The Borrowed: A marketplace for people to borrow, lend and resell designer South Asian Fashion

• A marketplace for people to borrow, lend and resell luxury, designer South Asian Fashion
• They charge a commission on transactions

• Shreeya Thakkar Popat( Co-founder)
  - Worked at Goldman Sachs for 9 years
  - Was responsible for leading the IB division through their brand refresh and worked on podcasts and videos for the bank
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• Divina Chopra (Co-founder)
  - Worked in luxury fashion as a buyer for Burberry and Rolex
  - Completed masters in Global Supply Chain at Parsons/LIM

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Committed to transforming the online South Asian luxury consumer experience; The Borrowed was borne out of a desire to make luxury shopping accessible, sustainable and convenient for the modern day woman. Borrowed Stories is a digital magazine through Substack launched with the goal to become the go-to knowledge hub for all things luxury in South Asian fashion and lifestyle.

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From spotlighting emerging designers, talking to renowned tastemakers as well as styling edits from The Borrowed’s closet, Borrowed Stories is the place to find all your answers.

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• Tapping Into a Booming Market: The global rental fashion market was valued at $6.26 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $7.45 billion by 2026, propelled by sustainability, conscious consumerism, and shifting cultural values. With formalwear making up a significant share—and women leading the customer base—The Borrowed is uniquely positioned to lead this evolution, offering high-end South Asian fashion through a modern, rental-first lens.
• Elevated South Asian Style, Redefined: As a fashion-forward brand, The Borrowed brings a curated voice to the world of elevated South Asian couture. They make luxury more accessible—offering designer pieces at a fraction of the price—while celebrating the craftsmanship and heritage that define their culture’s fashion identity.
• A Cultural Hub, Not Just a Closet: Their Substack is more than a newsletter, it’s a growing community for those who are passionate about South Asian culture. From fashion and beauty to food and identity, they spotlight the tastemakers, designers, and voices shaping today’s South Asian luxury space. Think of it as your trusted guide to the very best that South Asian culture has to offer.
• A Seamless, Styled Experience: Luxury isn’t just about the product—it’s about how it makes you feel. That’s why they go beyond the garment, offering personalised styling consultations and curated look books for every client. They take the guesswork out of event dressing, ensuring each outfit feels intentional, refined, and unforgettable.

• https://www.thebaehq.com/podcasts/episode-201-nishi