Garde Robe Blog

Winter to Spring: Seasonal Wardrobe Storage and Care

2012-01-24T17:57:00.000-05:00

Department stores and boutiques are always wayahead of us: bathing suits appear on the racks in the middle of a Februarysnowstorm, and sweaters surface on the hottest day in August. But why?Fashionistas know that designers release new clothing lines every spring andfall, following the fashion cycles. Retailers take advantage of these cycles bydisplaying new seasonal items as early as possible. It's also a nudge to beginyour spring cleaning to make way for new clothes.

Although, technically, winter is here for another two months, it’s never tooearly to consider your plan of attack for clearing the clutter. (After all,what else is there to do when you're snowed-in for the day?) When you’reready to transition from cozy coats to skin-baring summer styles, closetorganization and smart storage techniques are key.

Proper seasonal wardrobe storage is imperative to keep garments looking fresh and ready towear for next year. Dry cleaning expert Chuck Horst, president of Margaret's Cleaners in southern California and vice president of Garde Robe West, advisesagainst overcrowding garments. "Clothes need to breathe," says Horst."Crowded closets with minimal airflow and dark spaces can promote mildewgrowth and create nesting places for insect larvae to feed on fabric."Horst also recommends making sure that all clothing is clean and repaired beforestoring.

Not all of us are afforded extra closet space with our tiny city apartmentsor lofts. Often, our massive wardrobes necessitate large closets that simplydon’t exist. Using an offsite storage and valet service like Garde Robe takes the guesswork out ofproperly storing precious--and often pricey--garments.

While deciding which items to keep, store, or toss, keep one thing in mind:the weather. ElizabethLarkin, personal-organizing expert and writer for About.com,says to keep layering pieces at-the-ready between seasons. Although spring canfeel like a short season (depending on where you live), during this time, manypeople are met with chilly mornings and evenings and warmer temperatures duringthe day. Having light layering items, such as jackets and scarves, at hand willprepare you for sudden temperature changes.

It might only be January; but because closet organizing is a daunting,time-consuming task, it's never too early to begin planning for the seasonaltransition. After all, our favorite designers and retailers won’t hesitate tostock the shelves with bathing suits and shorts while we're snowed-in, just thinkingabout organizing our wardrobes.

Wardrobe Storage for Travelers in NYTimes

2011-12-01T14:35:00.001-05:00

Trump SoHo in New York goes a step further, curating guests’ garments with the help of the luxury valet company Garde Robe, which stores and catalogs clothes by size, color and season, and will pull together outfits for specific occasions. Read more

Annabel Tollman shares her love of Garde Robe on Huffington Post

2011-11-16T13:55:00.002-05:00

I store my out-of-season clothing with Garderobe, my closet fairy godmothers who expertly store all my treasures (as well as cataloguing them for my online viewing pleasure and giving them all the TLC that they need). Read more here...

The perfect service for fashionistas and socialites with extensive seasonal wardrobes"

2011-11-14T12:01:00.004-05:00

Thank you, Diana Cavagnaro, for recommending Garde Robe in your La Jolla Village News column. Read More

Making the Switch

2011-10-14T11:38:00.002-04:00

Making the Switch

The fabulous Melanie Charlton of Clos-ette recommends Garde Robe for seasonal clothes storage.

Seasonal Clothing Storage

2011-09-20T12:18:00.003-04:00

Switching your closets from spring/summer to fall/winter wardrobes can be a drag. Let the clothes storage experts at Garde Robe do it all for you. Garde Robe provides a complimentary closet consultation and advice, then we pick up your off-season and infrequently worn clothes and create your personal Cyber Closet Website with professional photos of every garment. Click on a photo and we'll deliver the garment the same day, ready to wear. Read more about Garde Robe's Seasonal Clothing Storage Service here:

Gracias, in!!

2011-08-11T13:20:00.000-04:00

Si es de los que prefiere una cita con el dentista antes que armar su equipaje, Garde Robe tiene la solución. Con sedes en Nueva York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas y Tokio, esta empresa se encarga de guardar, fotografiar y catalogar toda su ropa. Además, se encarga de llevar sus trajes, camisas y zapatos a cualquier lugar del mundo (para que lleguen antes que usted).

