Listen to music, consume fashion - this app combines the best of both worlds
Rental clothing and accessories have not had a particularly large fan base to date. The British app Upstream wants to change that. Their recipe: up-and-coming bands and hyped brands.
Remember when Spotify made a shy attempt to combine music with fashion? "Get Ready With Music" was the name of the whole thing and, to be honest, it didn't make much sense. The British company Futureland Ventures Limited has rethought the idea and is focussing on influential labels, contemporary music acts and sustainability.
Brands and garments based on your favourite artists
Upstream is the name of the app that puts this concept into practice: Musicians "model" pieces from currently over 250 brands such as Martine Rose, Aries and Yardsale, while you listen to their music. If you like a style, whether fashionable or musical, you can follow the person. And, of course, buy the corresponding items of clothing. Or you can rent them. This is called "streaming" in the Upstream app, which brings us back to music. For a rental fee, you can take your favourite designer item home, wear it for as long as you like and then send it back in its reusable packaging. All returned items are checked, cleaned and released for purchase or streaming again. Those who share their upstream looks with the corresponding tag on social media also earn so-called "coins", which can be used as credit in the app.
Music, fashion, inspiration, user-generated content, no fast fashion - this could be the future of our passion for consumption. So far, the app is only available in the UK. There are already plans to expand it to Europe and the USA in the near future. <p
Always in the mood for good hits, great trips and clinking drinks.