In a world where fashion trends rise and fall with each screen swipe, Irene Albright has built an empire rooted in permanence. As the Albright Fashion Library marks 35 years, it stands not merely as a fashion showroom, but as a sanctuary—a place where clothing becomes culture, and style becomes story. In an exclusive interview, Enigma’s Founder and CEO, Yasmine Shihata, sat down with the visionary behind the brand to uncover her journey, her innovative approach to fashion, and how the Albright Fashion Library has become a pivotal force in promoting sustainable, thoughtful fashion.
Irene Albright’s path to founding the Albright Fashion Library was far from conventional. Although she began her career as a visual artist, earning a Master of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design, fashion soon found its way into her life. After a decade working as a fashion editor, stylist, and costume designer in New York, Albright faced a recurring frustration: the lack of access to truly exceptional clothing.
“I was constantly on set, sourcing and pulling incredible pieces for shoots and films, and I kept running into the same problem—the lack of access to truly special clothing, and the amount of waste that came from using something once and never again,” she shares. This sparked the idea that would eventually become the Albright Fashion Library—a unique fashion archive that goes beyond the concept of renting clothes. Albright sought to create a living collection, a place where fashion could be both revered and reused, far removed from the transient nature of trends.
In 1990, with a clear vision and a wealth of experience, Albright opened the doors to the Albright Fashion Library. What began as a small showroom quickly evolved into a leading resource for designers, stylists, and creative professionals in the industry. It was not merely a rental service, but a curated collection of cultural, historical, and artistic garments—a place where clothing is treated as art.
For the past 35 years, the Albright Fashion Library has served as an archive of rare vintage couture, runway samples, and one-of-a-kind designer pieces. Curated with an eye for the exceptional, the collection includes garments that have been worn by icons and captured in history, making the Library more than just a space for fashion—it is a resource for cultural preservation.
Albright’s daughter, Marina Albright, has also been instrumental in the Library’s growth, working alongside her for the past two decades to bring a fresh perspective to the collection. Together, they have built an archive that spans generations, blending timeless pieces with the cutting-edge designs of today’s most exciting young talents.
“To me, great styling is about curation, confidence, and creativity,” Albright explains. “I prioritise timeless pieces that won’t be dated—garments with impeccable construction, luxurious fabrics, and exquisite detail. A beautiful piece will always have longevity, no matter the era.” It is this belief in the timelessness of great fashion that has allowed the Library to thrive, appealing not only to fashion professionals but to anyone seeking a piece of history through clothing.
The Albright Fashion Library is not merely a collection of garments; it is a living, breathing archive of fashion history. Each piece in the Library is selected for its craftsmanship, cultural significance, and enduring appeal. “Every piece that enters the Albright collection is chosen with great intention,” Albright says. “I look for pieces that are bold yet versatile, editorial yet wearable. A garment needs to have presence—whether it’s a vintage couture dress or a directional runway look from a young designer.”
Many of the garments in the Library have been worn by influential figures, shaping moments in fashion, pop culture, and film. From the iconic vintage Galliano gown worn by Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada to Angelina Jolie’s unforgettable Giambattista Valli dress for W Magazine, the Library has played a key role in creating some of fashion’s most memorable moments.
These pieces are more than just clothing—they are part of the storytelling fabric that shapes fashion as we know it. “What we offer is the antidote to disposable fashion,” Albright explains. “Every time a stylist, designer, or celebrity pulls from our collection, they’re choosing to reuse, repurpose, and recontextualise something extraordinary rather than produce something new.”
Long before sustainability became a buzzword in the fashion industry, the Albright Fashion Library was operating with an ethos rooted in longevity and preservation. Albright’s commitment to sustainability is not solely about materials, but about creating a system that values quality over quantity, story over trend.
“I’ve always believed in the power of curation—understanding what makes a piece timeless, not just trendy,” Albright shares. “Sustainability has always been part of Albright’s DNA—long before it became a buzzword. What we offer is the antidote to disposable fashion.”
Through the Library, Albright has developed a model that encourages reusing, repurposing, and recontextualising garments. Each piece is carefully selected for its quality and potential to be worn repeatedly, allowing creatives to experiment without contributing to the wasteful cycle of overproduction. The collection is built on the belief that fashion should be a resource for storytelling, not an exercise in disposability.
“We’re not just preserving fashion history—we’re making it accessible in a way that’s mindful of the planet,” Albright adds. “True sustainability in fashion isn’t just about materials—it’s about intention. It’s about choosing quality over quantity, story over trend, and preservation over excess.”
A key factor behind the success of the Albright Fashion Library has been its unwavering commitment to collaboration. From the outset, Albright welcomed stylists, editors, and costume designers into the space, not only to borrow pieces but to exchange ideas and spark inspiration. This spirit of collaboration has helped the Library remain relevant and ahead of the curve.
“Over the years, I’ve welcomed a community of creatives into the space—not just to pull pieces, but to exchange ideas,” Albright says. “Marina brings a sharp, younger perspective, and together we’ve built a place where fashion history and what’s next live side by side.”
This collaborative ethos has made the Albright Fashion Library a vital resource for a wide range of creatives, from emerging stylists to established designers. “We’ve always made it a priority to support emerging stylists and creatives,” Albright says. “Albright has always been a resource for those with bold ideas but limited access—because I remember what it was like to be starting and needing that one incredible piece to make a vision come to life.”
In addition to her work with the Albright Fashion Library, Albright has recently embarked on a deeply personal collaboration with wedding designer Houghton. For Albright, designing bridal gowns has been a passion long overdue.
“Designing for a woman’s most important day is an honour,” Albright explains. “This collaboration blends Albright’s legacy with Houghton’s vision to create something unforgettable. We’re not just offering bridal gowns—we’re offering an experience. Brides will have access to the full styling power of Albright’s legendary archive, Houghton’s beautifully modern vision, and a level of personalisation that makes each moment feel cinematic.”
This partnership is not merely about creating stunning dresses; it is about offering a deeply personal experience for brides, ensuring that each piece is as unique and unforgettable as the day it represents.
Looking to the future, Albright remains focused on expanding the Albright Fashion Library’s reach and continuing to evolve with the times. “The demand for access to rare, iconic fashion is truly global,” she shares. “We’re excited to bring Albright’s unique archive and philosophy to new markets around the world.”
As the fashion industry continues to grapple with the challenge of balancing creativity with sustainability, the Albright Fashion Library stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful curation, timeless design, and the belief that fashion can—and should—be an investment in the future. Through Albright’s vision, the Library has become a place where fashion is not just about looking good—it’s about creating something that lasts, something that tells a story, and something that honours the artistry behind every garment.
At its core, the Albright Fashion Library is a celebration of the past, present, and future of fashion, reminding us all that great style is never about fleeting trends but about timeless beauty that transcends time itself.