• General Questions
• Where can I find your available pieces?
  All of our currently available archival and vintage pieces are listed exclusively here in our online boutique. We occasionally tease upcoming drops on our social media, but this website is the only place to purchase them.

How can I be notified of new arrivals?
The best way to discover new treasures is by following us on Instagram and subscribing to our newsletter. Since every piece is unique, our curated drops can sell out quickly – so keep an eye out for our announcements!

Can you restock a specific product?
Due to the nature of true vintage and archival fashion, every item in our shop is a one-of-a-kind discovery. Once a piece is sold, it is highly unlikely we will ever find the exact same garment in the same size and condition again.

Are your prices negotiable?
Our pricing reflects the rarity, condition, and the extensive time invested in sourcing, authenticating, and meticulously restoring each piece. Therefore, all prices are final.

Can I reserve an item?
Because our pieces are highly sought after and strictly unique, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Unfortunately, we cannot hold or reserve items for individual clients.

Can I offer more for a piece that just sold?
Out of fairness to our community and the collector who successfully secured the item, we do not accept higher offers on pieces that have already been sold.

Do you offer any discounts or promotions?
We believe in fair, transparent pricing for archival fashion rather than fast-fashion style sales. We rarely run promotions, but if we do, our newsletter subscribers are always the first to know.

Do you offer renting services?
At this time, we do not offer our garments for rent. We want our pieces to find a permanent, loving home in your personal wardrobe.

Do you offer repair or restoration services for clothing?
While I personally clean, care for, and restore all garments before they enter the shop to ensure they meet our high standards, I currently do not offer restoration services for outside pieces.

Do you offer personal styling services?
I am always happy to answer questions about the fit, fabric, or drape of a specific item in our shop! However, comprehensive personal styling services are not currently part of our offering.

Do you offer authentication services?
Every single item sold at Novum ex Vetere goes through a rigorous authentication process. However, we do not provide official authentication services or issue certificates for items purchased elsewhere.

Do you offer consignment services?
Novum ex Vetere is a strictly curated archive. I personally source all pieces from my travels across Europe and do not sell items on consignment for third parties.

Where are you located?
We are currently based in Germany and securely ship our vintage treasures worldwide.

Do you have a physical showroom?
We operate exclusively as an online boutique. To give you the best possible experience, we provide highly detailed measurements, thorough fabric descriptions, and high-quality editorial photos for every piece.

Do you offer Personal Sourcing?
Yes. Finding specific, highly sought-after vintage grails is an art form. With over 15 years of experience and a vast network across Europe, I offer personal sourcing services for dedicated collectors. If you are hunting for a specific designer piece from the 70s to the Y2K era, please reach out to discuss your requirements, and I will search my European sources for you.

Product Information

Are your products cleaned?
Absolutely. I treat every garment with the utmost respect. Depending on the delicate nature of the fabric, each piece is carefully hand-washed, steamed, or ozone-treated. This professional ozone process naturally neutralizes any odors and refreshes the fibers without the use of harsh chemicals, ensuring your piece reaches you in beautiful, ready-to-wear condition.

How do I keep these pieces in the best condition?
Archival fabrics require gentle care to preserve their history. For delicate materials, heavy wools, and structured garments, we recommend consulting a professional who specializes in gentle textile care. For items that can be washed at home, always hand wash gently in cold water and store them away from direct sunlight in a dry environment to protect the fibers and prevent color fading.

What should I expect in terms of wear and tear on vintage items?
The pieces in our archive span from the 1970s up to the Y2K era. A natural patina, slight fading, or minimal signs of wear are normal and add to the unique history of the garment. However, any significant flaws, such repairs or distinct marks, will always be explicitly mentioned and clearly photographed in the item's description.

Why do all sizes fit the model in the listing pictures?
To showcase the intended silhouette and drape of the fabric in our editorial shoots, garments that are larger than the model’s true size may be carefully pinned or belted. Please never rely on the photos alone for sizing.

