By Tanvi Munjal
Flyrobe is a unique and premium rental service that is passionate about fashion. Founded in 2015 in Mumbai, India, Flyrobe believes that every person deserves to look and feel their best. Their online platform provides convenient and affordable fashion rental services, allowing customers to revamp their wardrobes and reinvent their personal style.
Founders and Inception
It all started when Shreya Mishra, the founder of Flyrobe, visited the Airbnb headquarters in 2012 for an entrepreneurial seminar at Stanford University. Inspired by the potential of rental stores, Shreya came up with the idea for Flyrobe. She realised that consumers often spend a fortune on clothes that are only worn a few times and saw the opportunity to provide them with access to new outfits without the burden of ownership.
Shreya teamed up with her three IIT Bombay colleagues, Pranay Surana and Tushar Saxena, to brainstorm ideas for a rental business that would resonate with the Indian market. They conducted a survey, polling 200 females on their thoughts about the concept. Over 80% of the participants responded with enthusiastic approval, and Flyrobe was born.
Tushar Saxena, an IT expert, was approached by his colleagues to assist in developing an Android app for Flyrobe. The app was released in September 2015, followed by the website in October. Omapal Technologies Private Limited was responsible for its inception.
Rise to Prominence
The trend of apparel rental grew in popularity, and several companies entered the market. However, Flyrobe managed to acquire prominence by utilising digital platforms and becoming more well-known than its online rental rivals. They collaborated with renowned designers like Masaba Gupta, Outhouse, and Ritu Kumar, as well as popular western brands like FCUK, Armani, and Asos.
Flyrobe’s success can be attributed to its commitment to offering a variety of clothes and accessories from popular and luxury brands. They also developed their own house brand for those who have an eye for exclusive fashion. By focusing on providing a wide range of options, Flyrobe appeals to customers with diverse tastes and preferences.
With its commitment to transforming the way people indulge in fashion, Flyrobe has garnered an impressive fan base on Instagram with 147k devoted fashion enthusiasts. Drawing upon their extensive collection of high-end designer wear, Flyrobe delights its followers with their diverse offerings, ensuring that fashion-forward individuals have access to the latest trends and designs.
Brand Philosophy
At Flyrobe, their love for fashion defines who they are and what they do. They believe that everyone has the right to look good at all times and take joy in helping customers reinvent their closets. With Flyrobe, customers never have to repeat clothes, as the company ensures they have a different outfit for every occasion without hurting their wallet.
Flyrobe’s unique selling point lies in the fact that they offer rental clothing without compromising on style. While customers know that the items they rent are not theirs, Flyrobe maintains their privacy by keeping it a secret from the world. This allows customers to enjoy the experience of wearing designer clothes without the high cost of ownership.
Categories and Brands
Flyrobe offers a wide range of categories for customers to choose from, including Anarkali, Backpack, Blazer, Bracelet, Brooch & Lapel Pins, Cape, Clutch, Coat, Crop Top, Crop Top and Skirt, Cross Body Bag, Dhoti Set, Dress, Dungarees, Earrings, Ethnic Cape Set, Ethnic Crop Top Skirt, Ethnic Crop Top and Pants, Ethnic Gown, Ethnic Jacket, Ethnic Jumpsuit, Ethnic Pants Set, Gown, Handbag, Indo Western, Jacket, Jodhpuri, Jumpsuit & Playsuit, Kurta, Kurta Set, Leggings, Lehenga, Maang Tikka, Malas for Men, Neckpiece, Nehru Jacket, Nose Ring, Overcoat, Pants, Pendant Scarves, Ring, Safas, Saree, Saree Gown, Set, Sharara Set, Sherwani, Shirt, Shorts, Skirt, Slit Top with Plazos, Stoles for Men, Suit, Suits & Tuxedos, Sweater, Top, Top Coat, Top Set, and Trousers.
Flyrobe collaborates with numerous popular brands and designers, including Aarambh, Abhinav Mishra, Charles & Keith, Burberry, H&M, House of Ombre, Manyavar, Sabyasachi, Saint Laurent, Zara, The Label Life, and many more.
Commitment to Sustainability
In addition to offering convenient and affordable fashion rental services, Flyrobe is committed to sustainability. By choosing to rent clothing instead of buying, customers can enjoy fashionable and trendy options without contributing to the harmful environmental impacts of fast fashion. Flyrobe takes pride in providing an eco-friendly solution for fashion-conscious individuals.
Competitors
Flyrobe faces competition from various rental startups in the market. Some of its top competitors include Pink Peacock, a Jaipur-based company founded in 2017, 101 Hues, an Ahmedabad-based company established in 2016, and Dress Like Celebrity, a Delhi-based company founded in 2014. Despite the competition, Flyrobe has managed to differentiate itself through its extensive collection and collaborations with top designers and brands.
Conclusion
Flyrobe’s journey from its inception to becoming a prominent player in the fashion rental industry showcases its commitment to providing customers with convenient and affordable fashion options. With a wide range of categories and collaborations with renowned designers and brands, Flyrobe continues to revolutionise the way people approach fashion. By prioritising sustainability and ensuring customer satisfaction, Flyrobe remains a go-to fashion partner for individuals looking to always look and feel fabulous.
