Austin Butler’s Archival Workwear: Meet the Vintage Dealer

The distinctive archival workwear often seen on actor Austin Butler is sourced from World Vintage, an appointment-only archive located in Downtown Los Angeles. The showroom is managed by Artem Emelianov, a dealer who has become a primary resource for celebrity stylists seeking storied, vintage pieces that avoid a generic secondhand appearance.

World Vintage specializes in carefully curated, artfully worn items, including the blue-hued French work jackets favored by Butler. The archive’s client list extends beyond Butler to include other high-profile figures such as Kendrick Lamar and Sombr.

From Detroit Thrift Stores to Los Angeles Archives

Emelianov’s expertise in vintage sourcing began with necessity. After his family moved from Latvia to Detroit, Michigan, in the 1990s, his wardrobe was sourced exclusively from thrift stores. While he initially struggled with the social pressures of public school, he eventually developed a professional eye for sartorial gems.

Over time, Emelianov transitioned from a casual shopper to a dedicated collector. He amassed a diverse archive that included not only weathered workwear and tattered t-shirts but also vinyl records and cassette tapes. This collection was maintained in a storage facility for approximately seven years before it evolved into a commercial venture.

Emelianov relocated to Los Angeles in 2016 while traveling as a DJ. Upon his arrival, he found the volume of his collection to be unmanageable.

I just had too much stuff

Artem Emelianov

Following a suggestion to sell some of his archival pieces at the Rose Bowl—a well-known hub for vintage fashion in Los Angeles—Emelianov set up a single rack of clothing. Within a few hours, he earned $1,500. Despite the financial success of the day, he noted one specific regret: selling a Sade shirt for only $20.

Curating the Storied Look

The success at the Rose Bowl revealed a significant demand for items that were not just old, but artfully worn. This realization prompted Emelianov to open his storage unit and begin scouting the unexplored regions of the United States for unique vintage pieces.

Stylists now utilize Emelianov’s archive to find specific, nostalgic pieces that convey a sense of history. This approach is evident in the wardrobes of various artists and celebrities:

• Sombr has been seen wearing a tiny quarter-sleeve tee from the 1960s.
• Shaboozey has worn a torn purple jersey dating back to the 1950s.
• Austin Butler utilizes the archive for archival French workwear.

Emelianov’s transition from a necessity-driven thrift shopper to an elite dealer is rooted in his early experiences in Detroit. Reflecting on those years, he noted, I wanted the new stuff—public schools are brutal if you’re poor.

Today, World Vintage operates as a destination for those who prioritize the narrative and patina of a garment over newness, providing the specific archival aesthetic that has defined the recent style evolution of its A-list clientele.