We rent apartments, cars, and DVDs, but as pop culture continues to influence our lifestyle, even couture is now available to rent. Sure we can't all afford the designer duds cropping up on couture runways from here to Paris, but as the New York Times reports, the recessionistas among us have found another way to get their hands on the coveted — and pricey — merchandise.
Modeled after the "rent-by-web" model, the new site, Rent the Runway, offers clothes from design houses like DvF, Heve Leger, and Catherine Malandrino, to name a few, for anywhere from $50 to $200 dollars for a four-night stay in your very own closet — even dry-cleaning's included in the cost of rental.The only downside, of course, is that fact, that after a couple nights of dancing in your designer number, you'll be forced to pack it up and send it right back.
It's a pretty innovative way to give us the chance — or at least, the illusion — of having it all. Still, I'm wondering does it make a difference to you if you know you don't own the item? Does renting the couture make it feel any less special or is the concept a smart way to give women a luxurious experience without the luxury price tag?
Lipsy
Sorry, but renting clothes kind of grosses me out. Even if they've been cleaned...I'd rather wear mostly cheap clothes and have a few really GOOD pieces that I wear on special occasions.
1I agree with Spectra, wearing clothes that numerous other people that you don't know is gross. If designer clothes are that important to you, it's better to save up for awhile.
2I suppose if I was for some amazingly spectacular event and I wanted to have a designer dress, I would not dismiss the idea-- but generally speaking, part of what I love about buying clothes is knowing it is mine for as long as my heart desires!
3meh i might try rent the runway for a couple of holiday parties this year. i really don't NEED any more dresses, but i have a thing with wearing a dress to more than two events, so it kind of works for me.
4Renting designer duds is nothing new, many years ago I worked for a company that had multiple black-tie events a year so I rented dresses, it was great and I have the pictures to remember the dresses and events.
5lol good thing you guys dont have to rent tuxes!!
i love Rent the Runway but i'm really confused why they got a lot of press when there are many other "designer dress rental" websites that already exist out there.
I don't go to many events where I should be wearing a $100+ dress, but if that ever comes up, I would be willing to rent a dress for it.
6normally i wouldn't do this, but if i had a job that required me to attend a lot of events, it'd be more cost effective to rent dresses than to buy a bunch!
7it'd be great for weddings and stuff. I feel like I'm always wearing the same three dresses over and over.
8The idea of renting clothes is a little gross, but on the other hand, it's a great way to save money and prevent waste, especially if it's an outfit I'd only wear once or twice anyway.
9guys rent tuxes, what's the difference?
I like the idea. Even when you buy a dress, it's not like you're going to wear it forever - the only way I even wear a dress twice is if I go to events with different people because I hate being caught in the same outfit. This wouldn't be for every weekend, obviously, but for special events when you want to look extra glamorous.
10Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.