In Nantes, the Avant Garde Robe boutique, created by Faustine Reculeau and Florent Lamy offers to rent clothes on subscription -

J. Urbach / 20 Minutes

  • Faustine Reculeau and Florent Lamy have just opened their store in Nantes city center.

  • This boutique, which presents itself as unique in France, offers "a totally different way of thinking about your wardrobe"

At first glance, it is a women's clothing store like there are dozens of in downtown Nantes.

Except that the Avant-Garde robe and its slogan "Try, wear, exchange", opened last Saturday rue Lebrun, could also be closer to a library.

“There are no books but the operation is the same, smiles the manager, Faustine Reculeau, 36, who started the business with her partner, Florent Lamy.

We take a piece of clothing, wear it, and return it when we no longer need it.

It's a totally different way of thinking about your wardrobe, much more respectful of the environment.

"

While fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world, this boutique of a new kind (“unique in France” according to its founders) hopes to offer a new alternative to

fast-fashion

, alongside the many thrift stores that already count the neighborhood.

If it is possible to buy the little sweater that caught your eye, the Avant-Garde Robe suggests you renting it instead, thanks to a monthly subscription system.

It takes 49 euros or 64 euros for three pieces, to be exchanged once a month or as much as you want, and 69 or 94 euros for the subscription which includes fragile pieces (coats, silk dresses), which will require a shipment to the laundry.

Second hand items only

A rental system that is not totally new, while several companies offer this service, but online.

"There is a real trend, which relieves the guilt of very large fashion consumers and allows you to free your clothing style, confirms the manager.

The added advantage here is that one can try.

A solution to this problem that we find when ordering on a second-hand app: the articles do not all fit the same and in the end, some do not fit and we do not wear them ... "

To take the process even further, Avant-Garde Robe is betting on only offering second-hand items (clothing and accessories), selected one by one at the Sainte-Luce sorting center.

A stock of a thousand clothes, which rotate every ten days, has already been built.

On the hangers, sorted by size (from 34 to 56), blouses to go to work, formal or everyday dresses, from high-end brands, but not only.

“We look especially if they are in good condition, with a good fit and a quality fabric, explains Faustine Reculeau.

They must have cachet.

"" It's crazy how much we can find, says Florent Lamy.

We come across very beautiful things, handmade, or old French brands that no longer exist!

"

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