High-End Brands for Rent: Here are 4 You Haven’t Met Yet

No, it is not wrong to want to wear high-end brands. It doesn’t make you vain or superficial. The antithesis of fast fashion, high-end brands are the “do good” choice nowadays due to their commitment to high-quality materials, skilled craftsmanship, and sustainable practices. Being mindful of the environmental and ethical practices of the brands you choose aligns your fashion choices with broader values you hold. Today, we’ll introduce you to four high-end brands for rent that prioritize quality materials, practicality, comfort, fit, and sustainability. These brands check all the boxes, and they may not be on your radar yet.

Before I started renting from Armoire, the most expensive item of clothing I’d ever worn was my wedding dress. It was somewhere in the $600 range (which is probably inexpensive in today’s bridal market; if I ever marry again, I will rent my wedding dress!) Fast forward to today, and it’s not unusual for me to work from home in an $800 dress. What I missed out on in my pre-Armoire years: better fit, confidence, and feeling more comfortable in my own skin. Worse, the fast fashion I was wearing was killing the environment. If wearing nice clothes is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

1. Equipment

Best of our High-End Brands for Rent: Luxury Materials

Equipment is known for its sleek and sophisticated designs, particularly its high-quality silk blouses. It was founded in 1976 by Christian Restoin in Paris. The brand initially gained fame for its menswear-inspired women’s shirts, which blended classic and contemporary styles. Equipment is still renowned for its androgynous yet chic aesthetic, with a focus on timeless pieces that often include relaxed fits, minimalist designs, and luxurious fabrics. The brand’s silk blouses are particularly iconic, known for their elegance and versatility.After a period of dormancy, Equipment was relaunched in 2010 by Serge Azria, who infused new life into the brand while retaining its original essence. Under Azria’s leadership, the brand expanded its range to include dresses, knitwear, outerwear, and accessories, broadening its appeal. Equipment products are available in high-end department stores, specialty boutiques, the brand’s own flagship stores, and, of course, available for rent at Armoire.

Star Style

The brand has been popular among celebrities and fashion icons, including Kate Middleton, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Gwen Stefani. We previously wrote about this here. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but other style makers who are frequently photographed in Equipment include Kelly Ripa, Heidi Klum, Selena Gomez, Amber Heard, Kate Moss, Jessica Alba, Princess Eugenie, Meghan Markle, Katie Holmes, and Eva Longoria. Equipment’s blend of Parisian sophistication, timeless design, and modern appeal makes it a favorite among the fashionable elite.

MSRP

Equipment’s retail prices are not for the weary, which is one reason why renting them makes sense. The button-down tops in our inventory carry an MSRP of $250-$295, and up to $390 for other blouse styles. Dresses range from $295 to $550. Cashmere sweaters sell for $325 to $383. Wear one with these bold, wide, leg trousers for $375 and you have an outfit worth more than my wedding dress. Blazers run $525-$545, while a winter coat costs $695. Of course, retail prices mean nothing at Armoire. Everything in our inventory is available to wear on any subscription tier.

Armoire Sustainability Score: 5 Stars

Equipment has been making strides toward sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly practices in its production processes. For starters, the brand strives for transparency in its sustainability efforts, providing information about its practices and goals to consumers. The brand is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint by optimizing its supply chain and reducing waste in production processes. Further, Equipment aims to reduce its environmental impact through eco-friendly packaging. This includes using recycled materials and minimizing plastic use. Armoire members know this is a priority for us.

We also love their sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and EcoVero—a sustainable viscose fabric made from renewable wood sources. These fabrics are not only good for the environment, but also incredibly comfortable.

Finally, the brand is committed to ensuring fair labor practices and safe working conditions in its supply chain. They work with factories that adhere to international labor standards. Equipment collaborates with organizations and holds certifications that support sustainability, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. 

Overall, Equipment checks all of our boxes for quality craftwomanship, luxury, style, and sustainable practices.

2. Derek Lam 10 Crosby

Best of our High-End Brands for Rent: Innovative Design

Derek Lam 10 Crosby, created by renowned American fashion designer Derek Lam, is known for its modern and effortlessly chic designs. Derek Lam 10 Crosby was launched in 2011 as a diffusion line of the main Derek Lam brand. The name “10 Crosby” refers to the address of the Derek Lam headquarters in New York City.

