Luxury outfit rentals thrive in Kolkata

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The city’s fashion forward gen is more into trending couture, and dressing up in rental wear is practical for most.
City rental studios thrive on demand for outfits such as long-trail dresses and tuxedos used in pre-wedding & maternity shoots

Stay in style: Kolkata warms up to luxury outfit rentals

Many in the Instagram generation love to stay in fashion – be it for an event or party, or in their own pre-wedding or maternity shoots. But high fashion comes at a steep price, which most wouldn’t want to, or afford to shell out for a one-time wear. And that’s exactly why a nascent industry – luxury outfit rentals – is finding many takers in Kolkata. Sounds interesting? Read on….

Access to luxury Brands
Luxury designer pieces are often out of reach for many, but renting offers them the access. “It allows you to indulge in luxury brands and styles without the hefty investment,” says Nandita Daga of Glam World by Nandita Daga. Komal Jaiswal of Dazzles Dresses adds that maternity wear and long-trail gowns are especially popular when it comes to shoots.

A practical option
Want to rock that viral dress or those statement pants at a party, an event, a pre-wedding or maternity shoot? Renting allows you to avoid buying something you’ll wear only once. “Renting outfits for pre-wedding or maternity shoots is practical, as these outfits are required only for the shoot,” says Sweta Tibrewal of Pose Ready.

How outfit renting works

The renters purchase outfits from well-known brands to create an inventory. Their customers then pick the desired outfits and choose their rental dates. Trials and alterations are offered to ensure the best fit. In most cases, the outfit is shipped to the client a day before use. A rental typically lasts for a minimum of two days, after which the undamaged item has to be returned to the renter.

Why renting is better than buying

  • Rental services often handle cleaning and delivery, saving one the time and effort
  • Renting is a sustainable choice as it reduces the carbon footprint associated with clothing production, transportation, and disposal
  • It helps one save on the cost of buying an outfit for just one shoot

One can rent outfits for
  • Maternity shoots
  • Pre-wedding shoots
  • Wedding festivities
  • Instagram shoots
  • Award ceremonies
  • Since Kolkata nowadays hosts many fests, parties & events all year round, people are exploring new ways to gain access to fashionable outfits to make heads turn
    – Komal Jaiswal

    After every three months, I put up a pop-up to sell off my old stock at 75% discount. This helps me in sourcing clothes that conform to the recent fashion trends
    – Nandita Daga

    Pop up: In the peak season, it’s safe to book an outfit a month in advance
    `2,500 to `3,500 is the renting cost per outfit for three days

    Caption:

    Usually, people use the outfits worn for wedding or maternity shoots only once, so buying them isn’t practical

    According to Radhika Kayan, who runs a home studio under her own name, even men in the
    city are embracing clothing rentals