Una vez terminado el viaje, Garde Robe envía la ropa de vuelta a casa, o envía por alguien a recogerla. También ofrecen asesorías de imagen y personal shoppers.
www.garderobeonline.com

http://in-lan.com/2011/08/hombres-bien-vestido-bien-recibido/

The Secret to More Closet Space: a Traveling Wardrobe

2011-08-10T11:33:00.000-04:00

The Secret to More Closet Space: a Traveling Wardrobe

Living the Dream of Infinite Closet Space

2011-07-13T12:00:00.001-04:00

Living the Dream of Infinite Closet Space

Sarah Bray of NMDaily from Neiman Marcus notes: "Garde Robe offers the ultimate solution for high-fashion collectors low on storage."

Winter Clothing Storage Tip - How To Avoid Moth Damage

2011-05-17T13:49:00.002-04:00

Material damaging insects such as moths will be attracted to cashmere and other natural fibers, especially if bacteria are present. So the most important thing you can do is properly clean garments before storing them. Placing cedar and lavender sachets in breathable boxes works as a deterrent and is far more pleasant than moth balls. However, the sachets often contain oils so be cautious to avoid direct contact between the sachets and garments.

Clothing Storage Tip of the Day - Never, Ever Store Clothing In

2011-01-12T17:35:00.000-05:00

Basements or attics where the temperature and humidity levels are inconsistent
Closets that have an outside wall (these closets tend to have higher relative humidity)
Near a window with sunlight
Plastic or vinyl bags

Clothing Storage Tip of the Day - Cramped Closets

2010-12-16T18:16:00.002-05:00

Don’t overcrowd your closets. Proper air circulation is critical for preserving fabrics. If you choose to store infrequently worn or off-season garments in a guest room closet to avoid overcrowding your closet, be sure to open the closet doors and leave a fan on in the room from time to time and when you go on vacation. Alternatively, Garde Robe provides a Seasonal Clothing Storage Service.

Clothing Storage Tip of the Day - Leather

2010-12-08T15:19:00.002-05:00

Leather items (handbags, footwear and garments) are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb a lot of moisture and can take longer to dry completely. After cleaning, keep leather pieces outside the closet for a few days before placing them in the closet. Items placed in the closet too soon could cause mildew and contaminate the closet.

Chuck Horst, Garde Robe's Textile Preservation Expert, on Luggage Cleaning

2010-12-03T15:09:00.001-05:00

READ IT HERE

The Quest For "It" finds some extra closet space

2010-11-19T14:10:00.003-05:00

If you are not already familiar with the fabulous Tia Walker and The Quest For "It" blog, then you are seriously missing out. If your "it" is endless closet space, Tia's got your back: Clothing Storage is "It."

Clothing Storage Tip of the Day - Clean vs. "Clean"

2010-11-15T18:25:00.004-05:00

Never put worn items back in the closet next to clean garments. Even if a worn garment is “clean,” your body oils and perfume/cologne act as a magnet for material-damaging insects such as moths. Putting the worn garment back in the closet is an invitation, and these unwelcomed guests will create havoc and irreparable damage. Don’t kid yourself that a few pieces of cedar and a lavender sachet will keep your closet free from insects indefinitely. Read more here:

Seasonal Clothing Storage Tip of the Day

2010-11-09T15:27:00.003-05:00

Never store clothing in the thin plastic bags from your dry cleaner. Always remove the plastic garment bags immediately. These bags do not allow the garment to breathe properly, which leads to fume fading and discoloration. Uggh!! Does your Spring/Summer wardrobe need a safe place to hibernate? Garde Robe does it all. Read more about it...

Seasonal Clothing Storage Tip of the Day

2010-11-02T11:31:00.003-04:00

To avoid distortion and stretching, never store vintage, embellished gowns, knits or delicate items on hangers; always store these items flat, wrapped individually in acid-free tissue, and place them in a breathable, archival box. Or let the experts at Garde Robe do it all for you. Read more here: Seasonal Storage For Clothing

Seasonal, Spring/Summer Clothes Storage

2010-10-29T16:41:00.002-04:00

Every dry cleaner in NYC will store your clothes, but where do they keep the clothes is the question? In a damp basement? Cardboard boxes? Do they insist you clean garments even if they are clean and send you a bill? If you treasure what's in your closet, Garde Robe is the service for you. Read more HERE

Decades Denim Launches

2010-10-29T15:35:00.002-04:00

Garde Robe congratulates Cameron Silver of Decades on the launch of Decades Denim.