The brand is characterized by its contemporary and urban aesthetic, offering sophisticated yet relaxed styles. The collections often include versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched for both day and night. Derek Lam 10 Crosby offers a wide range of clothing, including dresses, tops, pants, skirts, outerwear, and knitwear. The designs feature high-quality fabrics, unique prints, and thoughtful details that enhance the overall appeal of the garments.

The brand is available in high-end department stores, specialty boutiques, and flagship stores in key fashion cities. And, naturally, available to rent at Armoire.

Star Style

Despite being a diffusion line, Derek Lam 10 Crosby has been incredibly popular among fashion giants including Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, and Hailey Bieber. It’s not unusual to see the brand on red carpets or in fashion editorials outfitting Emily Blunt, Elizabeth Banks, Eva Longoria, Kate Middleton, Kelly Clarkson, Emma Watson, Nicole Richie, Selena Gomez, Margot Robbie, Chrissy Teigen, Katie Holmes, Kristen Stewart, Katie Holmes, Blake Lively, Emma Watson, Kelly Ripa, Dakota Fanning, and many, many more.

MSRP

The brand’s focus on quality fabrics, craftsmanship, and design innovation is reflected in its pricing. Casual Dresses usually fall between $350 and $600 MSRP. I have this $395 shirt dress at home with me now. This fall, I’m hoping for an occasion to wear this $595 contrast rib blazer and this cardigan which also retails for $595. Blouses and shirts typically range from $250 to $450, while pants and trousers go for $300 to $500.

Armoire Sustainability Score: 5 Stars

The brand is conscious of sustainability and ethical practices, incorporating eco-friendly materials and responsible production methods into its collections. This includes the use of organic cotton, recycled polyester, and other eco-friendly materials. The brand is committed to sourcing materials from suppliers who adhere to environmentally friendly and ethical standards. They even occasionally release collections specifically designed with sustainability in mind.

The brand partners with manufacturers that follow ethical labor practices, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for workers. Efforts are made to minimize waste during the production process, including optimizing fabric use and recycling scraps.

Derek Lam 10 Crosby also strives to maintain transparency in its supply chain, providing customers with information about where and how their products are made. Regular reports and updates on sustainability initiatives help keep the brand accountable and inform consumers about its progress. The brand engages in campaigns to educate consumers about the importance of sustainability and how they can make more eco-conscious choices in their fashion purchases.

While Derek Lam 10 Crosby continues to evolve its sustainability practices, the brand’s commitment to responsible fashion is evident through its ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact and promote ethical standards in the industry.

3. MM LaFleur

Best of our High-End Brands for Rent: Quiet Luxury

MM LaFleur is known for its sophisticated and practical workwear. The brand was founded by Sarah LaFleur, Miyako Nakamura, and Narie Foster in 2013 with the goal of providing stylish, professional clothing for women, making it easier for them to dress confidently for work without the hassle of traditional shopping (ahem—sound familiar?).

MM LaFleur’s designs are characterized by their polished, professional look, with a focus on clean lines, classic silhouettes, and high-quality fabrics. The brand emphasizes functionality, offering pieces that are not only stylish but also comfortable and practical. The core of MM LaFleur’s collection is its workwear, including dresses, blouses, pants, skirts, blazers, and suits. MM LaFleur has also expanded to include more casual pieces for off-duty days.

Empowerment

MM LaFleur is dedicated to empowering women in the workplace, not just through clothing but also by fostering a community of professional women. The brand often hosts events, talks, and workshops aimed at career development and networking. They receive high marks from us for offering a range of sizes to accommodate different body types, promoting inclusivity in their collections.

The company encourages its employees to participate in sustainability and community service activities, creating a culture of responsibility and giving back. In fact, they support various charitable organizations and initiatives that align with their values, including those focused on environmental sustainability and women’s empowerment.

Bonus points: MM LaFleur is a female-founded brand.

MSRP

MM.LaFleur’s pricing is generally in the mid to high range for professional women’s clothing. While browsing the Armoire site, a smart dress caught my eye with retail pricing at $365. Knowing a bit about the quality of their line, that actually seems like a bargain. Of course, that’s more than I would pay, but I rent. I hit the “like” icon on some cropped pants worth $265, a silk jacket that retails for $435, and this lightweight gingham Anorak jacket has an MSRP of $495.

