Here's the thing about formal dresses: They aren't so re-wearable. Chances are, you buy a long gown, and you end up wearing it only a couple of times. That said, it's common for these bulky pieces to pile up and take up a lot of space in your closet. So instead of splurging on another gown that you'll only wear once or twice, why not rent one for a change?
Below, these local rental shops just might convince you to borrow a dress for the next wedding or cocktail party you'll be attending:
1. RSVP.ph
Wearing a designer piece doesn't have to hurt your sweldo. RSVP.ph lets you rent luxury evening wear so you won't have to "wear things once without regret every single time." They carry a chic, up-to-date selection of formal gowns designed by various local designers, including Vania Romoff, Martin Bautista, and Sassa Jimenez, as well as in-house collections, and pre-loved pieces.
To rent their gowns, you must schedule a fitting on their website two weeks before your event. Upon visiting their studio in Makati, a stylist will help you decide on a dress!
2. Vestido
Vestido houses both local and international designer brands. Their eveningwear offerings go from fun and edgy to classic and understated.
What you'll love about Vestido is that you can conveniently browse through all their pieces on their website, where you can also check the rental rate (including original retail prices!)
According to the brand's website, you can rent a gown two days before the event—perfect for those who need a last-minute formal attire!
TRY: Vestido Charina Sarte Silk Dress with Slit, P3,599 (P22,000 retail), available online
TRY: Vestido Martin Bautista Mauve Organza Dress, P5,199 (P38,000 estimated retail), available online
TRY: Vestido Roberto Cavalli Backless Gown, P5,199 (P120,000 estimated retail), available online
3. Talulah's Closet
Founded by Filipino-Australian host Tricia Centenera, Talulah's Closet gives Pinays access to ultra-feminine formal gowns from the Land Down Under. The best part? Their rental rates are typically below P4,000!
4. Royanne Camillia
Aside from crafting custom-made bridal, debut, and evening gowns, RoyAnne Camillia offers rental services, too—and they carry quite an inclusive size range, from XS to XL. You'll find many floor-length options in a variety of styles and silhouettes (they even carry a couple of ternos.) You can rent most of their frocks for less than P5,000!
The local couturier has two stores located in Marikina City and Quezon City.
TRY: RoyAnne Camillia Sabina Black Rental Gown, P3,000, available at RoyAnne Camillia's Marikina branch
TRY: Royanne Camillia Clara - White Filipiniana Rental Gown, P2,500, available at RoyAnne Camillia's Marikina branch
TRY: RoyAnne Camillia Hallie - Blush Pink Rental Gown, P2,500, available at RoyAnne Camillia's Marikina branch
