A PASSION for a shared economy, where people hire or swap items, will bring Lucy Percy back to the Border on Saturday.
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Mrs Percy, who grew up in Holbrook, will bring a range of well-known fashion labels to regional shoppers in the lead-up to the biggest race meet on Albury's social calendar.
She said those who wanted to dress up without the price tag would have the opportunity to organise a hire outfit prior to the Albury Gold Cup on March 18.
“I'm conscious the regional market has the exact same interest in fashion as people in Melbourne, but the same access isn't there,” Mrs Percy said.
“Quite often before races or events, people will do a trip to Melbourne. I thought, they love their fashion so I'd bring it to them.
“These are all brands I'm quite sure aren't stocked in Albury – so it won't be detracting from other business in the area because these brands aren’t there.”
Mrs Percy started Well Chosen little over a year ago and said it was well received on the Border during a visit in November.
This will be the first time the pop-up boutique has catered specifically for Albury Gold Cup racegoers. It comes as the share economy continues to grow on the Border in a variety of different categories.
From recycle, buy, swap and sell pages on Facebook to companies like Bang Event Co, which hires out wedding furniture, the idea of sharing is becoming more widely accepted.
In the case of Well Chosen, shoppers book an appointment to view designer dresses and accessories available for hire.
Mrs Percy said she would be on the Border all weekend with sophisticated and conservative style dresses, suited to fashions on the field etiquette.
“I rent a lot of things and I'm from a big family, so sharing clothes is natural,” she said.
“I thought it would resonate with regional people, you always share resources where you can.
“The fashion stakes in Albury do get better every year, which is reflected in the judges Myer sends to Albury (for the cup).
“Obviously all the people in the industry respect what Albury people do on race days.”
“If any local milliners were interested in leaving stock over the couple days for me to show to clients, I would be happy to.”