A new generation is rewriting the rules of fashion resale. The luxury fashion resale market has found a new leader in Break. Archive is a London-based platform that is changing the way people approach vintage designer fashion. Founded by entrepreneur Gabriel Rylka in 2021 at just 18 years old, this innovative company has quickly become a top destination for authenticated vintage designer handbags and accessories.
A Vision Born from Passion and Market Need
Break. Archive’s story began with Rylka’s personal journey from flipping Converse sneakers to curating luxury designer pieces. Gabriel Rylka, Founder, said “I’ve always been into reselling, ever since I was 14. I used to go to flea markets with my mum every Sunday to help her with her side hustle of buying and renovating vintage furniture; she used to pay me £5 a week, haha. I used to take that £5, buy Converse, take them home, scrub them, and flip them on eBay for £10 a pair. I soon swapped Converse for vintage clothing and eventually vintage clothing for designer bags.”
The founder noticed a significant gap in the market, explaining that many resellers targeted older, more mature audiences with sophisticated marketing. Gabriel Rylka “I started the brand as I noticed there was a big gap in the market for a reseller that focuses specifically on a Gen-Z audience,” said Rylka.
Specialized Focus on Luxury Authentication
Break. Archive has created a unique space by specializing in the sourcing and resale of unique vintage designer fashion, especially luxury handbags and accessories. Their carefully curated inventory features iconic pieces from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, making it a go-to for collectors and luxury enthusiasts.
What makes Break. Archive stand out in the vintage fashion world is their strong commitment to authenticity. The company is dedicated to offering only verified, genuine designer items, with each piece thoroughly checked for quality and authenticity. This focus on trustworthy luxury products has made Break. Archive a reliable source in a market often challenged by counterfeits and questionable practices.
Rapid Growth and Market Recognition
Break. Archive’s growth has been impressive, now generating over £1 million in annual revenue. Much of this progress comes from their bold, eye-catching, and playful social media presence, where Rylka showcases exclusive drops and shares iconic brand campaigns. Their pieces have even been worn by celebrities, including Ice Spice in her music videos.
The vintage luxury market is expanding rapidly, with the Fashion Law Journal noting that luxury bags like the Hermès Birkin have long been considered iconic status symbols. More consumers are seeking unique pieces that offer both exclusivity and sustainability, with secondhand purchases extending a garment’s lifecycle by years.
Addressing Fashion Industry Challenges
Break. Archive’s mission goes beyond sales, positioning itself as Gabriel Rylka, a sustainable and affordable alternative to shopping luxury retail”, said. This approach matches industry trends as the fashion sector faces environmental concerns and shifting consumer preferences toward more sustainable options.
The luxury industry is now moving towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious approach, with circularity recognized as a genuine alternative for fostering eco-responsibility, tackling waste reduction, and extending product life cycles.
The Future of Vintage Luxury
Break. Archive is more than a resale platform; it represents a movement toward responsible luxury consumption. By focusing on pre-owned, authenticated items, the company encourages customers to invest in timeless pieces that go beyond fleeting trends, supporting a circular fashion economy where high-quality products are valued, reused, and celebrated.
The company’s approach resonates especially with Generation Z, who are increasingly aware of sustainability and seek alternatives to fast fashion. Gabriel Rylka, said “As I noticed a huge rise in demand for vintage designer products amongst Gen-Z, I knew that our marketing had to reflect that.”
Building a Sustainable Fashion Future
With their carefully curated selection and authentication expertise, Break. Archive is helping drive the movement of responsible luxury consumption. As the fashion industry continues to evolve toward more sustainable practices, Break. Archive is a strong example of how innovation, authenticity, and environmental awareness can create a business model that benefits both consumers and the planet.
