Living the Dream of Infinite Closet Space
For fashion lovers a new season means far more than the changing of leaves and temperature. Each season—whether pre-fall, fall, spring or resort—calls for a weather-appropriate wardrobe shift complete with the dreaded chore of rotating, reorganizing and prioritizing. If you have the space to swap and shop, then it’s out with the sweaters and in with the sundresses. But for those tight on space and time, a change in season likely results in a cramped and cluttered closet. Garde Robe offers the ultimate solution for high-fashion collectors low on storage.
The New York-based company, which houses past collections from iconic design names like Caroline Herrera and Oscar de la Renta, takes it upon itself to store the out-of-season threads that are consuming your scarce space, archive precious pieces you value as art, and catalog the clothing you still wear into a “Cyber Closet” for convenient retrieval. And for those sartorial situations when you’re stuck in Switzerland without your ski-gear or in Cannes without your couture, Garde Robe offers a worldwide wardrobe valet service.
How it works: Garde Robe carefully packs your garments and transports them to one of their storage facilities in LA, NYC, Tokyo or Las Vegas. There each article of clothing is stowed with extreme care, in the appropriate temperature, humidity, light, hangers, bags and boxes.
Even if you see this storage alternative as superfluous, there are still important lessons to be learned from the chic caches at Garde Robe. Garde Robe Vice President Doug Greenberg guides us through some affordable and accessible tips to elongate the life span of our garments.
NM: What’s the most prominent problem you see in your clients’ closets?
GR: What I see more often than anything is overcrowded closets. People want to have everything in their closet, even things they aren’t wearing, like couture for events and such. But what people don’t realize is even if it’s organized, if it’s too crowded then there isn’t sufficient space for the garment to breathe.
NM: What are some tips that everyone can implement for better garment care?
GR: Garments should not be subjected to dust, sunlight, humidity or drastic changes in temperature, so basements and attics are not recommended in most cases. Proper spacing between garments must also be taken into account – never crowd garments into a small area in the back of the closet because they need to breathe. Be extra cautious when storing leather and suede as these fabrics can bleed into one another. Use acid-free tissue to separate these garments. Never store furs at home as they must be stored in special cold storage units.
NM: When it comes to storing garments what is the biggest misconception?
GR: That all articles of clothing can be hung on a hanger. Choosing the proper hanger is critical. There are literally hundreds of shapes and sizes to choose from. It is unlikely you will be able to utilize only one type of hanger for your entire collection, so always keep a wide variety of hangers on hand including traditional, padded, extra-wide, suit hangers, etc. Take advantage of a garment’s support straps or loops to avoid stretching.
People will dedicate a whole section in their closets to gowns when really they should be folded flat. All bias cut designs, knits and anything that is made out of a movable material should be folded flat, preferably in a box.
And it should go without saying, “NO WIRE HANGERS EVER!”
NM: What tips do you have for accessories?
GR: Toe shapers can extend the life of a shoe a long time. Boot trees absorb moisture and prevent mildew. If a bag is seasonal, you need to wrap it in acid-free tissue, in order to avoid contact with other leathers and bleeding. (If it’s a handbag you use every week, don’t worry about it.) We recommend stuffing you bag with tissue or bubble wrap to keep the shape.
NM: What is the best temperature for storing clothing?
GR: Keep the temperature and humidity consistent; we recommend 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit, 45-55 degree humidity. Invest in professional grade de-humidifiers and air purification systems, and maintain a temperature-controlled environment.
Avoid fluctuations in temperature and humidity at all costs. Variations in temperature and humidity can wreak havoc on fabrics and cause quick deterioration. Heat causes fibers to expand, and cold temperatures forces contraction. This back and forth damages the fibers. Same deal with humidity—too much humidity causes mold, and low humidity removes the fiber’s natural moisture.
For more details about the service visit Garde Robe online and Neiman Marcus InCircle members are invited to contact our concierge for more information on our exclusive Garde Robe package.
