Behind the rugged, effortlessly cool workwear style of Austin Butler is a name quietly shaping Hollywood’s vintage fashion scene—Artem Emelianov. The founder of World Vintage in Los Angeles, Emelianov has become a go-to source for rare, archival pieces that define Butler’s now-signature aesthetic.

Emelianov’s journey into vintage wasn’t born from trend, but necessity. After moving from Latvia to Detroit, he grew up shopping exclusively in thrift stores, eventually developing a sharp eye for overlooked gems. What began as survival evolved into obsession—collecting everything from worn-in workwear to decades-old tees, long before vintage became a luxury market. (GQ)

Today, his appointment-only archive is a treasure trove of history. Butler, along with other high-profile names, regularly visits the space—not just to shop, but to dig. In fact, Butler is known to spend hours inside, climbing racks and pulling pieces himself, treating the archive less like a store and more like a playground of fashion history. (GQ)

What sets Emelianov apart is his sourcing philosophy. He doesn’t rely on traditional supply chains. Instead, he travels across the country, exploring flea markets, antique malls, and even abandoned homes to uncover garments with real stories—fire-worn jackets, sun-faded denim, and perfectly distressed workwear that cannot be replicated. (GQ)

This authenticity is exactly what defines Butler’s style. His looks feel lived-in, not styled—rooted in pieces that carry decades of character. It’s a shift away from polished celebrity fashion toward something more grounded, raw, and personal.

In an era obsessed with newness, Emelianov proves that the future of menswear may lie in the past—and in the hands of those who know where to find it.