Step 1: The Hunt
Every piece starts long before it ever reaches my door.
I source through a few different channels, but most of my pieces come from trusted luxury dealers in Japan. Japan has some of the best pre-owned designer goods in the world, which is why it's one of my favourite places to source vintage.
Finding pieces I actually want to stock is another matter entirely.
Some weeks I'll go through thousands of listings and walk away with just one piece, sometimes none at all. It takes real time to go through all of it: the bags, the shoes, the accessories, looking for the one that feels right.
And it's never just about the label. I could pass on ten well-known names in a row if none of them have that something.
Over the years I've built up a strong feel for certain brands, collections, and eras: what fits the Capsule Édit look and what doesn't. Condition matters just as much. Before I commit to buying anything, I look it over properly to make sure it meets the standard I hold myself to.
I'm not trying to fill the store with as many designer names as possible. I'd rather build a smaller collection of pieces that are timeless, well made, and a little bit special than a large one full of filler.
Finding the right piece is, honestly, the hardest part of this work.
Step 2: Inspection
Once something arrives, I go over it properly to make sure it matches what I expected and holds up to the standard I keep at Capsule Édit.
I check for cracks, scuffs, worn heel tips, hardware condition, odours, stains, loose stitching, and anything else that could affect how a piece wears or how long it will last.
I inspect every piece as thoroughly as I can, but I'm only human, and on rare occasions something small can be overlooked. If that ever happens, I'll always work with you to make it right. Being upfront and honest matters more to me than pretending I never miss anything. I'd rather you know exactly what you're getting.
Step 3: Authentication
Every piece is assessed using what I've learned over the years: knowledge, experience, and research into the brand, the craftsmanship, and the era it's from.
For selected items, I also send the piece to a trusted third-party authentication service for an additional layer of verification. If something has been professionally authenticated, that will always be stated clearly in the listing.
Authenticity isn't something I take lightly. I won't sell anything I can't stand behind myself.
Step 4: Cleaning & Restoration
Before anything is photographed, it's cleaned and prepared properly for its next chapter.
Every piece is wiped down and sanitised first, then assessed for whatever additional care it might need. Depending on the item, that could mean leather conditioning, hardware polishing, brass cleaning, a gentle wash, resoling, or heel tip replacement, whatever it takes to bring it back to its best without erasing what makes it vintage.
If I believe a piece needs proper repair work, it goes to a specialist I trust before it's ever offered for sale.
My goal is never to make something look brand new. That's not the point of vintage. I simply want each piece presented at its best while still being unmistakably itself.
Step 5: Research
Every piece has a story, and I think that's worth uncovering properly.
Once an item is clean and prepared, I begin researching it in earnest: identifying the collection or era, taking accurate measurements, noting the materials, and learning as much as I can about its history.
Some pieces can be placed within minutes. Others take hours of digging through runway archives, vintage catalogues, auction records, and collector references.
If I'm ever genuinely unsure about a collection or style, I won't guess. I'd rather leave a detail unnamed than state something incorrectly.
Every listing is written to be accurate, honest, and something you can shop with confidence.
Step 6: Photography
This is one of my favourite parts of the process.
Every item is photographed from multiple angles, with close-ups on the details that matter, including any signs of wear, not just the flattering ones. Vintage should be represented honestly, so I aim to capture each piece as accurately as possible.
The goal is simple: no surprises when your order arrives, just a piece that's been photographed with honesty and care.
Step 7: Listing
Once the research is complete, it's finally time for the piece to go live.
Every listing is written from scratch, with accurate measurements, condition notes, and as much information as I can provide about the item's history, materials, and collection.
Any flaws are clearly documented and photographed. Nothing is glossed over. Whether you're building a serious collection or buying your first vintage piece, I want you to have everything you need to shop with confidence.
Each item is listed on the Capsule Édit website, along with a selection of trusted marketplaces, so customers anywhere can discover the collection. Wherever you find a piece, you can expect the same level of care, transparency, and attention to detail.
Step 8: Packaging & Shipping
Once your order is placed, there's one final step.
Every piece is packaged carefully to help ensure it arrives safely, whether it's travelling across Australia or overseas. I put the same care into packing an order as I do into sourcing, researching, and preparing it.
Before it's sent on its way, I complete one last check to make sure everything is exactly as it should be.
From the moment I find a piece to the moment it arrives at your door, every step is carried out with care, honesty, and attention to detail. Thank you for trusting Capsule Édit to be part of your collection.
Why This Process Matters
Luxury fashion was built to last.
Vintage gives these pieces the chance to be worn and loved again, while reducing waste and helping preserve fashion history.
When you shop with Capsule Édit, you're not simply purchasing a bag, a pair of shoes, or an accessory. You're becoming part of its story. Every piece has already lived a life before it reached you, and now it gets to continue that story with you.
That's what this process is really about: not just curating vintage, but honouring it: one piece, one story, one careful step at a time.