Luxury e-tailer Net-a-Porter has partnered with Armarium, a New York-based start-up that offers high-fashion apparel and accessories on loan. Now, Armarium clients can directly access the Net-a-Porter website to “complete the look” by purchasing pieces that pair with their rented outfit.
Armarium, which launched in April as an invite-only platform, emerged from beta in June with a $1.25 million investment from Net-a-Porter co-founder Carmen Busquets. The first-of-its-kind service offers an ever-evolving array of luxury and avant-garde ready-to-wear and accessories on loan, from brands including Emilio Pucci, Etro, Ferragamo, Marchesa and more.
Thanks to this collaboration with the full-priced e-commerce business, Armarium users can now borrow a jacket from Haider Ackerman and pair it with an investment trouser purchased from Net-a-Porter, without leaving the website or mobile app. In addition, clients that need a helping hand can hire a member of the “Style Brigade,” a network of 35 stylists that includes Natalie Joos and Cristina Ehrlich, to name just two, who put together a selection of Net-a-Porter items that complement the pieces available for rent and can be booked to style top-to-toe looks for an additional fee.
Unlike Rent the Runway which can sometimes offer pieces up to four seasons old, Armarium’s offering is constantly updated to keep the assortment current. For example, the website has a check wool cape from Missoni’s Fall/Winter 2016 collection (valued at over $4,000) available to rent for $500 and Style Brigade member La Marque has suggested users purchase a Fendi purse, Missoni dress or Nicholas Kirkwood boots from Net-a-Porter to complete the look.
Armarium’s prices range from $50 to $900, depending on the item, which can be temporarily tailored to fit perfectly. Clients rent for a four-day period, with the option to extend beyond that, and Armarium provides a return shipping label and takes care of dry cleaning.