About À La Mode
À La Mode Dress Rentals was born from a simple idea: every woman deserves to wear something extraordinary — without the extraordinary price tag.
Based in Dunedin, New Zealand, we offer a curated collection of designer dresses available to rent for formals/balls, weddings, graduations, the races, and every special occasion in between.
Our Story
I started À La Mode because I genuinely love beautiful things — the way a well-made dress fits, the way the right outfit changes how you feel walking into a room.
I hold a Bachelor of Fashion Design, a Diploma in Interior Design, and a Teaching Degree. Sounds eclectic, but it makes sense to me — an eye for design, an understanding of how things are made, and a real enjoyment in helping people find what works for them. Those three things are at the heart of everything À La Mode does.
I know garments. I know what quality looks like and how it wears. Every piece in our collection has been chosen deliberately, and I'm happy to help you find the right one for your event, your body, and your occasion.
I'm also lucky enough to have two fashion-savvy daughters who share the same eye for a great dress. They help source pieces for the collection and are involved in the business — which means the buying decisions are well debated and the taste level is high.
Why Rent?
Renting makes sense. You get access to designer pieces at a fraction of the cost, you're not left with something hanging in your wardrobe after one wear, and you can choose something different every time. It's a practical choice that doesn't compromise on how you look or feel.
Based in Dunedin, Delivering Nationwide
We're based in St Clair, Dunedin, with local pick-up available and courier delivery across New Zealand.
We'd love to be part of your next special occasion.
— Joella, Founder of À La Mode