Inside a Harvard Employee’s Dreamy Marc Jacobs–Era Louis Vuitton Archive

Lauren Pyes has been on the lookout for rare fashion treasures from the era long before they became trendy. Based in Boston and employed in alumni affairs at Harvard University, Pyes has developed a profound appreciation for Marc Jacobs, amassing an impressive collection of almost 60 iconic pieces from his time with Louis Vuitton.

“Marc Jacobs embodies a unique playfulness in his designs,” she shares with Vogue about her affinity for his work. “His creations allow me to step into my relatively conservative work setting while still feeling like my attire is distinct and refined. There’s a touch of whimsy in his designs that avoids being overly theatrical.”

Pyes first discovered Jacobs’ artistry during a trip to Paris at the age of 16, particularly cherishing a visit to the Louis Vuitton flagship store on the Champs-Élysées, where the spring 2007 collection had just debuted. “I was enamored by a pair of sandals featuring a cut-out architectural wedge embellished with gold foil on the heel; the experience left a lasting impression,” she recalls. Although the shoes remained untouchable during her visit (“no matter how much I pleaded, my parents made a well-thought-out choice not to indulge!” she adds), it ignited her curiosity. “The exquisite softness and romanticism of that season prompted me to delve into previous collections,” she explains, leading her to explore the edgier elements of the fall 2006 collection and collaborations with the likes of Murakami and Stephen Sprouse.

Pyes’ pursuit of unique fashion pieces is both diligent and whimsically adventurous. She scours various resale platforms, employs proxy services, and follows social media accounts, occasionally collaborating with professional sourcers to hunt down elusive treasures. When discussing her determination to secure a particular item, she whimsically mentions, “I probably shouldn’t specify, but let’s say I’ve recently tracked down something from a nation under U.S. trade sanctions.” This commitment is clearly reflected in the diversity of her collection, which features the Nurse dresses alongside matching face masks from the spring 2008 collection and an entire coordinated ensemble in yellow and white damier from spring 2013. Each item, whether bold or subtle, serves as a gateway into the enchanting world of Marc Jacobs.