Kate Mao has a way of curating that feels quietly profound. As the founder of Into Archive, she’s created a world where longevity is a love language — where every piece is chosen for how it speaks, how it holds meaning, and how it fits into a life well-lived. Her approach to style is guided by instinct, by memory, and by the belief that simplicity can be its own kind of statement.
In our conversation, Kate shares how her mother’s minimalism shaped her philosophy, the story behind the Chanel bag that changed everything, and why building a wardrobe, like building a life, is really about choosing what matters.
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We always love to begin by honoring the women who’ve shaped us. Is there a woman in your life — a family member, mentor, or friend — whose mindset or style had the most lasting influence on you?
"It might be boring but definitely my mom — which might be the obvious answer, but for good reason. What’s funny is that her relationship with fashion is the complete opposite of mine. She’s always gravitated toward a minimalist uniform, rotating a few neutral staples in beige, black, or white. She’s never been into labels, monograms, or anything she’d consider frivolous."
"In contrast, my own wardrobe is often shapely, patterned, sheer, and in many ways excessive. But over time, her influence helped me define my own version of a ‘uniform’ — a foundational set of pieces that every woman can rely on. It’s not just about the practicality of dressing, but the philosophy behind it: that repetition in the wardrobe can reflect personal values, clarity, and a sense of self."
We’d love to know about where your first creative spark came from. Has fashion always been your primary creative outlet?
"Fashion has always been a love of mine, especially dressing up, but I didn’t set out thinking it would be my career. I actually thought I might become a graphic designer — or maybe go into agriculture, strangely enough."
"My first real entrepreneurial experience came from selling sticker collections at school. I used to bid on bulk lots on eBay and resell them — a little workaround to avoid paying retail at local stationery stores. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was thrilling. That small practice of doing business sparked something creative in me, and I think that mix of creativity and commerce stayed with me over the years."
"So no, fashion wasn’t always the obvious path — but when I started Into Archive, it became clear it was the right one. The industry just happened to meet me where my interests and instincts were already going."
Speaking of fashion, your company Into Archive is known for its incredible collection, with pieces that are meant to be cherished for generations to come. How do you source with longevity and legacy in mind?
"We primarily serve women, and my curation grows with the evolving idea of the modern woman — how she moves through her career, her relationships, and her everyday life. I look for pieces that reflect the past but also anticipate what will resonate in the future."
"A great example is Thierry Mugler suits. I began collecting them years ago, drawn to their bold shapes and colors — long before their recent resurgence. Fast forward to now, they’re having a major moment, especially with stylists putting them on people like Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner. But for me, the appeal wasn’t driven by trend — it was about utility, structure, and empowerment."
"The beauty of Mugler’s work is that it makes women feel powerful — not just through sharp tailoring or padded shoulders, but through thoughtful details like pockets and utility. My showroom manager Nina and I often wear them while working — it’s functional, but it’s also about showing up in a way that feels intentional."
"We primarily serve women, and my curation grows with the evolving idea of the modern woman."
In that vein, we truly love how Into Archive honors the stories behind what we wear. Is there a particular piece in your own closets that carries sentimental value — a memory, a person, or a chapter of life it reminds you of?
"I always think of my first Chanel bag — the one I bid on nearly seven years ago. I know it’s a privilege to be able to afford one, but back then, they were priced closer to $1,000, and I had saved up from a lot of freelance work to buy it. The bag was from the 2013 Dallas collection, made of cotton rather than leather."
"At the time, I was nervous. Most people were investing in classic caviar or calfskin styles, and the conversation around value was heavily influenced by material. I remember feeling really insecure about my decision — worried that I’d made a mistake by choosing something that felt like a personal want, not a “smart” investment. I wasn’t buying based on trends — I just loved the pattern and design."
"Fast forward to 2025, and that same bag is now one of the most requested rentals in our archive. Its value has increased more than 8 to 9 times what I originally paid."
"Of course, not every vintage piece performs that way — but looking back, that moment helped me realize I was always drawn to collecting and curating based on long-term potential. It was a turning point that made me want to start Into Archive and be intentional about which pieces we highlight. Just like a museum or gallery, I see curation as a mix of risk, instinct, and research. What you see today is nearly a decade of that work — and a collection that’s almost 8,000 pieces deep."
Building a brand is demanding — and so is maintaining a creative life, especially one based in NYC. Are there rituals or routines that help you stay grounded and connected to yourself?
"Definitely. I always say rituals are where ideas have room to form. My day starts with my uniform — literally — then flows into a rotation of familiar places I like to eat, walk through, or work from. It’s not rigid, but there’s a comfort in the repetition."
"I don’t follow a strict meditation or wellness routine, but I am very intentional about how I spend my time. I stick to a familiar palette — whether it’s food, skincare, furniture, or clothing — and that consistency gives me space to focus. In many ways, curating Into Archive taught me that curating a life — your circle, your home, your energy — is just as important."
"I don’t really see myself as an entrepreneur first. I see myself as a curator — someone who filters, selects, and connects things with meaning. That applies to everything, from the archive to the everyday."
Kate's Ritual:
