But for all leasing's charms, it is a concept the fashion industry has been slow to embrace.
The industry is conservative and its members perhaps aware that success is in no way guaranteed since the business model is fragile and complex.
Some companies charge a membership fee while others charge only for the item, usually 10 to 15 percent of its retail value.
Some rentals try to find a balance by which renting is profitable for the company and not too expensive for the client.
A small membership fee or monthly payment charged by the DVD leasing company NetFlix, is providing access to more wares.
Online renters offer designer handbags, frocks, shoes and jewelry for lease with an option to buy it.
Web Sites with a scale of membership fees from about $30 to $100 a month supply rentable jewels, minute studs or full-on chandeliers.
The rise of online auction sites, which give clients a chance to offload last season's treasures further altered the public's mindset.
Still, the flexibility of renting appeals to many people as they are able to rent a $5,000 or $8,000 gown a couple of times a year instead of buying it, is a major cost-effective way to buy into luxury when you need it.
Some feel they are quite expensive; besides, leasing fashion is just another way of playing off people who buy into the celebrity culture or people who need to live higher than their incomes allow.
However, value is only part of the appeal of leasing because, as lenders and fashion analysts like to point out, there is a good chance the borrower already owns her own glorious dresses.
marketing@alchempro.com
