The Tamesis
Antique rentals are a fragmented market—some of the best vintage designer pieces are hidden away in private archives, only to be sold for eye-popping auction prices, or reserved only for celebrity red carpet moments. “We’re talking about the democratization of archival fashion,” Gray said. “It’s not about making rare fashion feel watered down or less special, but it’s about broadening access in a way that respects the integrity of the garment and the history behind it.”
Carota initially launched IoM as a resale Instagram account, building an archive of rare vintage pieces and opening pop-up shops across New York. Gray attended one of the events in 2022 while reselling antique furniture. The two soon became collaborators and then business owners. “Our strongest connection is a shared vision of vintage: not as something intact in a private collection, but as a piece that can be worn, lived in and constantly recirculated,” says Carota.
Disappointment with the market led them to become founders. “A lot of fashion archives live within internal networks—celebrity stylists, private dealers, collectors,” Gray said. “We are obsessed with building an infrastructure around vintage that makes it feel as accessible, seamless and trustworthy as modern retail, while still retaining the integrity and history of the garment itself. The idea is not just an accessible rental platform, but to create a different access model for fashion history.
Access, not ownership, defines the service; the platform does not operate solely on resale but focuses on leasing. “Rent completely changes the equation,” Gray said. “Instead of one person owning a piece forever, dozens of women can experience it over time.”
Isle of Monday’s early inventory reflects current demand for irreverent glamor and maximalism, as well as designs from the late 90s and early 00s: Galliano-era Dior, Roberto Cavalli, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace and Blumarine are among the platform’s strongest performers. Women are also noticing a growing demand for simple separates and turning to the quieter, sexier designs of Tom Ford-era Gucci. Looking to the future, the founders hope to further expand on Galliano-era Dior, early McQueen, Prada, Margiela, Alaïa and Issey Miyake.
