Rent the Runway: Rent a Special Designer for a Special Night

Have you ever thought about leasing or renting a designer gown just like you would an expensive car?  It’s an attractive option.  But where do you go to find such a service? Online of course to start-up Rent the Runway.  Representatives from Rent the Runway were in town a few weeks ago, and I had the opportunity to meet with them over dinner at a favorite dinning spot in LA, Dominick’s on Beverly Boulevard.

When I first heard about this designer rental service, I have to admit I was skeptical.  I don’t like subscribing to something I may not use, or taking a chance that a special dress for a special occasion may not arrive in time, or fit properly.  But the creators of Rent the Runway have considered these consumer doubts and fears, and provided some options to help should mishaps occur. First of all they recommend you order your dress in two sizes.  That is a great idea, since sizing is hardly standard these days and varies widely by designer.  You can also order a back-up dress in a different style for an additional fee.  If the dress doesn’t ship in time, they will try to get it to the customer via a courier service.  But one key ingredient Rent the Runway can’t provide for is time, that is something the customer does need to allow and plan for.  I would say, plan at least a week in advance for this type of clothing rental so you make sure the fit is right, and you have time to get the proper foundation garments, shoes and accessories to make your rental worthwhile. You can reserve your favorite look or item 6 months in advance, which might work for a wedding or prom date you know is coming.

The most attractive part of the rental offering is the designer choices that are offered.  Most of the designers Rent the Runway offers are outside of the budget of the average consumer.  Some designers that I love who are on their menu: Rebecca Taylor, Badgley Mischka, Richard Chai, Alice Temperley, Kenneth Jay Lane (jewelry), Citrine by the Stones (jewelry), Diane Von Furstenberg, Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti, Ports 1961 and See by Chole.  Those are just the “top notes”, there are others.  I wish Burberry  and Chanel were on the list, but maybe they will be added in the future.  As you can see from the selection, the brand selected have pricey offerings.  A special dress from this elite group might cost thousands.  The jewelry perhaps hundreds.  Rent the Runway offers the opportunity to have a one time use of the goods for price from $50.00 to $250.00.  The Carrie Ivory Halston Heritage dress that retails for $350.00 is available for rental for $50.00. 

Where would your wear a dress or special piece of jewelry from Rent the Runway?  My friend looked it for the dinner in New York when the French President Sarkozy visited with his wife, Carla Bruni.  After all, you don’t want to go to a dinner with Carla Bruni in any old thing. Other special occasions like weddings, company holiday parties or dinners where you want to really impress might work. I asked the company representatives what happens if a dress is damaged.  That is all covered by insurance they told me.  Each dress rental includes an insurance fee in the event the dress gets ripped, or red wine is spilled on it. Cleaning fees are part of the insurance.  Consumers just drop the dress back in the mail, and it is covered.  Read the rental agreement on the site for all the details.  I haven’t tried Rent the Runway yet, but I am intrigued.   The company gifted me with a $100.00 gift card to try the service. I haven’t tried it yet, but when I have a special occasion, I will give it a go, and write a review here on the blog.

I think a service like this has many benefits in a tough economy.  It allows consumers to fulfill their fashion fantasies without going into debt or incurring large credit card finance fees and it allows designers to reach new customers.  And unlike a Target Go collection, the consumer is not trying the budget version of the designer, they really are trying the designer’s original vision and couture creation.  That’s a win for everyone.  My philosophy has always been that fashion should not be exclusive only for the wealthy, it should be available to everyone. Services like Rent the Runway help to make  fashion accessible to the mass market.  If you want to check it out, click here to join the website and browse the goods. You can also join using my referral link.   If you use my link, I receive a referral fee when you rent, and you can also refer your friends and receive a credit to bring the cost of your rental down.  Discount shopping and credits are some of my favorite recessionista tools. 🙂