Eastend Wardrobe

Eastend Wardrobe is a Newcastle East designer clothing hire store built for people who want something special for an upcoming event without committing to a full-price purchase. Its collection includes more than 300 designer garments, with dresses, sets, jumpsuits and jackets arranged by length, occasion and fit. The range covers wedding guest, party and formal dressing, as well as bump-friendly options, with labels including Aje, Alemais, Bec & Bridge, Shona Joy, SIR and Sonya Zimmermann. Accessories are also part of the offering, although the website does not detail the full selection.

The store’s current collection includes pieces such as the Bec & Bridge Conni Maxi Dress, De La Vali Bodita Mini Dress, Arcina Ori Ellery Dress, Rachel Gilbert Bodie Gown and Alemais Clemenza Slip Dress. Customers can browse online or visit the Newcastle store to try garments on before choosing a look. Hires are arranged for four days, with a prepaid return satchel supplied and dry cleaning handled by Eastend Wardrobe after the garment is returned. Australia-wide shipping is available for customers who cannot visit in person.

A key part of the experience is the personal styling service. The Newcastle space was created as a welcoming, brick-and-mortar alternative to the more impersonal side of online rental, giving customers the chance to search, fit and style with individual attention. Styling appointments are available by booking from Wednesday to Saturday, with a $20 session fee credited towards the booking. Appointments can be made for one to five people, making the service suitable for a solo outfit search or a small group preparing for an event.

Eastend Wardrobe was founded by Newcastle local Bronte Annis-Brown in 2022. The idea grew from her own experience of renting designer clothing and wanting a more personal way to find quality pieces, alongside a growing interest in avoiding fast fashion. The store’s focus is on making distinctive designer clothing available to be worn and enjoyed by more than one person. It suits Newcastle shoppers looking for a wedding guest outfit, race-day look, party piece or formal garment, particularly those who value guidance with fit and styling rather than simply ordering online.