Want A Designer Wardrobe? It’s No More A Secret!

JESSICA G. NAGPAL

What’s so secret about this week’s Newsmaker of the Week?

Well, this week we profile a person behind an interesting concept, which offers rental service of designer wear for all your special occasions!

And what brings it here on The Sip of Life is that it happens to be India’s first online rental service for designer wear. We talk to Jessica G. Nagpal, Managing Director, Secret Wardrobe, which is based in Mumbai to know more about how it works.

What is Secret Wardrobe all about and how does it work?

Secret Wardrobe is India’s first online rental service for Designer Wear!

Through this venture, designer clothes and accessories are available on a rental basis at a fraction of the actual retail price. Set in Mumbai – the commercial, financial and entertainment capital of India - Secret Wardrobe offers a simple solution for a multitude of fashionable women who crave to flaunt a new stunning look for every occasion. Be it a wedding or a pre-wedding function, a glitterati party or a cocktail evening, a corporate do or a beach party, an ad film shoot or a photo shoot… there’s something for everyone at Secret Wardrobe - available at a fraction of the actual retail price! And not just this, there is also a Secret Wardrobe Hall of Fame, where viewers can see what their favourite celebrities are wearing and rent the same outfits!

Ikat Saree with Net Pallu by Masaba Gupta (Celebrity outfit worn by Mandira Bedi)

This venture was conceptualized while I was making a documentary film on Indian handlooms, which involved interaction with several designers. The basic idea is that many people find it unaffordable to invest in purchasing high fashion items on a regular basis. Also, no woman likes to repeat an outfit more than once. Secret Wardrobe offers a solution to all these problems. So far the response has been very encouraging. The first month has seen a variety of customers – some who have rented clothes for a photo shoot, others who have rented to wear for a wedding, and some who have even rented for their own wedding.

What is the pricing range if someone wants to borrow garments from you? Do you also sell?

Our average price points range between Rs.1500 to Rs.5000. The pricing is clearly indicated on our website. We are also open to sales. The sale price is available for all items on request.

Shaded Net Saree with Zardosi work by Sabyasachi

Our current collection includes some of India’s leading designer labels like Satya Paul, Wendell Rodricks, Sabyasachi, Rohit Bal, Ranna Gill, Kavita Bhartia, Rahul Mishra, Sabbah Sharma, Maheka Mirpuri, Abraham and Thakore and Malini Ramani amongst others.

How do you ensure that your customers get the right size and colour since its online?

Right now our area of operations is limited to the city of Mumbai. Hence customers can order a garment for trial at their place, or they can take an appointment and come over to our warehouse for a trial before booking. Detailed size specifications are given on the website as well.

Are there any other players as well in India offering such online rental service? How do you meet the competition?

Currently Secret Wardrobe is one of a kind. High-end designer garments are not offered by any other portal for rent at the moment.

Blue Bustier Dress by Rahul Mishra

Yes, customers can book an appointment by calling on 09821178804 / 022-65293067. Each customer will be given styling advice and recommendations about which garment would suit their physique and requirement best. We also design customized orders for customers who may be looking for something, which is not readily available in our inventory. Our designs are completely original, and are not related to the existing inventory at all.

What is the range of garments you offer? (Western/ Indian and what kinds)

We currently offer Indian garments as well as Western. These include sarees, lehenga cholis, shervanis, wedding gowns, western dresses, salwar suits and anarkalis.

So next time you need a designer wear for yourself, Secret Wardrobe is the place to log in at www.secretwardrobe.in