Hauteline is a modern, NYC-based clothing rental marketplace bringing curated fashion to a new audience, offering an innovative, sustainability-driven alternative to traditional shopping. The platform features unique designer collaborations, flexible rental periods, and powerful benefits for consumers and sellers alike.
How Hauteline Works
Hauteline operates as a pay-as-you-go rental marketplace, allowing customers to rent statement pieces with no subscription required. Users start by choosing their rental start date and duration, and Hauteline ships items 2-5 days before the first wear. Customers enjoy their chosen styles for the period, then simply return items using a prepaid label or by dropping them off at the NYC showroom. Cleaning is included, making the process seamless from beginning to end. As their founders explain, “Hauteline is a curated on-demand clothing rental marketplace designed to make fashion more accessible, sustainable, and playful. We ship nationwide with no subscription required, and also offer a showroom experience in NYC.”
Ownership and Company Background
Founded in 2023 by Kristie Chow (whose experience spans Microsoft, Farfetch, and luxury fashion e-commerce) and Michelle Li (with backgrounds in investment banking, sustainable ventures, and growth leadership), Hauteline was born from their desire to reinvent how New Yorkers get dressed. As Kristie elaborated, “Living in New York City in our 20s and working in fashion exposed us to an incredible variety of brands and styles”. She also said, “When we looked at the rental options available at the time, we couldn’t find anything that aligned with our sense of style or our desire for thoughtful curation and value. This gap in the market inspired us to start Hauteline.” The company is privately held and headquartered in New York City, with a growing team focused on sustainable, elevated shopping experiences.
Benefits for Consumers
- Accessible Luxury: Customers can access high-end, rare, and emerging designer pieces at a fraction of full retail prices, choosing from a carefully curated inventory for any occasion.
- Flexible Rentals: No subscription is ever required; users pay only for what they rent, whether for a wedding, vacation, or night out.
- Sustainability Focus: Each piece is kept in circulation, reducing waste and supporting a more eco-conscious approach to fashion. Hauteline’s co-founder, Kristie Chow, said, “Sustainability was a core reason we started Hauteline in the first place”. She also said, “Our commission partnerships really support that, designers can still profit from something they made six or twelve months ago, which is almost unheard of in fashion.”
- Showroom Experience: Customers can visit the NYC showroom to try pieces on in person, further elevating service for locals.
- Inclusivity: Shipping is nationwide, making Hauteline’s unique offering accessible across the US
Applications for Sellers
Hauteline partners directly with designers and brands via wholesale, consignment, or commission-based models to keep fashion fresh, unique, and profitable for creators. Designers benefit from a new revenue stream—rentals allow them to profit from pieces long after they’re sold or created, sometimes for a full season or year. The system particularly supports small and emerging designers who may struggle to survive on traditional retail margins, allowing them to grow their audience and brand recognition.
Future Outlook
Hauteline plans to expand into additional US cities, scale up inventory, and continue forging collaborations with eco-forward designers and tech fashion startups. As sustainability and access become central demands of Gen Z and Millennial shoppers, this community-driven, flexible marketplace is well-positioned for rapid growth. Kristie Chow shares, “We want to continue making dressing for any occasion effortless, affordable, and fun. To achieve this, we’re focused on expanding into new markets, hosting more community-driven events, and scaling our offerings to better serve our customers.”
