Rent the runway

Have you noticed your social calendar slowly but surely getting busier as we approach party season which now seems to begin in the middle of November?

If, like me, you seem to have zero weekends free from now 'till next year and are in a pickle over what to wear, then renting cracking party looks might be just the thing.

I have for the last year or two really been wearing and re-wearing all my dressy bits in my wardrobe and sometimes you just want something new but I often feel guilty purchasing new occasion wear pieces that are often quite expensive.

Plus I’m absolutely doing my best to be more sustainable so renting seems like the perfect solution. There are steadily more and more rental options available but one place that will become your first stop for glam is the Willow Collective.

The Willow Collective is a stylish yet sustainable, eco-conscious approach to dressing up for the season’s celebrations. Willow Collective's intuitive online platform makes it a breeze to rent stunning designer dresses from names such as Solace London, Rixo, Nadine Merabi, Kevan Jon, and Rebecca Vallance at a fraction of the cost of buying.

Whether you're in need of a sophisticated black-tie gown for a glamorous New Year's Eve or wedding celebration, or looking to rock your office Christmas party night out, Willow Collective brings a dash of fresh style, sustainability and affordability to the party season.

Founded in August 2019 by Cara Heaney, Willow Collective was born out of a wardrobe overhaul that uncovered a treasure trove of high value, barely worn designer dresses. Cara envisioned a peer-to-peer designer dress rental service that would provide an affordable alternative to owning stylish, high-end fashion labels otherwise destined to gather dust. Over four years, Willow has thrived, offering a diverse collection of red-carpet ready dresses to fashion enthusiasts across the UK and Ireland.

One piece that caught my eye was the Celina Dress by Nadine Merabi which has a rental price from €98. This fully lined, structured one-shoulder dress, adorned with liquid gold sequins, is a true showstopper. Its asymmetric floor-sweeping drape and padded design offer a figure-flattering silhouette. Pair it with statement accessories, bold makeup, and sleek hair to create an unforgettable look. Willow Collective’s Dress sizes range from 6-18, with hire prices starting from €80. For more info, visit www.willowcollective.ie.