As part of HerCampus’ Celebrity Spotlight series on the Rent the Runway executive board, we were was able to talk to sophomore Margaux Fleschler, Cady Gottlieb and Ellaree Swim.
Margaux is RTR’s Greek Liaison as well as HerCampus’s own News writer! She’s an Econ major and Chinese minor from Westfield, NJ. After college, she wants to work the business of international fashion and luxury goods.
HerCampus: Can you tell me a little about the Rent the Runway event coming up?
Cady Gottlieb: Rent the Runway has paired up with HerCampus to host a trunk show where girls can try on designer dresses and rent them for a flat rate of $50. We’re trying to make the event as much like a real trunk show as possible, so we’re providing fancy snacks like “champagne” in the form of sparking grapefruit juice and cheese and crackers. Neutrogena has offered to sponsor our event, so we’ll also have makeup samples available.
HC: What kinds of things have you been doing to prepare for the Girls Night Out?
CG: We’ve been working a lot on publicity for the event. Our team was really prepared for the upcoming trunk show, because we made sure to start planning super early. Selecting inventory and budget proposals with corporate can be tedious, so starting early gave us extra time for promotion. We’ve made flyers, a Facebook event and look-book album, and tabled for the trunk show.
HC: Has DePauw’s Rent the Runway ever done anything like this before?
CG: This is our first trunk show. We’ve done a fashion show, tailgate, and Valentine’s Day mocktail event. I’d say this one has been the most difficult, because there are so many loose ends to tie up behind the scenes, but hopefully it will also be the most rewarding! The girls have worked so hard and it’s shaping up to be a great event.
HC: What do you do as the Greek liaison?
Margaux: As Greek liaison, I work directly with sororities to cater to the needs of their members for dresses and accessories. It is my job to keep in contact with the chapters on campus and make sure that they are aware of discounts and upcoming events that RTR has to offer. We even create specific discount codes for events such as formals and rush!
HC: How did you get involved in rent the runway? How can other people get involved?
Margaux: I got involved in RTR because I had friends on the team and wanted to get involved in something related to fashion on campus (especially since there aren’t classes offered!). So, they encouraged me to apply to be an On Campus representative. ANYONE CAN APPLY!!!! We are always looking for bright girls with new ideas! If anyone is considering applying, I would love to facilitate the process, anyone can shoot me an email or Facebook message and I’ll find a time to meet up with them!
HC: What events have you rented for? How did it add to your experience?
Margaux: I’ve rented 6 times, for parties, birthdays, formals, and other events. My favorite dress was actually a free rental I received as a perk for being a rep, it was a casual, flirty summer frock by Rebecca Taylor that I wish was in my real closet- but that’s what’s so great about RTR is that thousands of dresses can be in your closet. Getting to wear a Rebecca Taylor dress out on a random weekend was so great because I felt so confident and just had more fun.
HC: What are some of your favorite looks this season?
Margaux: The looks I love for this season are bright geometric prints, block heels (low in height with a square shape), and maxi skirts. Each one individually makes such a statement, the rest of your outfit could be a bore and no one would notice!
HC: What accessories would you suggest pairing with dresses this summer?
Margaux: My personal jewelry philosophy is that balance is key. I love a statement bracelet with a dress but pairing it with a chunky necklace looks a little strange in most cases. I’ve been seeing a lot of tribal references and chevrons in jewelry lately too! And, it’s summer so a rockin’ pair of shades are a go-to.
HC: What are the specific details for the trunk show?
Margaux: It’s on April 24th starting at 7pm in the UB Room 231 and is being co-sponsored by Her Campus! The trunk show is a great opportunity where we have ordered many dresses in various sizes and styles so girls can try them on before purchasing them. All styles that are $75 online are just $50 at the trunk show and will be yours from purchase for the next four days (and the return process is a piece of cake). If you find a dress you’re in love with, but already have a dress for that weekend, you can make a future booking which gets you the same discount as you would get if you purchased the dress at the trunk show, but it will be shipped to you on a future date of your choice. I’m doing a future booking for fraternity formal weekend!
HC: Are you excited for any specific dress/fashion lines for the trunk show?
Margaux: I was able to help pick out the dresses that will be at the trunk show and I am so excited to try on the Shoshanna dresses, especially the Floral Dixie Dress- it’s perfect for a preppy summer party!
HC: Favorite Her Campus event?
Margaux: The Valentine’s Day event with RTR last year was great! It was the first event I ever rented for!
HC: Favorite DePauw event to dress up for?
Margaux: I like to get dressed up for formals! Something about being in a different venue makes the evening more special.
HC: Which celebrity’s style do you admire/try to emulate & why?
Margaux: I absolutely love Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz! They’re both amazing women who must have been born with laid- back elegance. Subtle beauty is the way to go!
HC: What are you doing to prepare for the event?
Ellaree Swim: As the Marketing Rep., my main goal leading up to the event is to create a buzz on campus and get women excited about the Trunk Show. Most of my efforts thus far have been through social media. I recently put together a look book, which is an exclusive sneak peek of some of the dresses you’ll see at our Trunk Show. I helped create a Facebook event and sent out personal invites, in addition to tabling and handing out flyers around campus.
HC: What is your favorite part about Rent the Runway?
ES: On a college budget designer labels are out of the question. Or, at least I thought they were until I found out about RTR. Thanks to RTR I can have a new dress for every occasion and one that is top of the line. Wearing a dress from RTR makes you feel absolutely gorgeous and all eyes will be on you. Every time I rent I get endless compliments. I have even had strangers stop me to tell me I look great and ask about the fabulous dress I had on! Having that Cinderella experience is worth every penny in my opinion.
If you can’t make it to the trunk show on Thursday, check out renttherunway.com the next time you need a dress for any occasion!