Armoire Sustainability Score: 5 Stars

MM LaFleur incorporates recycled materials into its collections and minimizes excess inventory, reducing waste and the demand for virgin resources. They also use eco-friendly fabrics like TENCEL™ and organic cotton, which have a lower environmental impact compared to conventional fabrics. Further, the brand aims to produce a significant portion of its clothing locally to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation.

The brand encourages recycling of its products through various initiatives and partnerships, helping to extend the life cycle of its garments. MM.LaFleur has introduced initiatives like the “MM Second Act,” where customers can buy and sell pre-owned MM.LaFleur items, promoting a circular economy and reducing textile waste.

MM.LaFleur ensures that its manufacturing partners follow ethical labor practices, including fair wages and safe working conditions. They’re transparent about their sustainability efforts and progress, sharing information with customers to promote awareness and accountability.

Like Armoire, MM.LaFleur uses recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials to reduce the environmental impact of its shipments. Great minds think alike.

4. Sarah Alexandra

Best of our High-End Brands for Rent: Variety

Sarah Alexandra, inspired by her mother’s impeccable sense of style and her own experiences in the fashion industry, founded her namesake brand to create timeless, elegant, and versatile shirts that empower women and enhance their wardrobes. Sarah Alexandra is best known for its luxurious, high-quality shirts and blouses. 

The brand’s aesthetic is rooted in classic designs that stand the test of time using luxurious fabrics, such as Italian cotton and silk. Sarah Alexandra’s shirts are known for their meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing expert tailoring and craftsmanship, resulting in shirts that fit beautifully and look polished.Sarah Alexandra styles can be tricky to come by in the wild; the brand is primarily offered via boutique events and trunk shows. Armoire members have access to several dozen styles of its legendary button-down in every imaginable pattern, both long-sleeved and short, and several classic shirt dresses. The variety alone makes Sarah Alexandra one of our favorite high-end brands for rent.

Empowerment

Sarah Alexandra values its connection with customers, often engaging with them through social media, newsletters, and personalized services. The brand provides style inspiration and tips, helping women make the most of their Sarah Alexandra shirts.

Bonus points: Sarah Alexandra is a female-founded brand.

MSRP

Shirts consistently sell between $395 and $445, reflecting the use of high-quality fabrics and the expert tailoring that goes into each piece. If you’ve never worn a $400 button-down, I wholeheartedly encourage you to rent one. I didn’t even know I was a button-down type gal before discovering Sarah Alexandra. I mostly avoided them because the cheaper versions I wore required ironing, felt fussy, and weren’t all that comfortable. What a difference quality makes. I’ve mostly been wearing them casually, with a half French tuck into my favorite denim cutoff shorts. I roll up the sleeves for an easygoing summer vibe, and I’m effortlessly dressed for everything from a Zoom call to a boat ride.

Speaking of effortless, opt for Sarah Alexandra’s signature shirt in dress form. These retail for $415 to $495. I’ve long been a fan of any shirt dress, even before learning they’d be one of the top trends for Spring 2024. In fact, a Sarah Alexandris shirt dress was in my very first case from Armoire.

Armoire Sustainability Score: 5 Stars

By focusing on timeless pieces, Sarah Alexandra promotes a more sustainable approach to fashion through use of durable, high-quality materials. Their emphasis on expert tailoring and craftsmanship ensures each piece is made to the highest standards, and made to last. 

Sarah Alexandra is committed to ethical production practices. This includes working with manufacturers who adhere to fair labor standards, ensuring safe and respectful working conditions for all employees involved in the production process. The company aims to maintain transparency in its supply chain, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about their purchases. This includes providing information about the origins of materials and the manufacturing processes used.

High-End Brands for Rent Honorable Mentions

I’ll sign off with a few of my favorite high-end brands for rent that I wore over the past year. The key word here is “wore.” I didn’t have to launder or dry clean any of these garments. When you rent from Armoire, cleaning is included. I wore them. I enjoyed them. I sent them back, making room for more high-end clothes in my life.