Whether it's Notre Dame's Prom on the Lawn or just a glamorous night on the town, girls are always on the hunt for that perfect outfit. Normally, the only thing that stands between you and that stunning dress is the stunning price. For college students this can be a deal breaker, but for others who are smart enough to look elsewhere, Rent the Runway is the place to look.
A source of fashion inspiration, Rent the Runway is a website where girls can rent everything from their favorite dress to the accessories that match. Started by two Harvard graduates, Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss, Rent the Runway was designed to help girls gain access to high fashion and style without spending boatloads in the process. The website encourages girls from college campuses to join so they can have access to hundreds upon hundreds of dresses and accessories to rent for a fraction of the retail price.
Rent the Runway recently announced a new back-to-school launch on college campuses nationwide, allowing students to become their college's very own "runway reps." Saint Mary's senior Brenna Lasky is one of the newest additions to these runway reps. After an internship with the company, she looks to spread Rent the Runway's message - "Love.Wear. Return."
Visiting South Bend's University Park Mall or the various boutiques around campus to search for clothing can eat up a student's time. However, Rent the Runway's website features the retailer's inventory in an easy-to-use, clean presentation. Through the site, students can access hundreds of styles listed at 90 percent of the original retail price. Students have over 95 top designers to chose from, and browsing and ordering could not be easier.
"I first discovered the company while reading Glamour magazine," Lasky said. "After reading the article, I thought that Rent the Runway was a great concept, so I checked out their website. It was then that I discovered the Campus Rep program and immediately knew that it was something that I wanted to try and get involved in. With a business background and love for fashion, I thought that interning with them would serve as a great learning experience and act as a fun way to expand my knowledge of the industry."
Lasky has high expectations for the company's success at both Notre Dame and Saint Mary's.
"With all of the formal dances and special events that happen throughout the year, Rent the Runway is truly a great idea for girls who have a closet full of clothes that have already been worn and seen. Renting allows girls to find a dress that they love with a rental price that they feel comfortable with spending. Just because we are in college does not mean that our fashion sense has to take a backseat. Spending $400 on textbooks and bargain-bin diving for clothes is not the way it has to be."
Lasky hopes to work closely with Rent the Runway to bring the website's offerings to both college campuses by having trunk shows, partnerships with numerous charities and even an "I love RTR" campaign for much-anticipated football Saturdays. Next time a cocktail party, wedding, formal or even business event pops up on your calendar, visit Rent the Runway's website and "like" their facebook page, where
Lasky said positions are still open in the marketing, public relations and events-coordinating departments at Rent the Runway through the company's College Representative program. Lasky can be contacted at blasky01@saintmarys.edukgreen01@saintmarys.edu
