Designer dress hire company Collected, recently opened in Queenstown as a New Zealand wide hire service, is a passion project for owner Anna Black.

“I’ve always enjoyed fashion and when living in Auckland I would often rent designer dresses for particular events which is an affordable way to wear different designers’ clothing.”

“After moving to Queenstown I rented three dresses from an Auckland based company and never arrived. I was left scrambling to find something and  baffled as to why the resort didn’t have a hire service particularly being one of New Zealand’s largest wedding and event destinations.”

While online searching for a rental service Anna encountered Collected, first established in Invercargill. She subsequently brought the business relaunching it as a national service based in Queenstown to fill a significant gap in the market.

“The previous owner Kat Little had done an excellent job curating a range of dresses that I am now refining and continuing to add to.”

Collected’s collection of designer gowns and dresses can be rented on a daily or weekly basis. Designer labels include Paris Georgia, Caitlin Crisp, Aje, Bec and Bridge, Ruby, Christopher Esber, Shona Joy and Zimmerman.

“We provide nationwide postal for customers outside the region and locals have the opportunity to try on dresses before hiring. There are many other ideas in the mix that we would love to cater to as the collection grows.”

Anna relishes giving  women the chance to wear designer dresses without the need for a big budget.

“I love fashion but I have become increasingly aware of the environmental cost of the fashion industry and fast fashion in particular. To mitigate this I endeavour to collect pieces that are typically locally designed from brands with a more ethical footprint.  We encourage repeat wearing of beautiful pieces which both saves people money and is kind to the environment.”

“The feedback so far has been wonderful with customers telling us that Queenstown really needs this,” says Anna. “ For such a busy town as busy there is a lack of retail that provides a range of dresses at a reasonable price which is why renting, wearing and returning from Collected is such a brilliant option.”

Hire a designer gown or dress from Collected online at www.collectedqt.co.nz