ISLE OF MONDAY (IOM)
In a fashion landscape that is oversaturated with trend-chasing fast fashion, Isle of Monday feels like a deliberate, necessary rebellion.
Isle of Monday is deeply rooted in prioritizing beauty, history, and the radical idea that true luxury should be experienced, not locked away or only accessible to celebrities.
Image Courtesy of Isle of Monday. Model is wearing Roberto Cavalli SS 2003 Swan Fishtail Maxi Skirt & the Miu Miu SS 2002 Super Doll Crop Top.
Founded by Gabriella Carota and Janelle Gray, Isle of Monday (IOM) is a new luxury vintage rental platform redefining how archival fashion lives in the modern world.
The beta site was launched on December 1st of this year, offering early access to over 200 one-of-a-kind vintage designer pieces. Designers include Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Christian Dior, John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Blumarine, and Miu Miu.
Isle of Monday doesn’t just bring forth fashion nostalgia, it provides access with intention.
From NYC Flea Markets to Fashion’s Inner Circle
The origins of Isle of Monday are as inspiring as the designer pieces they offer.
Gabriella Carota founded Isle of Monday in 2021 as a vintage resale business. She operated out of the Brooklyn Flea Market and Canal Street Market, building trust with her customer base through in-person experiences. Customers valued the ability to touch, feel and fall in love with the clothing in real life over shopping online.
Image Courtesy of Isle of Monday. Model is wearing Vivienne Tam SS 1998 Tiger Print Mesh Dress.
With a background in modeling, Carota’s relationship with fashion was not shaped just by clothing itself, but by the people behind them: stylists, creatives, resellers, and vintage collectors. Her interests grew in thrifting, utilizing apps like Depop and eBay. Gabriella’s love for archival fashion turned into a rare talent for sourcing high quality pieces. Her pop-ups became an in-demand destination for vintage shoppers, known for their curation and credibility.
It was at one of these pop-ups that she met Janelle Gray, who at the time was working in tech and marketing while selling vintage furniture. The two became fast friends, bonding over the shared belief that fashion deserved better systems.
Together, they built Isle of Monday, with deep personal investment both financially and emotionally. The company is heavily self-funded, with the founders working up to 90-hour weeks, sourcing the pieces themselves and designing operations to support garments that were never meant to be treated like typical inventory.
Archival Fashion, Reimagined
Isle of Monday prioritizes value over volume. Many of their pieces are one of a kind, meticulously sourced through the founders’ global network of vintage dealers. They also work closely with individual resellers and auction houses to secure museum-level garments.
One standout piece had a viral moment: a Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2003 Baroque Corset & Gown. Valued at $25,000 on the resale market, Isle of Monday makes it available to rent for $1,650.
Image Courtesy of Isle of Monday. Model is wearing the viral Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2003 Baroque Corset & Gown.
The brand’s mission is to democratize access to luxury vintage pieces that were once reserved for celebrities or collectors.
Every garment is photographed and styled on real models, an intentional choice that reflects the brand’s commitment to the idea that fashion is meant be worn and felt. It allows shoppers to understand the proportion, movement, and quality of the pieces.
Isle of Monday isn’t just offering rare vintage designer for rent, they are constructing an immersive world around each piece, where history and quality become attainable to the average consumer.
A New Standard of Luxury: Precision, Preservation, and Innovation
Image Courtesy of Isle of Monday. Model is wearing Roberto Cavalli FW 2000 Blue Flower Top & Skirt Set.
What truly sets Isle of Monday apart is their attention to operations. Vintage couture demands delicate care, and the founders have built a strong system to provide that.
After each rental, garments are sent to specialized dry cleaners that use natural and organic solvents, a rarity in an industry that has largely optimized care processes for fast fashion.
This level of garment care is not only sustainable, it’s revolutionary. It acknowledges that these clothes are investments with longevity, meant to exist across decades and be worn by many.
Isle of Monday’s technology logistics are designed for precision-ensuring availability, condition, and historical storytelling that will help their brand scale.
The brand plans to expand to thousands of pieces by the end of its first business year, without sacrificing quality or intention.
Beta Built on Community
Image Courtesy of Isle of Monday. Model is wearing Vivienne Westwood FW 1994 Wool Tartan Plaid Jacket.
Rather than launching behind closed doors, Isle of Monday is welcoming it’s early users into the process. The founders are actively inviting feedback from beta users, using real customer insights to refine the e-commerce experience ahead of their official Spring 2026 launch.
This openness with their community feels refreshing and rare. It positions IOM as a living platform shaped by conversation with their audience.
The Isle of Monday Woman
Image Courtesy of Isle of Monday. Model is wearing Ralph Lauren SS 2008 Runway Stripe Dress.
The IOM woman understands and respects fashion history, values craftsmanship, and wants to wear something meaningful - not just new. Isle of Monday speaks to women who see clothing as art, memory, and self-expression, and who believe luxury is defined by access, not ownership.
Operating out of their New York City office, Gabriella and Janelle are quietly building what feels like the next chapter of luxury fashion - one rooted in beauty, technology and a deep respect for the garments that came before us.
For those who believe vintage deserves a future, Isle of Monday is already there.
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