How do I know if the product will fit me?
Vintage sizing differs drastically from modern sizing. To guarantee a perfect fit, we provide highly detailed, flat-lay measurements for every single item. We strongly recommend comparing these exact measurements against a well-fitting garment from your own wardrobe.

How do I know your products are authentic?
Authenticity is the absolute foundation of our boutique. With over 15 years of experience in high-end vintage and archival fashion, I personally inspect every single item. I rigorously check labels, construction techniques, stitching, hardware, and fabric quality to guarantee that every piece in our shop is 100% authentic.

Where do you find these pieces?
Curation is my true passion. Many of the treasures you see in the shop are personal discoveries, carefully handpicked during my travels across Europe. Over the years, I have built a vast network that allows me to source some of the most exceptional and rare garments available.

Can I request additional photos of a product?
We take extensive, high-quality editorial photographs of every piece to capture its design, alongside detailed shots of fabrics, tags, and hardware. If there is a very specific detail you need to see that isn't covered in the gallery, please reach out and we will gladly provide it.

Shipping

Do you offer international shipping?
Yes, we are proud to ship our vintage treasures worldwide. Please refer to our shipping policy at checkout for specific details on costs and estimated delivery times to your exact location.

How do you ship to the United States?
For all orders destined for the USA, we exclusively ship via DHL Express to guarantee the highest level of security, tracking, and speed for our rare archival pieces.

What are the shipping costs and delivery times?
Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on your destination and the weight of the garment. All exact costs are automatically calculated for you at checkout. Please note that international orders may require a little extra time for transit and customs clearance.

Can I choose a different shipping carrier for an additional cost?
To ensure the safe arrival of your archival pieces, we strictly partner with trusted, premium couriers that offer fully insured and trackable services. Because the security of these rare items is our top priority, we do not offer alternative shipping carriers at this time.

How can I track my parcel?
Once your piece is carefully packaged and dispatched, you will receive an email confirmation containing your personal tracking number. You can use this link to follow the journey of your package right to your doorstep.

Are there any additional customs fees or import taxes?
For orders shipped outside the European Union, your local customs authority may apply import duties, taxes, or handling fees. These charges are the sole responsibility of the buyer and are not included in our shipping costs or item prices. We highly recommend checking with your local customs office before placing an order.

Can I change my shipping address after placing an order?
We process orders quickly to get your pieces to you as soon as possible. If you realize you need to update your address, please contact us immediately. We will do everything we can to adjust it, provided the package has not yet left our archive.

Do you ship to PO boxes?
Due to the high value and rarity of our garments, our chosen couriers require a direct signature upon delivery to ensure your package arrives safely. Therefore, we unfortunately cannot ship to PO boxes or automated parcel lockers. Please provide a valid residential or business address.

What happens if my package is stuck in transit?
While significant delays are rare, international shipping can occasionally be unpredictable. If your tracking information hasn't updated for an extended period, please reach out to us. We will step in, contact the courier on your behalf, and do everything in our power to ensure your piece arrives safely.

Returns

Do you accept returns?
Our return policy depends on your location, strictly adhering to European regulations and the delicate nature of our archival garments.

For EU Customers: We gladly accept returns from customers within the European Union. You must initiate the return and dispatch the item back to us within 14 days of receiving your order. Please note that the garment must be returned in the exact original condition it was sent—unworn, unwashed, unaltered, and with all original tags strictly attached. If the tags are removed or tampered with, the return will not be accepted.

For Non-EU Customers: All orders shipped outside of the European Union are strictly final sale ("sold as seen"). Due to the complexities of international customs and the risks associated with the prolonged transit of rare vintage items, we cannot accept returns or exchanges for non-EU orders. Please review all measurements, descriptions, and photos carefully before purchasing.

Who covers the return shipping costs?
For eligible EU returns, the buyer is responsible for all return shipping costs. We strongly recommend using a fully insured and trackable shipping method, as we cannot be held responsible for return packages that are lost or damaged in transit.

How do I start a return?
If you are located within the EU and wish to return an item, please contact us within the 14-day window. We will provide you with the exact return address and further instructions on how to safely package the garment for its journey back to our archive.