Hirestreet, the popular rental platform, has witnessed an extraordinary surge in site traffic this summer as occasionwear rentals have soared by a staggering 300% compared to last year. With the demand for rented outfits on the rise, Hirestreet has partnered with renowned shoe retailer Schuh to introduce their first-ever rental edit on the marketplace platform. The rental edit features a diverse range of shoe styles, including high heels and wedges, perfect for any occasion. Rental prices start from as low as £5 for a 5-day rental and £10 for a 10-day rental, with a selection of seven core styles available for hire.
Vintage Threads, a prominent vintage clothing brand, has recently expanded its presence by opening stores in Manchester Trafford Centre and Manchester Exchange within the renowned Selfridges department store. Becoming the best-performing brand in Selfridges’ London designer studio, Vintage Threads ensures that all its vintage pieces undergo thorough authentication, washing, steaming, and grading before they are sold. The company also has a strong commitment to upcycling items through its VT Rework brand, which was established in 2019.
Ninety Percent, a sustainable fashion brand, has made its mark by launching its first-ever pop-up store at Harrods in London. This physical retail space on the fourth floor of Harrods showcases the brand’s exclusive AW23 collection, featuring a mix of feminine dresses, soft tailoring pieces, and outerwear. Customers will have access to styles that are available only at Harrods, adding to the uniqueness of the collection.
In a bid to address the prevalent issue of low pay rates in the fashion industry, UK fashion stylists have come together to form a trade union under the umbrella of Bectu (the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications, and Theatre Union). Known as the Celebrity Stylist Union, this trade union aims to negotiate better working conditions and fairer pay for stylists who often earn less than minimum wage, especially when considering additional expenses like travel, shipping, and tailoring. Through collective bargaining, the union hopes to uplift the industry and improve the situation for stylists across the board.
Crystal Palace, a well-known football club based in South London, has made a groundbreaking move by appointing Kenny Annan-Jonathan as its first-ever Creative Lead. This appointment highlights the growing significance of sports-linked apparel for football clubs. With extensive experience working alongside global brands, Annan-Jonathan will oversee the launch of an apparel range specifically designed for Crystal Palace supporters during the upcoming AW23 season.
The fashion rental market continues to thrive as two prominent platforms, My Wardrobe HQ (MWHQ) and Rotaro, have announced a consolidation of their stock. This collaboration aims to expand the range of brand-owned and individual vendor-owned pieces available on MWHQ. Sacha Newall, the founder of MWHQ, views this consolidation as an excellent opportunity for the business, strengthening their relationships with established UK designers like Vivienne Westwood and Burberry. Additionally, the merger with Rotaro allows MWHQ to incorporate emerging designers who share their values of sustainability, quality, and craftsmanship. This consolidation brings together MWHQ’s existing customer base of the ABC1 30+ market with Rotaro’s younger, fashion-forward audience.
Useful links:
1. Hirestreet: Visit Hirestreet’s official website to explore their diverse range of occasionwear rentals and access the rental edit featuring Schuh shoe offerings.
2. My Wardrobe HQ: Discover My Wardrobe HQ’s platform, offering a wide selection of designer rentals, including pieces from iconic brands like Vivienne Westwood and Burberry.
