CLAUDIA Gerencser (25) has realised her dream of starting a dress-lending business.
The Helena Valley resident opened the doors to House of Hire last month,creating a place where she could combine her creativity, love of fashion, and experience in the retail industry.
“I originally started studying a Bachelor of Music in classical voice and opera in 2011 but then changed degrees and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts specialising in public relations,” she said.
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READ NOW“I’ve worked in fashion for most of my life, which has shaped my knowledge around what colours, trends and styles are ‘in’ and what suits different body shapes and sizes.”
Miss Gerencser said her passion for a variety of artistic pursuits, including painting and opera, gave her and her business a creative edge.
“It has given me the creative flare and confidence I need for the fashion industry and has played a big part in shaping who I am today,” she said.
Operating from her home, Miss Gerencser said she tailored her service to her clients’ individual needs.
“All dress viewings and fittings are by appointment only as this ensures all of my clients get a genuine, personalised experience that caters to their specific requirements,” she said.
“I currently have around 80 dresses in store and have more and more stunning styles arriving weekly.
“Some of the designers I have in stock include Thurley, Elle Zeitoune, Manning Cartell, Abyss by Abby, Jadore, Talulah and many more.
“I aim to pick sophisticated, glamorous pieces in a variety of sizes, colours and styles.”
Miss Gerencser said with the majority of Perth’s dress hirers located closer to the CBD and western suburbs, House of Hire allowed women living in Perth’s eastern region to get a designer look for less, closer to home.
“No one should feel limited when it comes to their wardrobe and this is a position I have found myself in, personally, far too often,” she said.
“It would always come down to me struggling to find the right dress either because of the price or because the style didn’t suit my shape.
“It was hard to find something that I loved and, when I did, it was usually too far out of my price range.”
With dress hire on the rise in Australia, Miss Gerencser said the desire for exclusivity at an affordable price had seen more women opting to hire rather than buy.
“Simply, women don’t want to wear the same outfit everywhere,” she said.
“By hiring a designer piece, women have the opportunity to wear something exclusive for one night and then give it back, without a deep hole in their pocket.”
With the spring racing season right around the corner and stock arriving weekly, Miss Gerencser said ladies attending events on this month’s social calendar could expect to find a dress to impress at her business.
Daily hire fees range from $55 to $160.
Visit houseofhire.com.au or text 0466 596 711 to book an appointment.