ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Marlo Hampton is dealing with one of the most serious challenges a fashion collector could confront. 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' star recently called out a few businesses for stealing items and fans are nothing but supportive of her.
When Marlo unveiled her business idea, Le' Archive, to reality television fans, it left both 'RHOA' cast members and viewers perplexed. Le' Archive's website is straightforward. It promises over 5,000 runway and archival premium designer clothes hand-picked by "style maven Marlo Hampton." None of these items are for sale. Instead, they may be rented for "photo shoots, television shows, music videos, editorials, movies, commercials, red carpets, premieres, advertising campaigns, etc." Stylists often work with designers and firms like Le' Archive to discover appropriate pieces for those in the entertainment sector. Rentals are only available by appointment and are subject to permission. Marlo charges a daily fee of 25% of the retail value of the goods with a limit of 7 days.
'I want my things back'
On July 6, Marlo took to Instagram to call out brands 1stDibs and Grailed. She said that she had discovered some of the goods taken from her storage facility last year being sold on their sites. She is now asking that a representative from 1stDibs & Grailed contact her, her team, and the Sandy Springs Police Department as soon as possible to get to the bottom of this.
Furthermore, she confirmed to 1stDibs that the Valentino gown being sold by 1stDibs is extremely uncommon, with only a handful created. For Grailed, she revealed how the burglars even went so far as to utilize photographs of Marlo in the Roberto Cavalli gown in their commercial. "I need answers asap," the 'RHOA' star said.
She further added, "The majority of the items stolen from me are irreplaceable. It hurts as I’ve collected these items for over 20 years in my world travels. I want my things back." She posted screenshots of the items listed on the two brands' websites alongside old pictures of her wearing some of those outfits and tagged the brands in her post.
'Just low down and bold af!'
Co-star Sheree Whitfield was one of the first to react to the post, saying, "Crazy! I'm glad u came across this!" Others were not willing to stand the theft, as one wrote, "Not then snatching that black fringe from you and CHARGING $67 the disrespect." Another chimed in, "The nerve of them playing in your face like that." One user noted, "I ain’t NEVER seen anyone but you in that Valentino gown in all my years blogging and researching fashion. Absolutely no one so they definitely need to be investigated ASAP because this is not ok." A fourth user sighed, "Not the hold up Beyonce dress."
One fan commented, "I’m sorry this happened but this is giving Charolette from the latest Just Like That Episode and I live! Get what’s yours mama!!!" Another person wrote, "A literal nightmare for any fashion collector, my heart goes out to you." "Now this is the real meaning of AUDACITY!" added another. One user sighed, "Wow. Just low down and bold af!"