6 weeks of The Dress Collective
What I've Learned So Far
6 weeks ago,The Dress Collective officially launched and what a time it has been!
Launching this business has been equal parts exciting, emotional, exhausting but incredibly rewarding. What started as an idea, has quickly become something I'm hugely proud of!
Seeing women step into dresses they love, feel amazing in and head off to weddings, events, races and special occasions with confidence has made me so happy!
Why I Created The Dress Collective
Like so many women, I know the feeling of standing in front of a wardrobe full of dresses and still feeling like you have nothing to wear.
Occasion dressing can feel expensive, overwhelming and often wasteful, especially when you're buying something you know you will only wear once.
I wanted to create a smarter, more sustainable and more enjoyable way to dress for these special occasions.
The Dress Collective was built to make designer fashion more accessible, giving women the chance to wear incredible pieces they may not otherwise buy, while shopping more consciously.
But more than that,I wanted it to feel personal, this was extremely important to me!
Not just another website, but a place where women feel supported, can get help picking the right dress and genuinely feel excited to wear it.
The first few weeks
In this short space of time, I've been blown away by the response!
From all the dresses that have been rented for weddings, black-tie events, awards nights and special occasions.
So many try-on appointments with amazing women finding a dress they feel incredible in.
Hundreds of messages, questions and enquiries.
A growing community that understands and loves the concept of fashion rental.
Every booking, every share, every recommendation has meant the world to me.
What I’ve discovered
1.Women want help, not just dresses
One thing that’s stood out to me in the first 6 weeks is just how much women value help, a second opinion or guidance when choosing the right dress.
And I absolutely love being part of that!
2. Confidence changes everything
Seeing someone unsure when they arrive and literally glowing when they leave having chosen a dress they love is honestly the best part.
3. Community matters
The support from family, friends, customers, followers and fellow small businesses has been incredible.
Starting something new can feel vulnerable, so every message of encouragement has honestly meant so much.
Launching a business means learning as you go, It won’t be perfect from day one and that's ok.
The most important thing is starting.
What's Next
We're only getting started!
Over the coming months, we'll be adding even more incredible dresses,Sharing style inspiration and continuing to make occasion dressing fun and exciting.
We're also continuing to build The Dress Collective into exactly what I envisioned, an elevated fashion rental experience, that's incredibly personal, with sustainability at its core.
A Thank You
If you've booked with us, visited for a try-on, shared our page, tagged us, recommended us, or simply followed along, thank you!
Supporting a small business in its early days means more than you realise!
Here's to the next 6 weeks,
Love,
Martina x
