‘indelg’ promotes sustainability by encouraging women to rent out dresses

‘INDELG’ is promoting sustainability in Qatar by encouraging women to consign their designer dresses that they no longer want or wear and, in turn, make some money every time the dresses are rented. The indelg closet is a consciously curated space that supports women and is powered entirely by women who want to empower women. It promotes fashion inclusivity and challenges fashion exclusivity, all while reducing waste.

“indelg is not just a brand that’s a rental service, it’s a verb. Unlike indulging, which gives way to our desires and privileges, ‘indelging’ is a practice of more mindful consumerism; it’s intentional and something we consciously build with habits that are less harmful to people and the planet. We still experience gratification, but it’s usually in service of something that’s greater than just ourselves,” said a press statement from the outlet.

Although it may be challenging to agree on what exactly ‘sustainability’ looks like, it’s fair to say it can be applied to practically all aspects of our lives, which is why there are multiple variables to the sustainability equation. So, what about when it comes to Fashion, notoriously known as one of the world’s most polluting industries? Here, the variables include labour practices, sourcing of fabrics, animal-free materials, ethical trade, durability, upcycling, waste reduction and more.

These variations make it harder to meet the full range of expectations. The challenge is even greater when you live in a country that has one of the highest purchasing powers in the world. The average citizen and resident has the tendency to spend and occasionally splurge, so just because sustainability is important on a national and global scale, it doesn’t mean local consumers are sufficiently empowered, encouraged or willing, to shop sustainably.

Since the launch, there’s been one prominent, common denominator between all the women who have been wholeheartedly embracing this concept, and it’s their humility. A desirable trait, and a prerequisite when it comes to embracing sustainable alternatives in fashion. This quality enables them to have a modest, unassuming view of their wardrobe and appearance.

‘Renting’ isn’t exactly a new phenomenon; women have been borrowing things from mothers, sisters, cousins and even friends since the beginning of time. Sharing is caring, yet outside our tightknit circle, it remains misconstrued as something too daring.

“The more we embrace humility, we understand our place in the natural world and that requires us to acknowledge that we are just one small part of a much larger ecosystem. Our choices, however small, have significant impact. Dressing, but also living sustainably, requires us to simplify our lives, reduce our consumption of resources, and let go of the need for constant material possessions. Instead, we need to shift our focus on what truly matters, like accepting the responsibility of the role we play in creating a harmonious society and our connection to the natural world,” conclude the statement.