The fashion industry is one of the most resource-intensive in the world. It’s responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of wastewater, and it uses more energy than the aviation and shipping industries combined. A staggering fact is that the production of clothing doubled from 2000 to 2014, leading to a scenario where over 100 billion garments are produced annually. This excess contributes significantly to the piles of textile waste that either burn or bury in landfills, with less than 1% of the material used in clothing production being recycled into new clothing.
In our social media-driven society, the pressure to present a new and fashionable image at every event has intensified. Many people now buy an outfit exclusively for one occasion—be it a wedding, a birthday, or a dinner date—only to retire it after a single use (God forbid you have been photographed wearing it). This phenomenon exacerbates the issues of waste and unsustainable consumption in the fashion industry. Social media has transformed our interaction with garments, turning fashion into a statement of the moment rather than a long-term investment.
Enter the concept of luxury clothing rental—think Rent the Runway, Le Tote, or My Wardrobe HQ. These platforms offer a tantalizing array of high-fashion pieces for temporary enjoyment. The idea is simple yet revolutionary: By renting clothes, we can indulge in variety and novelty without the environmental guilt or the hefty price tag.
Renting extends the lifecycle of garments and ensures that fewer resources are consumed in manufacturing new ones. A single rented outfit can replace multiple purchases, significantly reducing the demand for new production and the subsequent environmental burden.
These garments, often made with superior craftsmanship and higher-quality materials, are designed to last longer than fast-fashion items. When these pieces are circulated among multiple users, their environmental impact is diluted across their extended lifecycle. Moreover, luxury rentals often involve meticulous care and maintenance, ensuring that the clothes remain in pristine condition for longer, thus promoting a culture of quality over quantity.
Beyond the environmental benefits, renting luxury clothes also makes high fashion more accessible to a broader audience, democratizing luxury and shaking up the traditional dynamics of fashion consumption.
As technology advances and consumer attitudes shift, the luxury clothing rental market is poised for significant growth. Innovations in inventory management, garment care, and logistics are making the rental process smoother and more appealing. The environmental benefits, coupled with the allure of ever-changing wardrobes, present a compelling case for why renting luxury garments is a sustainable fashion future we can all look forward to.
The luxury rental trend is gaining momentum worldwide, including in the Middle East, a region known for its high consumer purchasing power. Cities like Dubai are seeing a surge in luxury rental services, catering shoppers who seek the glamour of luxury attire without the commitment of ownership. This shift not only reflects a growing global consciousness towards sustainability but also aligns with the cultural preference for wearing something unique and new for every occasion, making the rental model particularly appealing in this region.
Below, discover five luxury rental platforms in the Middle East that are revolutionizing the fashion landscape one designer dress at a time.
Best Kept Shared
This service allows you to browse and rent clothing, bags, and accessories from some of the coolest closets in the city. Jacquemus, Saint Laurent, Miu Miu, Burberry, and Taller Marmo are among some of the designer names you can find on the platform. What’s more, you don’t need to worry about the pickup, drop-off, and dry cleaning, as it’s all covered by the Dubai-based service.
https://bestkeptshared.com/
Endless
The UAE-based fashion rental and resale platform launched in 2023 with a new collection of fashion treasures from a diverse range of luxury and premium brands such as Self Portrait, De La Vali, Christopher Esber, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Rat & Boa, and The Attico available to loan for upcoming events or occasions you have.
https://endless.ae/collections/rental
The Hour Dress
Whether you’re gracing a glamorous gala, attending a wedding, or planning a special date night, The Hour Dress has your back with runway-ready couture looks. Choose from an endless closet of designer dresses and accessories from the likes of Elisabetta Franchi, Tony Ward, David Koma, and Zuhair Murad, without dropping six figures. The service, which was founded in Lebanon, also boasts physical locations in Beirut and Dubai, so you can schedule an appointment for a fitting.
https://www.thehourdress.com/
Designer-24
If you’re in the UAE, Lebanon, or Jordan and are seeking coveted runway looks without breaking the bank, then make sure to check out Designer-24. The fashion rental service offers an exquisite selection of designer pieces perfect for any function, while promoting a more sustainable fashion cycle.
https://www.designer-24.com/
RNTD
The fashion rental platform based in Dubai was founded by sisters Mish and Shane, who aim to revolutionize fashion consumption. The service offers an array of Instagram-worthy outfits suitable for various occasions, including weddings, holidays, everyday wear, and date nights. Additionally, the platform offers monthly subscription options, allowing users to rent two outfits per month for 350 AED, or double the selection with four outfits for AED 550.
https://rntd.me/
Homepage image: Instagram/@designer_24uae
