday at 3pm when they finish school as well as being there on school holidays. It means the world.
What do you think needs to change now in the fashion industry to make it more sustainable?
A lot can be said on this subject, such as educating the younger generations in school, or holding the major fast fashion giants accountable at government level, for the devastating impact they have on the planet.
But all I can hope for is to encourage others to fall in love with preloved. To reduce their consumption on all levels, reuse their own and others preloved clothes and ultimately recycle what can no longer be reused as is. I hope to show people that quality trumps quantity. That a pair of 40 year old Levi’s both looks better and will last longer, than a new pair of jeans from H&M that is mainly made with plastic. Second Archive is a chance to breathe life and give a second chance to the unique items I find.
What would you advise consumers to do who seek to create a sustainable closet and lifestyle?
Commit to only buying second hand (obvs not underwear, but you get me). Because everything you would want, is already produced.
Buy less and focus on a capsule wardrobe. I like Nadja’s take on it (Swedish girl on Insta I follow with great thoughts), as well as Tess’ ‘One Item a Month’ philosophy. Only have in your wardrobe what you truly LOVE. Nothing will feel and look as good as the moment you buy it, so make sure that feeling is 100%.
What's the best thing about Second Archive?
That I get to do what I love: shop all the things I love and would want myself, travel the world as well as having a well balanced family life. And the very best part? All of this whilst being able to inspire countless women to choose preloved, choose a more unique and sustainable wardrobe that will last them a lifetime.
Do you have any useful tips for someone who wants to start their own Vintage/second hand shop?
Stay niche - there are so many second hand shops out there. A lot of them sell all kinds of styles and decades. I think having a shop with a very clear style and focus is key. It means that if someone is loving one look you sell, they are more likely to love them all.
