About
The Volte is Australia's premier online designer dress and clothing hire marketplace, connecting fashion lovers with an ever-growing collection of over 60,000 curated styles. From iconic Australian labels like Zimmermann, Aje, SIR The Label, and Bec & Bridge to international brands like Prada, Self Portrait, and Rat & Boa, The Volte covers virtually every style and occasion. Users can browse by dress code (formal, cocktail, racewear, party, daytime), length, size (including plus size and petite), or occasion (weddings, galas, black tie, school formals, birthday parties, and more). The platform makes luxury fashion accessible by allowing women to rent dresses that might retail for $300–$700+ for as little as $82–$140 per hire. The Volte also operates a peer-to-peer 'Share the Dress' model, enabling dress owners to list their own designer pieces and earn rental income. Seasonal and curated edits — such as Melbourne Cup, Valentine's Day, and Australian Fashion Week — keep the inventory fresh and on-trend. With lender locations across major Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, The Volte serves both metropolitan and regional customers. It is the go-to destination for sustainable, affordable access to high-end fashion without the commitment of ownership.
Key Features
- 60,000+ Designer Styles: Access a massive rotating catalog of dresses and clothing from leading Australian and international fashion labels.
- Rent by Occasion or Style: Browse curated collections by dress code, occasion, size, length, or seasonal edit to find the perfect look effortlessly.
- Peer-to-Peer Lender Marketplace: Dress owners can list their own designer pieces to earn rental income through the 'Share the Dress' lender program.
- Australia-Wide Locations: Pickup and drop-off options span major cities and regional areas including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.
- Inclusive Sizing: Styles available across a wide range of sizes including petite, standard, and plus-size options to suit every body type.
Use Cases
- Renting a designer gown for a black-tie gala, awards night, or school formal without purchasing a once-worn dress.
- Finding the perfect wedding guest outfit or bridesmaid dress from a curated selection of styles and sizes.
- Attending Melbourne Cup, Derby Day, or other race events in stylish racewear hired at a fraction of retail cost.
- Listing personal designer dresses on the platform as a lender to earn passive income from an existing wardrobe.
- Accessing luxury fashion for special occasions like birthday parties, date nights, or work functions sustainably and affordably.
Pros
- Affordable Access to Luxury Fashion: Rent designer pieces retailing for $300–$700+ for as little as $82 per hire, making high-end fashion accessible to everyone.
- Massive and Diverse Inventory: With 60,000+ styles across numerous designers, occasions, sizes, and lengths, finding the right outfit is straightforward.
- Sustainable Fashion Model: Renting reduces fashion waste and encourages circular fashion by maximizing use of existing designer garments.
- Earn from Your Wardrobe: The lender marketplace lets dress owners monetize pieces sitting unworn in their closets.
Cons
- No Permanent Ownership: Items must be returned after the hire period, which may not suit users who want to keep a piece long-term.
- Availability Constraints: Popular styles in specific sizes may be booked out, especially around peak event seasons like Melbourne Cup or formal season.
- Australia-Only Service: The platform is currently focused on the Australian market, limiting access for international customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does dress hire work on The Volte?
You browse the catalog, select a dress in your size, choose your hire dates, and pay the rental fee. The dress is then delivered to you or available for pickup, and returned after your event.
Can I become a lender on The Volte?
Yes. Through the 'Share the Dress' program, you can list your own designer dresses and clothing for others to rent, earning income from pieces that would otherwise sit unused.
What designer brands are available to hire?
The Volte features both Australian designers (Zimmermann, Aje, SIR The Label, Bec & Bridge, Rachel Gilbert) and international labels (Prada, Self Portrait, Rat & Boa, House of CB, Cult Gaia) among many others.
What sizes are available for hire?
The platform offers sizes ranging from AU 4 to AU 22, including petite and plus-size options, with filters to help you find styles that fit your body type.
How much does it cost to rent a dress?
Rental prices vary by designer and style, typically starting from around $82 per hire, while the retail price of the same item may be $300–$700 or more.