Garment Care 101

2010-10-08T12:08:00.010-04:00

Garment care is an essential aspect of clothing storage. It is immensely important that you treat your clothing with respect and protect it from a wide array of elements that could potentially damage your wardrobe. This is the heart of Garde Robe as a business. We ensure, as a luxury organizer and clothing storage operation that your garments are protected and kept in archival condition.

It is vital, however, that every individual know how to properly care for the garments they have in their closets, drawers, and boxes within their homes and businesses. FabricLink's Fabric Care Center is a great online resource that teaches users the ins and outs of different fabrics, how to care for them, and how to understand their behavior. Fabrics have a mind of their own and can be pretty tricky!

Check out FabricLink's Care Center here and take a few minutes to educate yourself about caring for your wardrobe.

Transitioning Your Wardrobe From Summer to Fall

2010-09-28T13:05:00.000-04:00

Fall is upon us and it is time to bring out that fall wardrobe to complement the weather change. Check out "The Fix Edition" article below quoting 2 Garde Robe employees' suggestions on how to gradually transition your closet and wardrobe from Spring/Summer to Fall/Winter.

"Pre-Fall Prep

There’s a little known secret to looking stylish: preparation. Focusing your energy on tackling the smaller details allows less room for expensive mistakes or wardrobe mishaps. Here’s a rundown of fixes for transitioning into the new season that will prepare you for next week’s fall-fashion item.

Closet Organization

Doug Greenberg, VP of sales, and Damion West, wardrobe manager and stylist, of Garde Robe, a premier clothing storage and valet service suggest the following ways to get your wardrobe in order:
• Update your closet in two stages: Right now begin storing summery dresses and beachwear. Then, in late-October, do your lightweight layering pieces or silk garments. Always try to clean clothing before storing it.
• Clear plastic hanging bags from the dry cleaners are the worst – the plastic emits a gas that can cause discoloration (in particular, they turn white shirts yellow).
• Store your clothes in muslin and canvas hanging bags or acid-free archival boxes for folded items. Garde Robe uses highly recommend supplies from Margaret’s Cleaners.

Pre-Fall Prep

• Shoes should always be stored in boxes that allow you to easily view them. You can find options at containerstore.com or shoetrap.com.
• Elizabeth W. Shoe Inserts help to deodorize and retain shape of shoes. Always make sure to have shoe trees.
• Get dust bags for storing and protecting your bags and shoes. Online at bagadocious.com.
• Elizabeth W. Drawer Liners in cedar or lavender will help deter material-damaging insects. Moth traps are also effective as they attract and kill adult moths, which prevents them from laying the larvae that actually chomp your clothes.

• Always replenish your stocking drawer. Use the elastic for pony tail holders.
To inquire about their services, call 212-255-3163 or go to Garderobeonline.com. The Fix Edition members will receive a complimentary storage for up to 20 pairs of spring/summer shoes, a complimentary in-home closet/wardrobe consultation, and a welcome gift with moth-prevention sachets. Just mention the The Fix Edition when you call or enter TFE in the "referred by" box at the become a member link."

Check out The Fix Edition here

Get It Together with Garde Robe's Personal Valet

2010-08-18T16:24:00.000-04:00

Chris McKenry started Get It Together LA! with the desire to help people overcome their clutter and benefit from a more organized life. Now he's blogged about Garde Robe's fabulous service that's available in southern California.

"Heading to your Sun Valley residence and don’t want to pack? Let Garde Robe know what you need and the items will arrive to meet you cleaned and ready for a night on the town."

Thanks for the shoutout, Chris! Check out the rest of the blog post here.

Shop Share And Compare - On Your iOS Device

2010-07-30T12:01:00.000-04:00

It seems like Apple is considering getting in to the emerging trend of combining fashion and technology. On Thursday, the iDevice maker extraordinaire file two patents - one describing a virtual closet with social connectivity, allowing "friends to see each other's Virtual Closets, recommend outfits to one another, recommend fashion items to buy, recommend fashion items to get rid of, recommend outfits to wear at a particular event, share and borrow each other's fashion items, or can otherwise suitably provide a social networking environment through the Virtual Closet," according to the patent application.

