THE RISE OF RENTAL DESIGNER FASHION
If you are someone who:
a) loves to glam up in designer clothes, or
b) does not like to be seen twice in the same dress, or
c) is looking to lead a more conscious lifestyle and contribute to sustainability,
Then you should explore rental sites for deisgner fashion and discover a whole new way of high glam at low cost and low impact to the environment.
DESIGNER FASHION RENTAL - A NEW HOPE FOR CIRCULAR ECONOMY
According to payment processing company, STRIPE, clothing rental sales have soared by 3,500% over the past 3 years in the United Kingdom. The data shows that renting and clothes swapping are on the rise and are driven by economic conditions and climate concerns.
These statistics are encouraging, because, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, the fashion industry is know as one of the main polluters and accounts for up to 10% of global carbon dioxide output—more than international flights and shipping combined.
The Fashion Industry also accounts for a fifth of the 300 million tons of plastic produced globally each year and which is especially harmful to marine life.
With collections in fashion being launched with (and sometimes even in-between) seasons, the environmental impact is huge. Estimates from consulting firm McKinsey and the World Economic Forum suggest the number of garments produced each year has at least doubled since 2000.
Only a fraction of what’s manufactured gets recycled. According to Bloomberg 87% of the total fiber input used for clothing is ultimately incinerated or sent to a landfill. Fashion brands have come under criticism for practices such as destroying unsold products and sending piles of clothes to landfills across the Global South, on top of often exploitative and dangerous conditions for workers.
With these bleak stats, it is therefore encouraging to see how the supply of second-hand shops, clothes-swapping events and designer rental market places have been on the rise.
Advantages for the Fashionista
The advantages for the fashionista to opt for rental range from the ability to try on new styles without having to invest large sums, to trying out new styles without cluttering the wardrobe.
Last but not least, a key plus is the ability to access high-end designer fashion during an economic downturn and do so while contributing to sustainability.
The 11 hottest Rental Marketplaces
2. Harrods Rental - My Wardrobe HQ
3. Harvey Nichols Rental - My Wardrobe HQ
5. House of Fraser Rental - By Rotation
6. Liberty Rental - My Wardrobe HQ
8. Ralph Lauren Rental - The Lauren Look
9. Burberry Rental - By Rotation
10.Tommy Hilfinger Rental - My Wardrobe HQ
11. Farfetch - Positively Circular
Happy renting, everyone!
Giovanna x
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