What Happened to Riya Collective & Why PurvX is the Better Alternative for South Asian Fashion Rentals
The South Asian fashion rental space has seen several startups attempt to make luxury ethnic wear more accessible, but many have struggled to sustain their operations. One such company, Riya Collective, was a rental platform that offered designer lehengas and sarees but eventually shut down. Backed by Y Combinator, Riya Collective raised $2.2 million in funding but only managed to attract a few hundred users before shutting down - highlighting the challenges of the rental-only model.
This wasn’t an isolated case—other rental-focused platforms, including Rent The Runway, have faced hurdles when it comes to ethnic wear, proving that this business model is difficult to scale.
So why didn’t Riya Collective and similar businesses succeed? And why is a peer-to-peer marketplace like PurvX a more sustainable and flexible solution for South Asian fashion?
Why Rental-Only Platforms Struggle in South Asian Fashion
While the idea of renting high-end South Asian clothing sounds appealing, especially given the high price tags of designer pieces, rental-based businesses face multiple challenges that make long-term success difficult.
1. High Operational Costs & Inventory Management
Managing an inventory of delicate, high-value outfits requires significant upkeep. South Asian clothing—especially bridal and formal wear—features intricate embroidery, heavy fabrics, and custom sizing, making it more difficult to clean, store, and maintain between rentals. Any damage or improper fitting adds to costs, making the business less scalable.
2. Consumer Preferences Favor Ownership
While rental works well for some, many South Asians still prefer to own their special occasion outfits. Cultural factors play a big role—wedding attire, festival outfits, and even party wear often carry sentimental value, making resale or one-time purchases more attractive than renting.
3. Limited Inventory & Sizing Issues
Rental platforms rely on carrying a curated selection, which means sizing options are often restricted. Unlike Western fast-fashion rentals, where standard sizes are common, South Asian outfits are often custom-stitched, making fit a major issue. Peer-to-peer marketplaces solve this by allowing individuals to list a wider range of sizes and styles.
4. The Market is Moving Towards Resale & Peer-to-Peer Sharing
Globally, the fashion industry is shifting towards resale rather than rental. Platforms like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective have thrived by enabling users to buy and sell luxury items, rather than leasing them. South Asian fashion is following the same trend, making rental-only platforms less relevant.
How PurvX is Different
Instead of relying on a centralized rental inventory, PurvX operates as a peer-to-peer marketplace where individuals can buy, sell, and rent ethnic wear directly from one another. This model eliminates the logistical headaches of maintaining a rental inventory while giving users more options.
Why PurvX Works Better Than Rental-Only Platforms
- Peer-to-Peer Model: Users list their own items, removing the need for a central inventory.
- More Choice, More Sizes: Since individuals are selling, you’ll find unique pieces in a range of sizes and styles.
- Buy, Sell, or Rent: Unlike rental-only platforms, PurvX gives users the flexibility to choose what works best for them.
- Monetization for Sellers: Instead of outfits sitting unused, people can recover costs by selling or renting them out.
- Sustainable & Circular Economy Model: Extends the life of high-quality South Asian clothing while providing more affordable options for buyers.
- Thousands of Users & Growing: While Riya Collective raised $2.2 million in funding but struggled to scale, PurvX has grown organically, proving that a peer-to-peer model is the more sustainable approach.
Find Your Next Outfit on PurvX
If you’re looking for a more practical alternative to rental-only platforms, check out PurvX’s latest listings:
Rental-only models have shown their limitations, but South Asian fashion is still evolving. PurvX provides a solution that works better for both buyers and sellers—giving users full control over their fashion choices while embracing sustainability and affordability.