Fashion rental platforms are empowering a new era of conscious consumption, offering stylish alternatives to traditional shopping for modern consumers. The fashion industry is witnessing a transformative shift as consumers increasingly embrace sustainability and accessibility over traditional ownership models. At the forefront of this revolution is Trent, a Barcelona-based fashion rental platform that is redefining how luxury and emerging designer fashion is consumed.
How Trent Works
Trent operates with a simple yet innovative model that makes high-end fashion accessible through rental rather than purchase. The platform enables customers to experience exclusive designer pieces from more than 50 international brands spanning from NYC to Seoul, Sydney to London.
The rental process is streamlined and user-friendly. Customers can rent for 4 or 8-day periods, up to 3 months in advance, or just buy. Items are delivered within 1-3 days, either to the customer’s home or for pickup at Trent’s Barcelona store. After use, returns are managed seamlessly through free pickup or in-person drop-off.
CEO and co-founder Alejandro Assens said, “We want people to pay to wear, not to own.” This philosophy guides Trent’s mission to inform people about responsible fashion without sacrificing style or creativity.
Three distinct rental options are offered: occasional rentals (1–4 weeks), the ‘X’ plan subscription (three items valued up to €250 monthly for €90), and the ‘Y’ premium plan (pieces up to €1,300 each for €145 monthly), providing flexibility for various wardrobe needs.
Ownership Structure and Foundation
Trent was founded in 2022 by Laia Cuscó and Alejandro Assens. The company’s inception comes from a commitment to support independent designers and actively reshape fashion consumption patterns. Trent works directly with emerging brands globally to make designer fashion more accessible and sustainable.
Alejandro Assens explains, “Trent was born with the mission to change the way we consume fashion and trends,” said. The founders are dedicated to reducing fashion’s environmental impact by promoting a pay-per-use circular system, thereby broadening luxury access.
Benefits for Consumers
Renting from Trent delivers an array of consumer advantages extending beyond pure cost savings. A major benefit is access to a dynamic wardrobe without the obligation of ownership. This makes Trent an ideal solution for special occasions, events, or updating one’s look.
Financially, rental clothing is considerably more cost-effective than buying new, particularly for pieces worn infrequently. This flexibility supports smarter budgeting.
Sustainability is another core value. Renting significantly reduces waste and curbs unnecessary production. Each garment rented contributes to resource conservation and encourages mindful consumption. Trent encourages customers to try new looks without environmental compromise.
The service also gives customers the chance to experiment with styles or designers they might not otherwise experience. Co-founder Laia Cuscó said, “We want people to dare to try and experiment with unique and special pieces that entertain and elevate their style.” This approach overcomes closet space limitations and adds luxury to everyday outfits.
Applications for Sellers and Designers
For emerging designers and established brands, Trent offers fresh distribution channels and enhanced visibility. CEO Alejandro Assens remarks, “We work with designers we admire for their proposal, their commitment to responsible production, or their narrative,” thus providing creative, responsible brands with new ways to reach audiences.
The rental model enables designers to earn revenue throughout the full lifecycle of their pieces, while gathering valuable feedback and maintaining a curated image.
Future Outlook
The prospects for Trent and fashion rental are strong. Industry forecasts by Technavio indicate the online clothing rental sector will expand by over USD 1 billion in the next four years. Further projections estimate the market will double from 2024 to 2033 due to sustainability, budget-consciousness, and the appeal of wardrobe variety.
Trent’s growth includes a flagship Barcelona store and collaborations with luxury hotels such as Nobu Barcelona, integrating designer rental into high-end experiences.
Alejandro Assens emphasizes the brand’s direction: “The monthly subscription is open to everyone…bringing designer pieces to more people,” he said, as Trent continues to move the industry toward sustainability, accessibility, and excitement.
