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For you and me, getting new clothes is a sensory experience that begins with the anticipation of finding something special, whether it’s a long-awaited piece you’ve had your eye on for weeks or an unexpected gem that catches your attention. It’s no different for our buying team as they shop for our shared closet. They wear these clothes too, afterall. When they look to bring in new brands at Armoire, they do their homework, research the brand’s sustainability initiatives, and scrutinize their quality standards, among other considerations. Not all brands make it to the finish line.
The process of selecting new brands at Armoire often starts with scrolling online, exploring colors, textures, and styles that are known to resonate with members. There’s a sense of adventure in discovering new trends, considering different silhouettes, and imagining how each piece will complement Armoire’s massive inventory.
As they finally decide on the perfect garments, there’s a rush of excitement and satisfaction—a feeling of triumph as they envision members discovering a new beloved brand for the first time. Whether it’s the thrill of finding the universally perfect fit for any shape, the allure of a stunning color, or the appeal of luxurious fabric, each new addition to “the big closet” brings a sense of joy and anticipation around the warehouse.
As usual, we’re here to share our joy—and our pants!—with you.
New In: Point of View
Our first pieces of Point of View (POV) are just now hitting the Armoire website, ready to ship out new with tags to some lucky renters. A Seattle-based startup revolutionizing women’s workwear, POV has just released their debut collection and we’re here for it. The brand is the brainchild of Aditi Sinha, a seasoned global marketing executive, and Sakina Adeeb, a tech leader with a track record of bringing innovative products to life.
We didn’t choose POV as one of our new brands at Armoire just because they are Seattle-based like us. From smartphone-friendly pockets to customizable features like adjustable pant lengths and elastic waists, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to enhance comfort and functionality. Drawing from their own experiences, the founders have incorporated subtle yet essential elements such as bra strap holders and garment linings to ensure a seamless fit.
Can we talk about the power of pockets for a minute?
POV is tackling the issue of “pockets inequality” head-on. Through their ‘Pockets Pledge’ movement, they’re crafting garments that seamlessly blend designer flair with the practicality of pockets. Their mission? Empowering women with fashion that not only looks good but also accommodates the essentials, like smartphones.
The history of pockets in women’s fashion is quite fascinating. While men have had pockets in their garments for centuries, women’s fashion didn’t adopt them until much later.
In the 17th century, women often wore dresses with separate pockets tied around their waist underneath their skirts. These pockets were functional but not integrated into the garments themselves. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that pockets began to be sewn directly into women’s clothing. However, even then, pockets were often small and primarily decorative rather than functional.
During the early 20th century, as women’s roles began to change and they became more active outside the home, there was a greater demand for functional pockets in women’s clothing. This led to the gradual inclusion of more practical pockets in women’s garments, particularly in workwear and sportswear.
The evolution of women’s fashion and the increasing demand for practicality and functionality have led to pockets becoming a standard feature in many modern women’s garments, although their size and functionality can still vary widely depending on the style and designer.
POV understands the demands placed on professional attire, from navigating busy workdays to transitioning seamlessly into after-work social events. Their audience seeks garments that effortlessly combine style and functionality, projecting confidence and competence in any setting.
Aditi Sinha, Founder of POV, explains, “We created POV to provide women with workwear options that truly meet their needs, both in terms of functionality and style. Our garments are designed to support women in all aspects of their lives, whether they’re at work or on the go. Pockets play a crucial role in enabling this versatility.”
New In: French Mauve
French Mauve excels in delivering refined, effortless style, making it an easy pick for one of our new brands at Armoire. Established in Downtown Los Angeles in 2016, the brand specializes in contemporary women’s fashion, initially centering its attention on crafting polished outer layers, notably its signature blazers. As the ultimate finishing touch, French Mauve aims to elevate every ensemble with its distinctive touch of sophistication and ease.
Since adding French Mauve’s double-breasted Emory blazer in a few dreamy ice cream colors, they’ve been a hot commodity. They’re not sitting around the warehouse waiting for their turn. In-the-know fashionistas are aware they’re hard to come by everywhere. You may come across one on a rack at Anthropology or find a random gem on a resale website. If you see one available for rent in your size at Armoire, grab it!
