An Aussie fashion company has gone into administration as customers claim they’re owed thousands of dollars.
Dubbed the ‘Airbnb’ of designer dresses, Designerex, run by Sydney couple Kirsten Kore and Costa Koulis, connects renters of high-end clothes with lenders.
It had been touted as a global success story after expanding into the US market – but last month Daily Mail Australia revealed that many lenders on the site are owed money.
Ms Kore and Mr Koulis blamed a legal battle with the Aussie app developer Pixelforce as the cause of the delayed payments.
The company announced on Thursday that it had collapsed and bookings through the website were ‘paused’.
‘Unfortunately due to a legal dispute with a technology provider, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to appoint an administrator,’ it said in a statement on Instagram.
‘This step allows us to reassess our position, minimise further disruption caused by this provider issue, and explore the best way forward for you – our customers, as well as our investors and stakeholders.
‘The company is working towards any remaining dress supplier payouts and customer refunds to be paid in full, and updates will be provided as they become available.’
Designerex, run by Sydney couple Kirsten Kore and Costa Koulis (pictured), connects renters of high-end clothes with lenders
Natasha Furner said previously that she was owed $3,000 for dress rentals dating back to August
Among the lenders who claimed they were owed money was Brisbane woman Natasha Furner, who said last month that she was owed $3,000 for dress rentals dating back to August.
‘It’s so stressful because at the end of the day I’m a mum as well,’ said the 45-year-old.
‘I started a small business. I’m trying to build my business and I just don’t have the cashflow. All I’m asking is for them to pay what I’m owed.
‘I think they need to take accountability for not paying and come through with action. And to remember that their clients, who are the lenders – their business doesn’t exist without us. Their business will fail without us.’
Five other women also claimed they were owed money – some said they were chasing the company for as much as $4,000.