The other is geared towards high-fashion, describing "an integrated [app] available on an electronic device [that] can provide information for promotional and invitation-only events, allow a user to browse and search through fashion items, recommend fashion items to purchase based on outfits desired by the user, check for the availability of particular fashion items, and view or providing ratings or reviews for stores or fashion items."

With Gilt Groupe popularizing the concept of invitation-only online sales, Apple could really be on to something. After all, clothes are all about social expression and with the ubiquitous nature of iDevices, these two seem like a match made in heaven! I can't wait to see what these patents turn into - in the mean time, check out NY Mag's list of Top Ten Fashion Apps here.

Apple Developing Social Fashion Shopping Technology - Information Week

How To Mix High And Low Fashions

2010-07-29T17:01:00.001-04:00

Check out this great clip on NBC New York! You don't need to wear designer clothes head-to-toe to get a great look...

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video.

Style expert Constance White shows how to pull off mixing designer labels with chain-store basics.

The Streamlined and the Fantastical Meet

2010-07-28T11:30:00.000-04:00

From the haunting beauty of Ricardo Ticsi’s creations for the house of Givenchy, to the more demure cropped looks donned on the runway at Valentino, Fall Couture 2010 seemed to be where modern reality and wild musings shared the same creative consciousness.

This season included silhouettes that were derived from experimental layering, like those seen at Alexis Mabille, and dramatic draping as observed at Christian Dior. Designers emphasized textiles as well. Sumptuous organza, structured gabardine and beautifully crafted Chantilly lace were all on display.

Here is a sampling of some particularly striking designs:

An embellished skeletal-like gown at Givenchy

A dramatic and demure cropped look at Valentino

A well layered suit ensemble at Alexis Mabille

Simple cut-out elegance at Bouchra Jarrar

An Edenic creation at Christian Dior

Bold ruching at Elie Saab

Classic and modern at Chanel

A structured and whimsical look at Jean Paul Gaultier

A profusion of sequins at Armani Prive

Just Luxe Finds Just The Right Luxury Travel Service

2010-07-15T15:06:00.000-04:00

Affluent lifestyle guide reviewed our services and added us to the list of Just Luxe City Guides for Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Diego. They noted that our

"unique and convenient luggage-free valet system is the first service of its kind to hit the market and has been endorsed by celebrities such as Ivanka Trump, and utilized by fashion designers such as Oscar De La Renta."

And a great service "for any trendsetter, who is in constant pursuit of the latest fashions."

Check it out here.

L.A. Times Finds Endless Closet Space In Cyber Closet

2010-07-01T16:53:00.000-04:00

Wooo! The L.A. Times wrote us up in their blog on Tuesday!

"Trying to stay well-dressed is hard work, especially when you open your closet door and out tumbles an avalanche of wire hangers, stilettos and a precariously placed box that clocks you in the head.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have an infinite closet and a valet to handle it all for you?"

Yes it would!!! And that's what Garde Robe is here for =)

Clothing Production Done Democratically

2010-06-24T10:53:00.001-04:00

I just stumbled upon (no, not using StumbleUpon) a post about a new site called Garmz.com, an Austrian-based startup that allows designers to upload designs, voted upon by readers, with the most popular designs being produced by the website.

It seems the most difficult part of breaking into the fashion world is transforming ideas into products, and that's where Garmz.com comes to the rescue.

"Starting a fashion label is a long and expensive process with a wicked learning curve. Add a lack of adequate outlets to begin production and it becomes even more of a daunting task. In fact, the difference between the successful designers and never-weres can be traced to this stage in development. [...] The one crucial difference we see in Garmz is that they seem to already have their production chain mapped out with promises that they will produce winning pieces through their vendors in Eastern Europe and sell finished items on the site. As well, fashion designers can set their own selling prices, margins, and cuts per sale; an open model that favors the creator." - Afingo.com

I can imagine a site like this helping to launch successful designers who otherwise
might not get that break they so desperately need. The site is still in preview right now, but promises to be up and running in August. Garmz.com

San Diego and Las Vegas get Luxury Wardrobe Storage and Valet Service

2010-06-17T12:10:00.000-04:00

I just found some more coverage we've recently received online!

San Diego Modern Luxury highlighted our partnership with Margaret's, "whose garment care is so legendary we know at least one NYC editor who mails her clothes to them for cleaning." Check it out here!

