Beauty & Fashion

ZERO10 to Debut Its First AR Store at Viva Technology in Paris

augmented reality, Beauty & Fashion, fashion, featured, Retail, Retail & E-Commerce, shopping, try-on / Mike M. / June 12, 2023

After the successful showing of its AR try-on technology at the Metaverse Fashion Week, AR fashion company ZERO10 is launching its first prototype AR Store that aims to bring a whole new experience to shopping.

Following previous successful collaborations with fashion brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Coach – which saw the launch of the brand’s AR Mirror and Storefront, respectively – ZERO10 is now debuting the AR Mirror as a standalone store.

AR Storefront ZERO10

“We believe that 50% of physical retail will incorporate AR solutions or will become AR stores itself in the next 10 years,” said CEO of ZERO10 George Yashin. “Customers want to try new types of shopping and augmented reality will elevate the future in-store experience. We see the technology as a powerful tool for retail and we are still at the beginning.”

The prototype AR Store aims to be an immersive solution for retail stores while also addressing the common issues that come with brick-and-mortar establishments. This iteration of the AR Mirror is particularly notable for its ability to deliver a standalone retail experience, in contrast to simply enhancing the experience of shopping in a traditional store.

AR Store for a Full AR Shopping Experience

ZERO10 has been steadily growing with its AR-to-physical capabilities, befitting a fashion company that seeks to improve everything about the retail experience. Already a thriving hub for forward-thinking fashion designers, the AR Store represents the exciting possibilities of a full augmented reality shopping experience.

With a simple setup (requiring only the AR Mirror, an iPad stand, a statistics screen, and storage space), the prototype AR Store promises to deliver a seamless shopping experience without the need for large floor space. With its minimal requirements for both space and construction, the AR Store will be able to deliver all the functions and operations seen in a traditional store with an average of 100 sq meters, all with just two square meters of total store space.

AR Mirror ZERO10

All of this is possible thanks to ZERO10’s proprietary AR Mirror solution, which can run complex computer vision models and render clothing in 4K resolution. It does all of this in real-time, powered by a supercomputer that boasts the latest in 3D body tracking and multi-class segmentation capabilities.

The Future Of Brick-And-Mortar Stores?

Traditional storefronts may no longer be enough by themselves to entice consumers to shop at their establishments. Many retailers have started embracing the capabilities of augmented reality and other similar technologies to enrich the customer experience and help them stand out compared to their peers.

This phenomenon (tentatively called v-commerce) not only enriches the usual in-store experience but solves many of the issues that brick-and-mortar establishments face. Storage space, floor traffic, and even employee tasks become far easier to manage with the help of AR technology.

While it’s difficult to say that AR solutions like AR Mirrors and ZERO10’s AR Store will render brick-and-mortar establishments obsolete, it’s fair to say that they’re a development in the retail shopping experience that can’t be ignored.

Forward-Facing Fashion at Viva Technology Europe

ZERO10’s AR Store prototype will be interactable for the first time at Viva Technology, Europe’s biggest startup and tech event, taking place June 14- 17, in Paris, France. The prototype will be located in Innovation Park, ALLÉE NORD, Digital Experiences and AI, stand J61-007.

Visitors at Viva Technology will be able to experience the entire customer journey of the AR Store, starting with trying on the digital merch ZERO10 created together with Viva Technology, also available physically with limited stock.

Following the virtual try-on with the AR Mirror, customers will be able to initiate the imitation of a real purchase, where they will be able to select their sizing and receive a free physical analog of their selected item at the reception desk.

With this, ZERO10 hopes to make more people see the possibilities of AR retail experiences and use AR technology to enrich the normal fashion shopping experience.

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Coach Partners With ZERO10 on AR Try-On Tech for Metaverse Fashion Week

augmented reality, Beauty & Fashion, Events, fashion, featured, metaverse, News, try-on / Ryan Harris / March 24, 2023

The second edition of Metaverse Fashion Week (MVFW) is set to take place at the end of this month in Decentraland’s Luxury District, where global brands will feature their digital wearables. MVFW is a four-day-long event that combines fashion and AR try-on technology to offer a unique, immersive experience to attendees.

Metaverse Fashion Week 2023 -Arena

Metaverse Fashion Week, which will run from March 28–31 this year, will see the participation of luxury brand Coach for the first time, showcasing its products in the virtual show. The event brings together top designers and brands, making it an exciting opportunity for Coach to showcase its signature leather-made products in the metaverse.

