In a serendipitous twist of fate, a treasure trove of 1970s Gabicci tops, long buried in the dusty corners of a shuttered Parisian menswear store, has resurfaced to inspire a new wave of retro fashion. The discovery, made during a clearance sale following the store owner's passing, has ignited a passion for vintage style, culminating in the launch of the Gabicci Archive collection—a limited-edition homage to the groovy era of disco and bold collars.
The collection, a meticulous recreation of five original designs, is a testament to the enduring allure of 70s fashion. Each piece, replicated in two authentic colorways, is crafted with painstaking attention to detail, from the iconic neck label to the signature cloth 'G' on the chest pocket. While the original acetate fabric has been replaced with a modern viscose and nylon blend due to legal constraints, the quality and craftsmanship remain unparalleled.
Simon Parr, the driving force behind Gabicci Vintage, shared the story of how these vintage gems came to light. "We borrowed the original pieces from a collector, Chris Alexander, who had acquired them from the Paris store's clearance. It was like unearthing a time capsule—rows of pristine Gabicci tops, alongside Pierre Cardin and Yves Saint Laurent treasures, all frozen in time."
The collection has already found its way into the hearts of retro enthusiasts, flying off the shelves at specialty menswear stores across the UK. From Tonics in Sidcup to Arcade in Eastbourne, the demand for these vintage-inspired pieces is a testament to the timeless appeal of 70s fashion. Even Chris Alexander, the collector who provided the original pieces, was left in awe. "When we showed him the reproductions, he could barely tell them apart from the originals," Parr revealed.
To achieve the authentic look, Gabicci went the extra mile, investing in new machinery to recreate the oversized collars that defined the era. The result is a collection that not only pays tribute to the past but also sets a new standard for retro-inspired fashion.
The launch event, held at Kafi, an independent coffee shop in London's Fitzrovia, brought together a who's who of vintage fashion aficionados. DJ Gary Crowley, TV and radio presenter Mark Webster, and filmmaker Mark Baxter—hosts of the popular 'Clobbered' podcast—were among the attendees, celebrating the revival of a brand that defined an era. A special episode of 'Clobbered' dedicated to Gabicci is set to air in the coming weeks, further fueling the excitement around the collection.
Priced at £85, the Gabicci Archive tops are a steal for anyone looking to add a touch of retro flair to their wardrobe. And for those who can't get enough, six additional styles are slated for release in AW25, ensuring that the 70s revival is here to stay.
