Before you request (stylists)

Give the designer what they need to say yes quickly:

The dates you need the piece, and the date it must arrive by The type of project (editorial, campaign, red carpet, content, etc.) and where it will be published The size and the exact piece(s) you're asking for Where the piece needs to be sent, and where you're based

Before you respond (designers)

Reply within 48 hours, even if the answer is no. A quick "unavailable" lets the stylist know that your piece is no longer an option. If the piece isn't free on those dates, suggest alternative dates or similar pieces. Keep your listings up to date so the availability stylists see is accurate.

Agree the details in the thread

Keeping everything in your COLABO conversation gives you both a clear record. Before the piece is sent, we suggest confirming:

Dates: when it will arrive, the shoot or event dates, and the return date Shipping: who is sending it, who pays for delivery and return, and which courier or service you'll use Condition: the condition of the piece when it leaves the designer Care: whether there are any care instructions, such as cleaning or steaming Cleaning: who will arrange cleaning before or after the loan, if needed Changes: whether alterations, pinning or styling adjustments are okay Credit: how the designer would like to be credited and tagged

A simple message such as "Just to confirm: arriving Tuesday, shoot Thursday, returning by Monday, you're covering delivery and I'm covering return" is plenty.

Sending and receiving

Photograph the piece when it's packed and when it's received. A few clear photos take a minute and remove doubt later. Choose tracked delivery where you can and share the tracking details in the thread. Let each other know when it has arrived.

Returning the piece

Return it by the agreed date, and let the designer know if plans change as early as you can. Again, photograph the piece when it's packed and when it's received. A few clear photos take a minute and remove doubt later. Pack it as you received it. Both sides: confirm in the thread when the piece is back.

Credit and visibility

For an emerging label, a tag or mention makes a real difference, and it's what keeps this community thriving. We suggest tagging the designer in any posts, and sharing the published work with them afterwards so they can share it too!

If something goes wrong

Loans usually go smoothly, but if a piece is late, damaged or lost:

Talk to each other early. Most issues are solved with a quick conversation. Keep your messages and photos safe, or in the COLABO thread. Remember that loans are agreed directly between designer and stylist, and COLABO isn't a party to them, as set out in our Terms of Service.

We'd love to hear about your experiences, good or bad. Contact us at hello@colabo.co.uk.