Janet Mandell Enhances Luxury Rentals with AI Try-On and Consignment Services

In a rental market increasingly focused on convenience and affordability, Janet Mandell has established a unique niche by offering a luxury service combined with a commitment to circular fashion. Operating out of showrooms in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, Mandell not only provides access to over 6,000 designer pieces but also ensures that every client feels as though they are entering a high-end Parisian couture house.

“The conventional rental experience lacked the elite service touch,” Mandell shared with FashionUnited. “My goal is not just about renting a gown; it’s about ensuring every woman departs feeling confident and extraordinary.” This approach is enhanced by on-site tailoring, last-minute styling, and meticulous attention to detail that transforms rentals into a luxurious affair.

Mandell is now broadening her business model with two innovative initiatives: a consignment service to prolong the lifecycle of clients’ wardrobes, and AI-driven virtual avatars for digital try-ons. These efforts reinforce her vision of positioning Janet Mandell as not just a rental platform but also as a leader in luxury technology and circular fashion.

Rental Industry’s Growth in High Fashion

The inclusion of these features sets Janet Mandell apart in a rental market that continues to flourish due to rising sustainability concerns and a shift toward access over ownership. The global online rental market was valued at $1.52 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $3.12 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 8.3%, as noted by Grand View Research.

In North America, the online rental market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2025, according to Future Market Insights. While established brands like Rent the Runway, Nuuly, and Fashion to Figure lead the broader market, Mandell is becoming a prominent figure in the high-fashion niche, projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2033.

Combining Insight and Intuition

Mandell attributes her success to a blend of data analytics and strong relationships with clients. “We have an in-depth understanding of our clients and utilize the data we collect in each location to curate collections that resonate with their individual tastes and lifestyles,” she explained. “Yet fashion also involves intuition, and sometimes trusting my instincts is crucial during purchasing.”

Her clientele includes stylists, celebrities, and private clients. While stylists often come with specific requests, private clients typically enjoy a more collaborative experience, exploring and experimenting with looks. “It’s about having fun discovering pieces that clients might never have considered,” noted Mandell.

Enhancing Client Connections with Consignment

The new consignment service adds another layer to Mandell’s sustainable approach, allowing clients to rent out their own items before identifying the right buyer. “It’s a multi-dimensional strategy that keeps luxury fashion circulating,” she stated.

Delivering a couture-level service remains a priority, supported by skilled tailors in every showroom serving as “clothing doctors” to ensure garments are always in top condition. “This level of craftsmanship guarantees that our couture standards are consistently met,” she said.

The launch of this consignment service showcases Mandell’s understanding of the rental business’s evolving nature. The increasing popularity of this trend can be linked to the shift towards “access over ownership” and a growing demand for premium luxury brands, which become more attainable through rentals.

While sustainability is a key factor, younger consumers tend to prioritize circularity, whereas Mandell’s clients usually seek unique pieces for special events, drawn in by the exclusive inventory and personalized service, with sustainability being an appealing bonus.

Looking Ahead by Reflecting on the Past

To keep her services fresh, Mandell is preparing to roll out an AI-driven platform that enables clients to try on clothing virtually. Although details are still under wraps, she anticipates that this innovation will revolutionize client interactions with her brand.

“Technology fuels curiosity and excitement, encouraging customers to visit our showroom,” she added. “It’s akin to glimpsing a dream home online and feeling compelled to visit it in person. Our technological advancements are designed to ignite that desire for people to come in and experience fashion first-hand.”

Though this focus on innovation highlights the future, Mandell understands the importance of also reflecting on the past. Her company is expanding its vintage selection, which she considers essential to the brand’s identity.

This vintage initiative will take center stage during a runway show at New York Fashion Week on September 10, where the brand will also unveil its new technology. The event aims to showcase the showroom’s dominance as a top vintage curator in the rental market. “We’re not just following trends – we’re creating them. Our curatorial freedom allows us to define what’s next, making our inventory feel distinctly unique,” Mandell emphasized.

Exciting growth is on the horizon. When asked about the future, Mandell envisions broadening the brand’s lifestyle offerings beyond mere fashion rentals. “Imagine private clubs, hotels, restaurants, fitness, and wellness facilities, all integrated into our showrooms,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to create a haven for women, a space where they feel celebrated and inspired.”