The Las Vegas Review-Journal called our service a "godsend" for those who travel frequently and "loathe the packing process, no matter how well-coordinated their system."

I think our vice president puts it best: “Our clients are definitely passionate about what they have in their closets,” Greenberg says. “You wouldn’t buy a Bentley and park it in a cheap garage.” Find the full article here.

Wardrobe Management Service Helps Well-Dressed Texans

2010-06-08T09:37:00.000-04:00

"Does your passion for fashion exceed your closet space? Is packing a chore when you’ve got a black-tie event in Miami one week and skiing in Gstaad the next?" The Star-Telegram asks these questions in the feature, Things We Love for June and July. If you answered yes to either (or both!) then the Telegram has the solution for you: Garde Robe.

They always say everything's bigger in Texas - wardrobes too! Thanks for the coverage :)

San Diego Stylist Shares Luxury Wardrobe Storage Service

2010-06-04T12:03:00.001-04:00

Mahjuba Levine is San Diego’s own reverent personal and fashion wardrobe stylist. With Mahjuba’s extensive background in fashion and styling, her work for print has appeared in various local and national publications. In 2002,Closet Therapy was launched and since continued to help many women and men build there confidence through creating a wardrobe that is essential to their everyday life.

Mahjuba recently had a chance to check out Garde Robe in San Diego, one of our four new locations. "This is a dream come true for fashion devotees with extensive seasonal wardrobe, priceless evening wear and accessories," says Mahjuba. "I am often working in closets with limited space and amazed at what people can fit into these spaces. Garde Robe will be the future in how we store and take care of our cherished wardrobe." Well, it looks like the future is here!

Check out her blog here.

Want a diva wardrobe but don't have the closet storage for one?

2010-06-03T09:38:00.000-04:00

That's what Candice Shih @ The Orange County Register asked. Her answer? Garde Robe!!! Highlighting our partnership with Margaret's Cleaners, OCR has a nice little rundown on what we do, with our services now available in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.

Thanks for the coverage Candice!

Online co. promises 'endless closet space'

Hop On To Your Cyber Closet And Request Your Chanel Suit

2010-05-21T14:15:00.000-04:00

The Daily Basics put up an article yesterday titled Just how far are you willing to go to organize your wardrobe? A good list for those looking for a solution to their closet chaos - and last, but not least, on the list? Garde Robe!

To quote The Daily Basics, "It might just be worth it. [...] As a matter of fact, it might be downright practical." I couldn't have said it better myself; although I would have said it's definitely worth it ;-)

Garde Robe Turns Endless Closet Space Into a Reality!

2010-03-09T17:50:00.000-05:00

I just found a nice little write-up of us over at TheLuxurySpot.com.

Thanks, Corinne, for the good word! While we do make endless closet space a reality, we try not to break the laws of physics in the process. :)

Garde Robe Turns Endless Closet Space Into a Reality!

Suprising Things You Can Rent Online

2010-02-25T10:16:00.000-05:00

Bobbi Dempsey over at MainStreet.com recently posted a list of the more unusual things available to rent online. Our favorite? Closet space via Garde Robe!

Check out the list here.

Garde Robe on Better TV

2010-02-08T12:02:00.000-05:00

Garde Robe was featured on a recent Better TV segment highlighting high tech fashion fixes. Lifestyle expert Judy Goss talks about the wardrobe "that does everything for you."

Check out the video here!

Garde Robe featured on MSN in Spain - BUENO!

2010-01-15T16:04:00.000-05:00

Garde Robe no sólo te guarda la ropa de la temporada anterior, te la cataloga y lleva a la tintorería. También dispone de un servicio de primera clase para los viajeros y empresarios con espíritu de Willy Fogg. A través de tu cyber armario (te diseñan un catálogo virtual de tu guardarropa), escoges la ropa que quieres para ese viaje, y ellos te preparan la maleta, la envían a tu hotel o residencia, la deshacen, cuelgan y cuando te marchas, repiten el mismo proceso. ¿Quién quiere maletas cuando puedes prescindir de ellas?

Garde Robe on Juli B NY's Top Picks!!

2009-08-18T18:37:00.000-04:00

Thanks a mil to our friends at Juli B New York for recommending Garde Robe in their Fashion & Beauty Picks newsletter. Check it out!!

