Archive Access Terms and Conditions

The access fee

The access fee of $1,250 is applied at checkout and covers one week with the gown, plus two days of shipping on either side — eleven days in total, from the day the gown leaves the atelier to the day it is returned. Once a reservation is confirmed, it is non-refundable.

What is included

Online reservations include the gown alone. Shoes, veils, and jewelry are offered through in-person appointments at the Beverly Hills atelier, where our stylist completes the look with you from the archive.

At checkout

Two further charges are made at checkout: a mandatory, non-refundable dry-cleaning fee of $250, and a $500 deposit. The deposit is a hold, released once the gown has been returned and passed inspection in good condition.

Fit and alterations

Sizing is specified on each product page. For online reservations, a temporary hem can be created, and the gown may be altered provided it can be returned to its original form. In-person alterations are advised and handled in-house at the atelier. Alterations range from $250 to $650. If the gown does not fit, it may be exchanged for another look.

Before it leaves

Every gown is inspected at Houghton Studio before it is released to you, and its condition is recorded.

Wearing the gown

The gown is yours for the week. We ask only that it is treated with the care you would give your own.

Returning the gown

A prepaid return shipping label is provided by Houghton Studio. Place the gown in its garment bag and ensure the return shipment is postmarked by the final day of your week. A return shipped late incurs a fee of $250 per day.

Upon return

Once the gown is received at Houghton, it is inspected again. You will be notified within 48 hours of any damage or staining found, with images, and advised whether it can be repaired. Minor marks that cleaning can resolve are not charged. If the gown passes inspection, the $500 deposit is released back to your card within seven business days. If the gown is damaged beyond repair — it cannot be restored by our seamstresses, or is stained to a degree that professional cleaning cannot remove — the deposit is applied.

Lost in transit

Every shipment is insured. If the gown is lost on its way to you, it will be replaced with a comparable gown. If the gown is lost in transit on its return, the $500 deposit is applied.