Before developing My Closet Manager, Genevieve Jimenez-Yalung was entrenched in the business of high luxury retail space. Global crises and seismic economic shifts notwithstanding, she noted the steady increase in fashion consumption especially in the Philippines. “It is a big market,” she shares. “Demand for fashion has continuously increased at $1.7 trillion globally. In the Philippines, it is expected to grow at a rate of 11.7 5 (CAGR 2024-2029) annually for the next five years.” Recognizing the increase in fashion consumption and acquisition, she began to explore ways of helping cultivating a more responsible, intentional, and circular fashion behavior.
In 2024, My Closet Manager was conceived as a one-stop shop for storage space, wardrobe management, fashion rentals and reselling. Genevieve explains, “I wanted to champion and promote a responsible consumption mindset amongst consumers.” The idea was to provide industry expertise in managing fashion investments that include designer garments, bags, watches and fine jewelry. “We keep them organized, maximize their life cycles. We also offer smart solutions for repurposing these precious items.”
The wardrobe management and storage rental concept has been present in other countries for some time now. In the Philippines, where the appreciation for heritage-driven fashion, and local designers is on the rise, this is a relatively new concept. “The country is a fertile ground of opportunities,” the founder observes. “We have a thriving local designer scene and more consumers are embracing Filipino heritage fashion.” As a result, affluent consumers in the country now seek practical solutions and services that help them store, preserve organize, and even monetize their new fashion investments. “We are here to fill that gap by bringing together all the circular fashion concepts in one space.”
Storage Rental and Wardrobe Management
City living often means compact spaces, leaving very limited room for expanding a walk-in closet. “We offer real estate for your clothes,” says Genevieve. “But beyond that we also help with organizing an online catalog of your items.” Storage units at My Closet Manager vary in size, ranging from the Basic Standard (3.3 x 2 x 7.7 feet) to Premium Queen (13.1 x 2 x 7.7 ft). For early clients of the brand, it is the ideal place for storing winter clothes and other special occasion gowns. The facility is climate controlled to ensure that delicate fabrics and fine leathers are safe from humidity and other external factors. Contents of each storage unit are digitally organized and uploaded onto an app. This feature allows customers may keep track of their items. Genevieve adds, “if you need some things for an upcoming trip or even, you can simply browse through the mobile app and let us know which items you want to pull-out. We can even deliver it at your doorstep.”
Reselling of Luxury Items
My Closet Manager also harnesses its industry experience and experience in high luxury through its re-selling service. Genevieve explains, “We offer outright buying of luxury items like designer bags or timepieces that you want to repurpose. This is a quick and convenient way to de-clutter your closet and get a return on your investment.” Prices are determined by benchmarking both local and global market prices. The re-selling service makes it easier for buyers to access pre-loved luxury goods. It also supports sellers looking to monetize their investment pieces.
Designer Rentals and Re-wear
The showroom is also home to a wide selection of local and international labels. “We have gowns, cocktail dresses, Filipiniana attire, suits, and even Halloween costumes,” Genevieve elaborates. “We have all sizes from 0-20 covered. In total we have close to a thousand fashion items for rent.”
At My Closet Manager customers have the option to free up their wardrobe by turning over garments and other fashion items to rent out. It is a practical and economical alternative to hoarding or simply keeping garments in the closet while seasons pass. “Most people tend to only wear their gowns or party dresses once. In Manila, there are limited options for converting these pieces so that you can earn or even recoup a portion of your investment,” notes Genevieve. Subsequently, this service presents fashion loving clients a smart option for wearing designer labels without having to break the bank: rent and rewear.
Since launching last year, My Closet Manager has catered to a clientele of fashion-forward, conscious, early adopters. These are luxury consumers eager to explore new ideas that allow them to be more intentional about their fashion choices. Genevieve discloses, “Our client bast is growing by 200% every month. Of course, we attribute this to the fact that we are in our growth phase and in first year of operations.” At least 50% of the company’s storage rentals have been occupied from the time operations began.
“Most of them don’t just avail of one service. They are also interested in other solutions like reselling, rentals, and rewear.” Contrary to the team’s early projections, the proposition presented by the brand has resonated with a broader audience. “Some of the main drivers to the early success of My Closet Manager is that it is relevant, convenient, and practical.”
My Closet Manager’s showroom is located at 1 Proscenium at Rockwell. A storage facility has also been set up in the same city, at the Pet Plans Tower. The female founder and visionary behind the brand ends, “We are planning to expand in other key cities by opening more branches in the next coming years. We are also getting ready to expand the business in other neighboring counties as we are opening international franchises to various partners.”