Indian fashion site lets US shoppers borrow or buy

Illinois-based Luxemi offers Indian fashions for sale or rent to US consumers.

Rental options for fashionistas have become increasingly common over the years, and it was just recently that we looked at an example in the world of sunglasses. Now, putting a different niche spin on the concept is Illinois-based Luxemi, which offers Indian fashions for sale or rent to US consumers. Luxemi offers an eclectic assortment of sarees, lehenghas, salwars, mix-and-match saree blouses and Indian-inspired jewelry, with styling suggestions available on the site to help shoppers complete any look. Those interested in borrowing an outfit can search by item or dates of availability from Luxemi’s dedicated “Borrow Closet.” Rental periods can be anywhere between four and ten days; when it’s over, consumers simply return the items in a prepaid shipping envelope. For customers borrowing a saree, Luxemi also includes a matching, adjustable saree blouse in two different sizes at no additional cost to ensure the right fit. Whether buying or renting, meanwhile, all customers also receive a Luxe Pack that includes bindis, safety pins and a saree bag to keep. With saree rental prices starting at USD 78, Luxemi signed up 4,200 members in its first month alone, according to a report on TechCrunch; its average order size is reportedly more than USD 250. Rental options can be a particularly attractive option for the growing masses of ownership-weary transumers during tough economic times, but Luxemi’s approach makes especially good sense for a niche like South Asian American women who don’t need traditional dress every day. A model to apply to other niche fashion categories, or in other parts of the world? Spotted by: Murtaza Patel