Vintage Academe, to be launched on November 24, is a brilliant new website and magazine for lovers of fine vintage clothing and accessories which in time will grow to be treasured heirlooms and prove, at the very least, wise investments.

Fashions come and go but true couture and iconic designer labels are a joy to wear and – as with any great art – stand the test of time. Think Alaia to Worth, Balenciaga to Yves St Laurent, Lanvin to Valentino, Dior to Pucci rubbing sartorial shoulders with exquisite unlabelled finds from the 19th Century to 2000 and you have Vintage Academe!

Retail guru Lucille Lewin of Whistles and Liberty fame brings her expertise to Vintage Academe as Chairman whilst founder Clare Nicholls adds a passion for couture fashion to her skills in finance and media. Conceived in 2007, the website is filled with desirable pieces, handpicked by Clare for their beauty and relevance to today, and edited under the guidance of Lucille. Each item has been lovingly cleaned, restored and cared for by experts before being included.

Vintage Academe is more than a mere e-tailer. ‘Academes’ or salons will be held at stylish venues on a regular basis to allow clients to view and try on the pieces, preview new ‘finds’ and meet the people involved.

The official launch of the site will be on the evening of 24th November 2008 at the Weiss Gallery in Jermyn Street (by invitation only). The first salon is planned for early 2009. The site should be checked for details and regular Academe updates.

Personal Stylist Gabrielle Teare says “I love vintage Chanel and John Galliano, lots of my clients love vintage also, there are so few outlets to buy it this is a great concept.”