Need a new bag? Rent it!
I'm a convert. Here's why.
Ok, first things first, renting is not without its carbon footprint. The courier turns up to your door with a big package, and at the end of the rental period comes to take it away again too. With clothes, there’s dry cleaning involved. With bags, it’s less corrosive (care guide below).
BUT. Renting is a circular economy. It is another nail in the coffin of the idea we have to buy and own everything. Like cars, houses, surf boards, ice skates, wet suits, even TVs back in the day (apparently there was something called Radio Rentals?), wardrobes are creeping back into the rental zone.
And not just evening and day wear - handbags too. To me, renting a handbag makes a lot of sense. The price of them nowadays! You are looking at upwards of a grand for something status worthy, which is ridiculous. According to Sothebys, Chanel has increased their bag price 4 times since March 2020, including 3 price increases alone for its iconic medium Classic Flap Bag in 2021, (they now cost around £7,500). But what might seem out of your league is suddenly accessible for less than £50. Cocoon, one of several luxury bag rental services that have sprung up in the last few years, has the most jaw dropping collection of beauties, and you can rent one from £45 a week. Better, they have subscriptions available where for between £79 (one swap) and £238 (6 swaps) per month you can keep these delightful pieces of arm candy on rotation. You do the math.
And a bit like Netflix you can flexi-subscribe too, so month on and month off as you like. If you have a job interview, a work trip, a holiday, a wedding, a trip to the races; somewhere where you need to dress up or convey a bit of status, you can march around with Celine on your arm for just £45.
In terms of cleaning and care, Cocoon want to ensure they can extend the life cycle of bags for as long as possible, undertaking
Stain removal (stains are most commonly caused by pens and makeup)
Repairing scratches and cracked leathers
Re-colouring and restoring faded leather
Edge paint repair
Refreshing colour of old and stained leathers
Of course these bags will never replace your trusty day to day number. The one that amasses hair bands, chewing gum wrappers, loose change, dry cleaning tickets and a million business cards. Those are your life, and I can’t imagine forsaking that. My version of those is a tan leather APC one (super reasonably priced) I bought in 2018, and an old suede cross body multi pocket number I always take to festivals. But if your outfit needs an instant pep up? Nothing conveys it like a new bag.
So, for this month’s Milan fashion shows, for the April work trip I have coming up and this summer’s wedding bonanza: it’s Paco Rabanne, Chloe and Loewe all the way for me. Without breaking the bank.
Tiffanie x