Welcome to ‘Lisa’s Lenders Love List,’ a delightful dive into the world of fashion rental where I celebrate the fabulous individuals behind this thriving community! Each month, I will be shining a sustainably stylish spotlight on top lenders who are not only sharing their stylish wardrobes but also revolutionising the way we think about fashion. You'll discover their unique stories, personal highlights, and top tips for anyone looking to join the rental revolution. Whether you're a seasoned lender or just curious about how it all works, prepare to be inspired by the creativity and passion of these remarkable style-savvy trailblazers. Let's kick off the series with our very first featured lender – Urvashi Srivastava. Get ready for some fashion fun!.
Tell us a bit about yourself! Who is Urvashi Srivastava outside of the fashion rental world?
Hey, my name is Urvashi and I love getting dressed up. I work in Operations to pay the bills, mostly start ups in Fashion AI/Tech but my real passion lies in helping take the fashion industry in a more sustainable direction. I had previously set up a small upcycling brand using pre-loved designer wear and fabrics but recently have decided to shift all my focus to fashion rental.
How did you first discover the world of fashion rentals? Was there a specific moment that inspired you to start renting out your wardrobe?
I originally started because the thought of these beautiful items lying in my wardrobe not seeing the light of day was rather upsetting. Now I do it because it's so much fun. I love hearing stories and seeing photos of my pieces in the most wild and wonderful settings.
How long have you been renting out your wardrobe, and what was the first item you ever rented out?
I have been dabbling in it since 2021 but have only started to take it seriously in the last year or so. My first item was the Fiametta blouse from Rat & Boa which despite 21 rentals is still going strong today.
What’s the story behind your favourite item in your rental collection? Why do you love it so much?
My favourite item would have to be my red Alexander McQueen blazer because I wore it to my civil ceremony back in 2022 so it's very special to me. It's such a classic piece, I don't think I'll ever get bored of it.
Can you share one of your most memorable rental experiences? Perhaps a special event or a particularly happy renter?
Speaking of the McQueen blazer, as well as my marriage, it's been worn by the key note speaker at the Woman in Data flagship event earlier this year.
What are your top three must-have items in your rental wardrobe? Any timeless pieces that always get rented out?
My current top three would have to be the 16Arlington Solaria Dress in Bitter Chocolate because it's a showstopper and the colour is so rich, the Rat & Boa Josefa Dress which is just perfect on holiday and the most flattering item I think I own, and my Coperni Orange Ring Swipe bag because it's such a statement piece. P.S. rather predictably, I'm wearing the Josefa dress in my photo with black Coperni Ring Swipe.
How do you decide which items from your wardrobe are perfect for renting out? Any tips for making those choices?
This, for me, is the most fun aspect of being a lender. I love researching trends, looking for pieces that other people don't have, just finding that niche. My tip would be to focus on things you would actually wear yourself - that way, there's no wasted investment.
What’s been the biggest surprise or unexpected benefit you’ve found from renting out your wardrobe?
The biggest surprise for me would be how much I enjoy playing with my rental spreadsheet. It's basically just a big data dump but somehow, I'm still finding new ways to slice it or new columns to add. It's a full time job in itself.
Do you have any fashion rental disasters or funny stories you’d like to share? We all have a few!
Earlier this year, I had sent out my white Jacquemus Le Bomba for rental but the renter never received it, just an empty box. Both of us and HURR went back and forth for so long trying to figure out what happened. I put in a claim with Royal Mail but inexplicably it turns up at my door, completely unharmed, a few weeks later. The renter told me that she found a post by her neighbour on a local community facebook group. They had somehow come into possession of it and were enquiring if anyone had lost a bag.
How do you handle the care and maintenance of your rental items to keep them in top-notch condition?
Blanc in Marylebone are life savers! Between them and the Vanish stain remover bar, nothing has been too damaged or too dirty (yet).
What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out with renting their wardrobe? Any beginner’s tips?
Try not to get too stressed if that first request doesn't come in as quickly as you hoped. I've had items that were up for 2 years before they got their first request.
How do you stay updated with the latest fashion trends? Any favourite influencers or fashion sites you follow?
I have spent the last decade feeding my instagram algorithm so I'm pretty lucky now because it does a lot of the work for me. @flotrends on TikTok is amazing for breaking down what she thinks is up coming in the ready to wear space. I'd say focus on a few designers whose aesthetics you love and keep an eye out on what they're doing. It can get pretty overwhelming otherwise.
What’s your secret to taking great photos for your rental listings? Any tips for making items look irresistible?
This is sadly something I'm still trying to master. I would say though, in general, listings with model shots tend to do better.
Have you noticed any changes in your own shopping habits since you started renting out your wardrobe?
I'm shopping more but also being more deliberate with my purchasing with a strong focus on investment pieces rather than volume.
Finally, what do you love most about being part of the fashion rental community?
Everyone is helping each other. There is no gatekeeping and it feels like they genuinely want you to succeed. I think a fabulous example of this is your series Lisa's Lenders Love List. It's so wonderful that you're supporting other lenders and helping us share our stories, so thank you ☺️
A massive thank you to the lovely Urvashi for being the very first lender to be featured on my Lenders Love List. Make sure you follow Urvashi on Instagram and check out her fabulous rental wardrobe here.
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