Garde Robe Featured on BrickUnderground

2009-08-06T11:36:00.000-04:00

Brick Underground, the online resource that enables New York City homeowners to leverage their collective intelligence, ran a story about Garde Robe. Check it out .

2009-06-23T09:50:00.000-04:00

Preserve Your Archives, Protect Your Legacy

In a down economy, savvy fashion companies need to find ways to trim expenses without sacrificing quality and ingenuity. However, in some cases proper preservation of past years’ collections and archives gets squeezed out in an effort to appease the bean counters. Don’t let it happen to your precious collections! In case you need reminding, your archives are sacred, one-of-a-kind, invaluable, irreplaceable and, most of all, destined for museum exhibits and studying by future generations of designers and scholars. In order to protect your legacy, you simply MUST preserve your archives.

I realize most of you are knowledgeable about textiles and garment care having taken courses on these subjects in fashion school. However, are you certain the person(s) responsible for managing your collections is as well versed in these subjects as they should be? If not, here is a primer from the garment storage experts at Garde Robe with useful tips and suggestions for keeping your archives in pristine condition long-term.

Location, location, location

The most important decision you’ll need to make is choosing an appropriate, safe and convenient locale to keep your collections. In the past, many designers chose to keep their entire archive on-site for accessibility purposes. Unfortunately, square footage costs on Seventh Avenue and around the city are making this option less viable. Plus, most office spaces and ateliers in Manhattan simply don’t provide adequate conditions for proper long-term maintenance of the garments. Therefore, off-site storage has become commonplace in recent years. Below please find a checklist of things to keep in mind when selecting a location for your archives.

Climate conditions

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. New York is terribly humid and hot in the summer and freezing in the winter. Do you know if your office’s air conditioning runs all night and on weekends? If it doesn’t, your archive is essentially being tortured. And in general, stuffy office closets and/or basement lockers are not suitable for long-term garment storage. Closets often have poor air circulation, and all fabrics need to breathe. Basements tend to have moisture/humidity, which can lead to mold and damage that is often irreversible.

Similarly, if you decide to keep garments in an off-site storage center, be sure to choose one that provides temperature and humidity control. Also, avoid keeping garments in storage rooms with “chicken wire” as a ceiling, because you never know what is being stored in the room next door. If your storage “neighbor” has perishables or bacteria-stained articles in their room, you are very likely to have a material-damaging insect infestation before long. Garde Robe has heard too many clothes moth nightmare stories to recount. Choose your location wisely!

Keep the temperature and humidity consistent; we recommend 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit, 45-55 degree humidity. If you choose to store on-site, invest in professional grade de-humidifiers and air purification systems, and maintain a temperature-controlled environment.

Proper lighting is also essential. Some bulbs can cause fading, and sunlight is an absolute no-no. Protective UV filters can be purchased, but your best bet is to limit exposure to light by turning off the lights and purchasing “blackout” shades. Also, please remember to designate enough space so that items are not squashed together which restricts ventilation and can cause permanent wrinkles.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

Always make sure garments are properly cleaned prior to storing them for an extended period of time. Even if the garment looks clean, if it has been tried on or worn it may have invisible bacteria and or body oils that will damage and stain the fabric if left untreated for several months. I am not advocating dry cleaning garments just for the heck of it, but preparing garments for long-term storage absolutely requires a thorough cleaning. However, if you have a vintage or very delicate piece that may not be able to withstand cleaning, there are alternatives to dry cleaning. In essence, there is no “golden rule” when it comes to storing garments; each piece needs to be treated and handled accordingly. A preservation expert is your best resource for advice.

Additionally, you must always remove the dry cleaner’s clear plastic bags immediately as these bags emit gasses that can cause discoloration, attract dust and don’t allow the garment to breathe properly.

Cover Up

On a recent visit to one of Garde Robe’s client’s atelier, I was shocked to see cheap plastic garment bags being used for last year’s collections. The plastic garment bags most boutiques use are not intended for storage; they trap moisture and don’t allow the garment to breath. For a day or week, those bags may suffice. But for long-term usage, you simply must purchase and use the proper storage supplies, preferably made from archival-safe materials.

Muslin and canvas garment bags are great for hanging items because they allow the garments to “breathe” and provide protection from the elements. Inert archival boxes are your best bet for folded items. Almost all garments need to be wrapped in or stuffed with acid-free tissue. Again, there is no formula; you will need to consider the best way to care for each piece individually.

