Rent the Runway curates luxury handbags for loyalty members
Rent the Runway Inc. has a new exclusive collection for participants in its Icon membership program.
The fashion rental company is launching a new luxury handbag collection exclusively for its Icon loyalty members. Curated by Rent the Runway's merchandising team, the inaugural collection features hundreds of styles from more than 20 designer brands.
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"A remarkable handbag can transform a look and become a powerful expression of personal style," said Paige Thomas, CEO of Rent the Runway. "We've always believed in giving women the freedom to experience extraordinary fashion in new ways. Our members have been asking for a more elevated luxury offering, and we're thrilled to bring this collection to our Icon members first. It's an exciting next chapter in how we continue to evolve with our customers and inspire their love of fashion."
Each handbag has been chosen for its distinctive design, desirability and versatility, with styles to accompany everything from an important meeting or weekend away to a special celebration or spontaneous night out.
The collection brings together exceptional new, pre-loved and vintage pieces sourced through established luxury and resale channels, celebrating the enduring appeal of great design and the opportunity for beautifully crafted handbags to be enjoyed again and again.
"Our ambition was to create an extraordinary edit of fashion's most coveted handbags, bringing together enduring icons of craftsmanship and design, modern silhouettes, and unexpected statement pieces," said Sarah Tam, chief merchant of Rent the Runway. "Every piece was selected with intention, striking a balance between timeless and directional, understated and expressive. What makes rental so exciting is the freedom to explore different sides of your personal style, something beautifully classic one month and something bold and unexpected the next. It makes luxury feel less about permanence and more about possibility."
Beginning Monday, Nov. 2, eligible Icon members will receive exclusive access to the luxury handbag collection through a dedicated experience on Rent the Runway's website and app. Icon members can explore the curated collection and rent a luxury handbag for 30 days at a time, with pricing varying by style.
Rent the Runway sources handbags directly from brands and third-party sellers of new, used and vintage bags. Normal wear and tear is covered under the retailer’s existing rental policies, while members remain responsible for loss or damage beyond normal use. The retailer is working with third-party authentication providers for additional verification and between-rental checks.
To celebrate the launch, Rent the Runway is introducing a campaign called “Every Icon Needs an Iconic Bag,” featuring fashion writer and creator Larissa Mills, lifestyle creator Laura Jung and fashion creator and editor Monroe Steele. Through individual “Icon Codes,” each woman reflects on the qualities that define her approach to fashion.
The luxury handbag collection launches as a pilot Nov. 2, exclusively for eligible Icon members at renttherunway.com and through the Rent the Runway app. All active subscribers and new customers can join the waitlist beginning Nov. 2 as the retailer explores expanding access in the future.
