With seasons constantly on rotation, finding stunning garments to elevate your style with is no easy feat, especially if you’re on the lookout for some pre-loved luxury pieces. Fortunately, the Internet is your oyster — if you know how to utilise it, that is.
From rental services perfect for one-off occasions to pre-loved designer items that’ll help you put your own flair on some of the most beautiful clothes ever created, there’s a broad range of options so it is time to enter the luxurious world of pre-loved luxury sustainable fashion. We have curated a list of the best online services that offer high-end fashion via renting, thrifting and swapping.
Having witnessed the effects of textile waste while on a honeymoon trip to her motherland Rajasthan, By Rotation’s founder Eshita Kabra-Davies was determined to transform the way we consume fashion — and, fortunately for us all, she made the decision to launch By Rotation in 2019.
Self-referred to as “the largest shared wardrobe” in the UK, By Rotation is also the world’s first social fashion rental app, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in a fashion community like no other. All fashionistas are welcome to build their outfits with garments from Alémais, Anita Dongre, and Jacquemus, just to name a few. And if building your outfit seems easy but choosing where to wear it proves to be rather challenging, allow By Rotation to do it for you, with a broad range of different collections, such as The Festive Edit, The Ski Edit, or any other currently showcased on the platform.
“Long live fashion” is the motto of Vestiaire Collective, a global pre-owned fashion retailer. And, with an international community of over 7 million fashion-savvy fashionistas across 50 countries all over the world, you’d be absolutely correct to emphasise the collective part.
In fact, over 25,000 new items are submitted every week, creating a really exciting and unique shopping experience, which features a carefully-curated catalogue of beautiful items; expect pieces from the fashion greats such as Pyer Moss, Alexander McQueen, Martine Rose, and so many more. Initially founded in Paris, Vestiaire Collective has already been established as one of the main leaders in the industry — and, needless to say, you can always trust French taste when it comes to clothing.
Of course, there’s no reason why second-hand clothing shouldn’t be your first choice and Joe Metcalfe, founder of the pre-loved luxury fashion retailing website Thrift+, knows it better than anyone else. After launching the platform in 2017, he hasn’t stopped working towards bringing the charity shopping experience to the digital world; all while ensuring a customer journey just as good — if not better — as some of the best merchants out there.
With a range of luxurious pieces always at the ready, Thrift+ invites everyone to stop always going after the latest drop and offer marvellous garments a second chance… you’re just a quick browse away from jazzing up your wardrobe with some really cool and exclusive pieces. So, if you’ve already been eyeing some high-fashion brands for quite a while, now’s your chance to purchase a Saint Laurent denim jacket or, if you’re feeling extra fancy, a glamorous Versace mini-dress, both of which are less than £300. More beautiful clothing in your closet, and less in the landfill. A true win-win situation.
If joining a digital fashion revolution tickles your fancy, LOANHOOD is certainly the place to be. Founded by Jade McSorely, Jen Charon, and Lucy Hall, these three powerhouses are leading the industry to a much greener future. This online fashion rental platform offers a whole cornucopia of stunning garments to choose from; and, most excitingly, all from the comfort of your mobile phone.
From Burberry trench coats to Prada boots to Yves Saint Laurent handbags, there’s an item for any occasion: be it an exclusive event, be it a glamorous photoshoot, or be it anything else. You name it. What is more, LOANHOOD is where many emerging designers from all around the globe have found the home for their latest pieces, too. So, now you can stomp down the street with a luxurious garment courtesy of various high-fashion designers and stay ahead of the curve by championing rising talent.
Though prices hover around £30 per week, each item is usually around 15% of the original retail price. It’s the perfect option for when you’re in need of an outfit but don’t want to hurt your wallet.
Rent, wear, return. Or, in other words, rotate. That is precisely what the online rental platform Rotaro encourages everyone to do. This cult-label fashion rental site serving the whole of the United Kingdom boasts a number of luxurious garments. Nafsika Skourti? Check. The Vampire’s Wife? Check. Oceanus? Check.
Thanks to a range as colourful and iridescent as fashion itself, every fashion lover will find something to their liking on Rotaro. And, with no deposits, next day delivery, and free returns offered with each rental, the platform aims to make designer brands more widely available. Honestly, who could say no to that, right? One of the most exciting features of Rotaro is that you can search for garments based on their specific colour, which saves you a lot of time along the way. Looking for a royal blue dress to match with your stunning brown heels? Well, look no further — Rotaro has got you covered with just one click.
All imagery courtesy of the brands featured. Leading image courtesy of Laura Chouette (Unsplash).