Don’t get hung up!

Another important decision to make is whether a garment should be stored on a hanger and placed in a breathable garment bag or folded with tissue and placed in an acid-free archival box. In general, knits, stretchable, delicate, sheer and heavily beaded items need to be folded. Always use acid-free tissue in the creases to avoid permanent creasing and damage to the garment’s fibers.

Don’t forget that 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. And it should go without saying, “NO WIRE HANGERS EVER!”

Always Use Protection

Once you see a moth flying by, it may be too late. Therefore, always take the necessary precautions beforehand. Garde Robe recommends using cedar and lavender sachets as a deterrent to material damaging insects. However, always be extra careful that these products do not come in direct contact with the garments as they contain oils that can cause permanent stain. Moth traps are also effective as they attract and kill the adult moths, which prevents them from laying the larvae that actually chomp the clothes.

In conclusion, choose a clean, dry and well-ventilated location, always use the proper supplies and take necessary precautions. Following these simple steps will significantly extend the “life” of your collections.

Douglas Greenberg, Garde Robe Online, LLC., Vice President, (212) 255-3163

About Garde Robe

New York's premier archive storage, preservation and cataloging service for fashion designers, Garde Robe provides museum-quality storage and maintenance, professional photography and cataloging, virtual Cyber Closet look books, same-day pick up, delivery and shipping and more. Rather than keep archives on-site or in less-than-ideal storage centers, prominent fashion designers entrust their precious collections to the experts at Garde Robe due to the level of care and thoughtful services Garde Robe provides. Garde Robe will keep your collections organized, safe and in pristine condition, and help you free up some much-needed manpower and space at your atelier, office or showroom. http://www.garderobeonline.com/

AICI Garment Care Storage Tips

2009-06-09T14:32:00.001-04:00

WINTER WARDROBE STORAGE TIPS

Spring is just around the corner. As an image consultant, your primary objective is to help your clients look their best. Identifying the proper wardrobe to create a look is the first step, but proper maintenance of one’s wardrobe is equally critical as it can extend the life of certain garments by several years. Therefore, we’ve created this introductory summary to help you advise your clients on proper winter wardrobe preparation and storage.

Always make sure garments are properly cleaned prior to storing them for an extended period of time. Even if the garment looks clean, if it has been worn it may have bacteria and or body oils that will damage the fabric if left untreated for several months. You should always remove your dry cleaner’s clear plastic bags immediately as these bags emit gasses that can cause discoloration and don’t allow the garment to breathe properly.

Purchase and use the proper storage supplies. Acid-free tissue, breathable cotton garment bags and breathable canvas boxes are inexpensive and vital to maintaining a garment’s pristine condition. Boot trees and toe shapers for footwear and appropriate hangers are also highly recommended. Proper storage conditions and ventilation is essential. 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. Always use a reputable furrier and have the fur revitalized as needed.

Fold all knits with acid-free tissue to avoid creasing the individual fibers and place them in a breathable box with the heaviest ones on the bottom. Material damaging insects such as moths will be attracted to cashmere and other natural fibers, especially if bacteria are present. Placing cedar and lavender sachets in the boxes works as a deterrent and is far more pleasant than moth balls. However, the sachets often contain oils so be cautious to avoid direct contact between the sachets and garments. Heavily beaded garments should also be folded with tissue and not hung in most cases.

Hanging garments require proper hangers and breathable garment bags. Hanger selection should take into account the type of garment and its weight. Heavy garments such as winter coats should be stored on strong, padded hangers. In most cases, pants and slacks should be hung from the hem or cuffs to avoid creasing. Take advantage of a garment’s support straps or loops to avoid stretching.

Named "Best Secret Service" by New York magazine, Garde Robe is New York's only luxury wardrobe storage and valet service. Ideal for New York residents with extensive clothing and footwear collections and/or inadequate closet space, Garde Robe provides climate-controlled luxury storage for off-season or infrequently worn clothing, shoes and accessories, professional photography and online wardrobe catalogs, complimentary same-day pick up and delivery, luggage-packing and shipping services, and more.

www.garderobeonline.com (212) 255-3047

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2009-06-09T14:10:00.001-04:00