An Archival Journey Like No Other With Curator Kate Mao
Kate Mao is not your typical fashion archivist–she’s a walking, breathing time capsule, curating history through her unique style. Growing up in Toronto with a passion for collecting stickers, Kate’s love for organizing and compiling special things started early and has since transformed into a career built on preserving some of fashion’s most significant eras. Now based in New York, she runs Into Archive, a curated collection of rare, vintage pieces that reflect her distinct aesthetic eye and deep appreciation for the stories behind each garment and designer.
For Kate, fashion is all about storytelling. Her methodical approach is rooted in intuition and passion, preserving the item’s past while nudging it into the present–from iconic streetwear to haute couture, she’s diving deep into a sartorial legacy that speaks to both insiders and everyday enthusiasts.
New York’s perpetual buzz definitely shapes Into Archive’s character, by showcasing the ebbs and flows of trends and how past finds can serve new life in the present. And for Kate, Dr. Martens has always stood at that intersection, by sharing a mindset of time-resistant items: “I want people to feel excited but also that the pieces are durable and won’t break the moment you leave. So, Dr. Martens and Into Archive fight for the same mindset”.
Tell us a bit about your childhood, what interested you?
I loved collecting stickers off eBay. It was genuinely one of my favorite things to do. I’d then compile them at home into a tiny store. I grew up in a regular household in Toronto and found a bit of escapism by doing this for myself while I was younger, but it has now translated into being a huge representation of my career.
What inspired you to become a fashion archivist?
I really didn’t plan it, but I think over time the historical element, the compulsive collecting, and the amount of people that enjoyed seeing my take on vintage really pushed me to keep doing it. I didn’t realize it would open so many conversations, and new people to enter my life.
Describe your style in three words.
Soft, risky — but comfortable.
Can you tell us a bit about Into Archive?
I started this about five years ago as passive income on Instagram. I really wanted it to stay just as a hobby, but the demand for more came along as the vintage bubble exploded in the last two years. This company has become a marketplace for a lot of individual store owners, collectors, and really great friends from around the world. Now customers see how this company can update everyone on the latest curated pieces from each major city like Paris, Dubai or Tokyo. Aside from selling to clients, we also loan, style and help assist with a lot of celebrities and their events or editorials.
What’s your approach to curating and preserving fashion history through it?
I buy what I like. I look at a lot of fashion media and data reports each month that help me make more educated purchases that last longer or can grow in value. Every garment is historical, so getting information about the designers – not just why they made something but the cultural reasons, the roles of women and men in the past, etc.- can be really helpful when I’m justifying adding something to my company.
How do you pick which pieces deserve a place in Into Archive?
I digest lots of media, go on Twitter, explore Pinterest, and start a ritual of constantly examining how retail can translate into vintage trends.
How does NYC influence your personal style? And how does it influence your archival collection?
Coming from Toronto, I enjoyed NYC so much more because of the people. Every client who walks into my showroom is so distinctly different – and it’s really cool to get to know them all. They are affecting my everyday style, as I also learn from them.
What role do you think archival pieces play in shaping the future of fashion?
Archival pieces are blueprints for the future of fashion. There are teams and companies that will come loan pieces or buy them to study and understand how they were made or structured internally. While fashion is continuing to find better ways to recycle or create custom textiles, I feel that a lot of the brain and creativity behind fashion was set up in the last two decades.
Your top three pieces from your archive, go!
This is hard, I really don’t know! I think I do love my sheer 90s Issey Miyake button-up – it went viral on our IG page under reels, and it’s exceptional in craftsmanship. I also have a really cool Martin Margiela ‘90s couch material blazer which has piping around the shoulders and was made way ahead of its time.
And how many pieces in total do you think you have…
Around 3500 pieces.
Dr. Martens has a rich subcultural background. What do you think is their place in fashion history?
It was a great gateway into people's exploration of growing up and transitioning into buying pieces that stayed in their closets for longer than a few years.
What do you think is the brand’s secret to having endured the passing of time and shifting fashion trends?
I think it’s the combination of a great price point and great construction. Dr. Martens is sturdy and easy to wear with your outfits!
How do you think your practice resonates with the brand’s heritage/identity?
The way I purchase pieces or sell them is with the intention that everything should last or be a big part of a customer’s life. I want people to feel excited, but also that the pieces are durable and won’t break the moment they leave. So, Dr. Martens and Into Archive fight for the same mindset when buying pieces and also have a distinct point of view on what types of pieces can reflect a modern mentality.
Is there a goal in mind for you when it comes to Into Archive? What’s the message you’re trying to put out there?
I’d love to have an atelier set up in each big city around the world at some point—to not just tell the story of collecting or vintage but actually reflect the wants and needs of clients specific to that country.
Your top piece of advice for those trying to curate their perfect vintage wardrobe?
Start one piece at a time – don’t feel the need to rush into buying everything at once. I firmly believe that clothing has a cycle, and there will always be a time in the future to find that beautiful garment, jewelry or bag again.
Discover more about Dr. Martens Like No Other here.
And a special thanks to R & Company for providing the perfect backdrop for our shoot.
