Something Borrowed
Dressing up to the nines doesn’t have to mean taking out a second mortgage. Renting the runway has become one of the most trendy ways to shop for occasions but is it just too good to be true? Lucy Norris does the ultimate renting round-up so you can borrow and hire your next party frock with confidence.
As the world lifts the lid on lockdown and we all try to remember how to be sociable humans again, attention has returned to the finer things in life. We’re dying for a party, an event to go to where we can ditch the gym leggings and don sparkles galore, white lace for some and heels that’ll require the services of blister patches the next morning.
Wedding bells are ringing, and it won’t be long before the gates are flung open and we can all pretend we’re not freezing ourselves to death in the stands of Leopardstown Race Course, dressed in nothing but Sandro’s latest creation. However, whilst we’re thrilled to be released from the four walls of our homes, perhaps the one thing we didn’t mind so much was the cash we managed to stash away having not had to fork out a fortune on occasion wear.
What was once reserved for a niche section of the population, has now trickled its way into the mainstream - we’re talking about hiring dresses and other wardrobe essentials. Helped by the likes of Carrie Johnson, who rented not one, but four (three were decoys) wedding dresses to celebrate her big day in, the phenomenon that’s been around a lot longer than expected, is taking off like wildfire.
Dampening the stigma around a word that no longer causes noses to be turned up, the notion of ‘second-hand’ shopping and contributing to a circular economy has become a trend in itself. It seems to be in with the old and out with the new. As fast fashion bats off the mounting pressure, it’s virtual clothes swapping apps like Nuw Wardrobe and businesses such as Covet, The Ivory Closet, Borrower Boutique, Designer Room and Style Mama that are taking centre stage in Ireland.
Designer Room
PENNY FOR A POUND
There are a whole list of pros and cons to weigh up when it comes to renting clothes. The most obvious benefit of borrowing a dress is the economical factor. In particular, renting wedding dresses rather than purchasing is catching on fast and judging by the figures, we’d be chasing after one too. Starting at around €400, you can nab yourself a designer gown to waltz down the aisle as opposed to the minimum spend of €1000 you’d face buying brand new. Since you’re cutting costs on the dress, you’ve now got scope to place the budget elsewhere, splurge on your honeymoon or go a little extra on the flower arrangements.
On top of the obvious funds you’ll save, if you opt to borrow rather than buy, there’s the age-old argument surrounding the sad, but true, fact that this piece of clothing will most likely drape your body for a maximum of 24 hours - if it’s been a really great night.
For most, it’s hard to justify dropping thousands on something that’ll collect dust or worse, end up as landfill later down the road. Not only does this apply to brides, the same can be said for charity ball gowns, business galas and pretty much anything else that requires you to leave the jeans on the hanger. With so many options entering the market now and the ability to access it all at the click of a button, it’s difficult to argue against this as a service.
ACCESS ALL AREAS
We’ve all been there, stood in front of the plastic mannequin in Brown Thomas drooling over some designer number that will forever be out of reach. It makes shopping for occasion wear a lot more painful than regular browsing - but not anymore. Another great advantage of renting for an evening, is the accessibility it grants to fashion enthusiasts yearning for ridiculously expensive designer kit. At significantly knocked down rates, you can strut into the dinner party draped in Diane von Furstenberg. Referencing back to Mrs Johnson, Carrie managed to bag herself a Christos Costarellos for £45 instead of the whopping £2,870 it would’ve cost to buy.
The potential here is endless and definitely an option to consider when it comes to personal economic interests.
Covet
HIDDEN FIGURES
Now for the home truths section of this deep dive. Renting clothing and wearing second-hand items would appear to be a great way to reduce the damaged and waste caused by fast fashion right? Well, not entirely. Coined as the solution for these environmental problems, things in the renting economy aren’t as green as they seem. According to a Finnish study on the topic, hidden harm in the amount of transportation of rented items, packaging and dry-cleaning are not helping.
Whilst it’s a step in the right direction, it can’t be labelled as the fi x just yet. Renting articles of clothing obviously comes with terms and conditions, some of which will cost you if you don’t pay attention. Of course, the onus is on the company to provide you with clean, well maintained clothes but if you damage or lose the item, it’s your liability. Reading and re-reading hiring contracts is essential.
Borrower Boutique
LOST HEIRLOOMS?
Arguably one of the special things about a wedding is the process of heading to the bridal shop, mother and whomever managed to make the bridesmaid list in tow, fingers already gripping the free glass of champagne promised on arrival. It’s not to say this experience is completely gone as shops like Covet in Dublin do have capacity for alterations and try-ons in store, but for the majority it’s a click of a button and a parcel in the post.
Now, we’re not endorsing hoarding here, but you do have to keep in mind that when you rent you’ll eventually have to part ways with your ‘big day dress’. Not having a dress to pass through the generations won’t bother some but for others, it might be something to consider.
So, while there’s two sides to every story, renting the runway is an alternative to seriously think about as winter’s silly season fast approaches. Second-hand shopping is having a moment and, we’re up for taking a chance on it