Retail concepts

Ask Alison: The Shazamification of fashion



MuseStyle

This month’s column from regular DRG contributor, fashion & retail insights expert Alison Bishop explores the latest moves in how taste-making got shoppable…

Since fashion is now shared instantly across social media, it’s no wonder how we shop for it has become more instant too. From Instagram to Pinterest and Tumblr, these platforms have become a visual marketplace for fashionistas, brands and retailers. Most important are the style leaders or ‘taste-makers’ that other users follow – and they’re the ones responsible for a new Shazam-style of shopping.

Snap it, search it, buy it
Just as another season’s month-long fashion week circus kicks off, there is a raft of new apps that target the street-style set with instant-hit fashion, at the click of a photo search. I’m calling this the ‘Shazamification of shopping’, since the practice of snapping what someone is wearing, then searching, then buying it, mimics the music identifying app Shazam. Last year Shazam announced it would broaden its service by recognising content from TV shows, so that when people ‘Shazam’ a show, they can link through to buy items worn by presenters or actors. (more…)



A VIP tour at ASOS HQ



1 asos-design-studio-stitching-academy-disneyrollergirl

Running a fast fashion empire is a tough old task! Aside from the sheer volume of product to be managed, there’s the competition to worry about, not to mention the cheap labour issues and carbon footprint headaches that entail from manufacturing overseas.

ASOS is one fast fashion company that’s tackling these issues in interesting and highly profitable ways. Last week I spent an insightful afternoon drinking in as much info as I could on a personal tour of its Stitching Academy, its brand new design studios, plus the infamous photo studios at ASOS HQ in Camden… (more…)



Haute joaillerie, Hermes at Harrods and a little Dior whimsy



Hermes-GALOP-bracelet

This week is all about couture but did you know that alongside the gowns, there’s also the haute joaillerie to be wowed by? Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Boucheron, Chanel and the rest all showcase their top-tier diamonds, pearls and rubies; quite frankly, the frocks are small fry compared to this finery. (more…)



Buy it now: Sophia Webster’s 3-inch Ida heels



Sophia-webster-net-a-porter-Ida 5

I love that this exclusive Sophie-Webster-for-Net-a-Porter collection is called Ida. Ida Petersson is Net-a-Porter’s senior shoes buyer who I first met a few years ago when she was at Harvey Nichols. She’s like a bundle of energy in person, so it’s no surprise that she’s a fan of Webster, whose own aesthetic is equally high on the fizzy fun factor. (more…)