Style it for the office this spring with a cropped ankle pant or tailored skirt, but let it live a little outside of work too! The Emory is perfect for the blazer-with-sneaks look. Throw it on over your favorite jeans and a hoodie and unlock the confident, prep-school vibe.
New In: Exquise
Meet Exquise, a brand committed to crafting stylish, creative, and timeless clothing for women who cherish every moment of life. Longstanding Armoire members may recognize Exquise; we had a few pieces back in 2019 that quickly found forever homes with renters. The brand checks a lot of boxes in our eyes, so it’s back as one of our new brands at Armoire this season!
Based in Istanbul, the vibrant and culturally rich city that bridges the East and the West, Exquise takes pride in its commitment to high-quality production. Each piece is meticulously crafted with precision and care, adhering to rigorous standards to ensure the utmost quality and durability. From the design stage to the production phase, every material used undergoes strict scrutiny to uphold the brand’s commitment to excellence.
The word “exquise” is essentially “exquisite” in French—an adjective for a feminine word. That’s apropos considering the brand was established with a vision to inspire women to dream and embrace happiness. Exquise brings a modern design approach to the forefront, infusing bold color palettes, innovative patterns, and unique perspectives into its collections since its inception.
Since its launch, Exquise has aimed to redefine the fashion landscape by offering collections that not only resonate with the vibrant spirit of contemporary women but also stand the test of time. Central to its ethos is the belief that fashion should not only adorn the body but also uplift the spirit, fostering a sense of joy and fulfillment in every wearer.
The design team at Exquise, fueled by a passion for creativity and a dedication to excellence, meticulously crafts each collection with a focus on versatility, elegance, and uniqueness. From versatile combination options to intricate details, every garment is thoughtfully curated to cater to the diverse preferences and lifestyles of modern women.
At the core of Exquise’s philosophy lies a dedication to sustainability and responsible fashion practices. With a vision to create a globally recognized and well-respected women’s ready-to-wear brand, Exquisite is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint while maximizing its positive impact on society. By prioritizing sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing processes, and eco-friendly practices, Exquise strives to pave the way for a more sustainable and conscious fashion industry.
Exquise’s devotion to high-quality production and its penchant for colorful, bold, and distinct designs have garnered acclaim from stylish women worldwide. With each collection, Exquise seeks to inspire confidence, empower self-expression, and celebrate individuality, inviting women to embrace their unique sense of style and live life to the fullest.
In a world where fashion trends come and go, Exquise stands as a beacon of timeless elegance, offering women a sanctuary where style knows no bounds and beauty knows no age. With its unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and sustainability, Exquise continues to shape the future of fashion, one timeless piece at a time.
The transformative power of new brands at Armoire
With each of these new brands at Armoire, our buyers are betting on that moment of pure delight when they arrive on your doorstep. The crispness of the fabric, the precision of the stitching, and the attention to detail all contribute to a sense of quality and craftsmanship that makes renting so rewarding.
Putting on new clothes for the first time is a transformative experience. There’s a sense of empowerment that comes with wearing something new—a feeling of stepping into a new persona or embracing a fresh perspective. Whether it’s a sleek blazer from French Mauve that exudes professionalism, a flowing dress from Exquise that embodies elegance, or the perfect elevated dress from POV that radiates confidence, each garment has the power to uplift your mood and enhance your sense of self.
As you go about your day in your new clothes, you may find yourself standing a little taller, walking with a bit more swagger, and smiling a little brighter. It’s not just about wearing something new—it’s about embodying a new sense of confidence and style that empowers you to take on the world with renewed enthusiasm and self-assurance.
In the end, getting new clothes isn’t about vanity—it’s about embracing the joy of self-expression, celebrating your individuality, and creating moments of beauty and delight in your everyday life. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or simply adding a touch of flair to your daily routine, the feeling of getting new clothes is a reminder of the transformative power of fashion to inspire, uplift, and empower us all.