ZERO10’s AR Try-On Tech Highlights Coach’s Iconic Tabby Bag

In collaboration with ZERO10, Coach will introduce its iconic Tabby bag with a unique AR enhancement as part of its upcoming activation during MVWF. The feature will be accessible via the ZERO10 app, allowing users in Decentraland to try on the product virtually, providing a new and engaging way to experience the brand.

The AR enhancement effect, which makes use of cutting-edge technology, adds a unique touch to the virtual fashion event and provides visitors with a dynamic way to interact with Coach’s products. Using AR try-on, shoppers may virtually try on clothes, accessories, and even cosmetics before making a purchase. Buyers interested in a product can virtually see how they might look in it.

As a global digital fashion platform, ZERO10 offers AR try-on technology to brands and independent creators. Through its iOS app, users can try on digital clothing in real time using their phone camera, collect items in a virtual wardrobe, and create shareable content for social media.

The digital collections are collaborations with both emerging and established fashion brands, designers, musicians, and artists and are released in limited drops within the app. The app’s cloth simulation technology simulates fabric flow, while the body tracking technology lets users try on virtual outfits for unique social media photos and videos.

Blending Tradition and Innovation

This year’s Metaverse Fashion Week theme, “Future Heritage,” encourages both traditional and emerging fashion designers to engage and work together. As part of the upcoming event, brands will conduct interactive virtual experiences both on and off the runway.

Dolce & Gabbana plans to exhibit pieces from its Future Reward digital design competition. Tommy Hilfiger intends to launch new wearables on a daily basis, along with products powered by artificial intelligence. DKNY will have a pop-up art gallery and restaurant called DKNY.3. Adidas, like Coach, will make its MVFW debut this year. For owners of its “Into the Metaverse” non-fungible token (NFT) collection, the sports brand will debut its first set of digital wearables.

Metaverse Fashion Week 2023 brands

Coach will also participate in Brand New Vision (BNV), a Web3 fashion ecosystem that enables attendees to try on wearables from various global brands seamlessly and instantly. BNV has created specifically designed stations to showcase the digital clothing collections created in partnership with top brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, and Vivienne Tam. Moreover, a newly built “Fashion Plaza” will also exhibit emerging digital fashion possibilities.

MVFW Open Metaverses and Web3 Interoperability

Dr. Giovanna Graziosi Casimiro, Decentraland’s head of MVFW, remarked that they are honored to carry on the Metaverse Fashion Week tradition this year. “We are seeing the return of many luxury fashion houses, and also the emergence and elevation of digitally native fashion. We are excited to see the world’s greatest fashion minds engaging in digital fashion and exploring what it can mean for their brands, and for their communities,” she said.

This year’s MVFW will highlight the force of interoperability across open metaverses while expanding the boundaries of what digital fashion can be. MVFW23, organized by Decentraland and UNXD, is an immersive art and culture event, in association with the Spatial and OVER metaverses, that welcomes fashionistas from all over the globe to gather, mingle, and witness the most recent breakthroughs in digital fashion.

Fashion brands trying on various virtual technologies like AR try-on is a testament to their commitment to staying at the forefront of the latest technology trends and providing their customers with unique and immersive experiences.

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Digital Fashion Week New York: Reimagining the Future of Phygital Fashion

augmented reality, Beauty & Fashion, Events, fashion, featured, phygital / Ryan Harris / February 19, 2023

The 2023 Digital Fashion Week New York was a three-day event that was a hub for phygital fashion experiences. Merging the physical and digital fashion worlds, the Web3 event provided audiences with immersive phygital fashion experiences, as well as informative discussions, and networking opportunities, and acted as a digital venue for independent designers around the world to showcase their designs.

In a press release shared with ARPost, the Digital Fashion Week NY team expected to see a variety of attendees, including industry specialists, tech CEOs, fashion industry executives, investors, designers, and artists, among other guests.

Phygital Fashion Took the Center Stage

The three-day event kicked off on Thursday, February 9, with a Networking and Speaker Summit, which featured global panel discussions on the role of AI in transforming design protocols. On Friday, February 10, the event hosted the opening of the Metaverse Fashion Experience where attendees could explore virtual worlds through digital avatars. These digital avatars donned custom special drops from digital fashion week design winners.

Aside from the opening of the Metaverse Exhibition, there were also global panel discussions. Some of the members of the panel and speakers during the panel discussions included ZERO10’s Chief Product Officer Maxim Raykhrud, Exclusible’s Chief Commercial Officer Olivier Moingeon, and Sensorium’s Deputy CEO Sasha Tityanko.

During the last day of the Digital Fashion Week NY, Saturday, February 11, attendees could experience an array of immersive digital experiences, which combined physical and digital assets. These phygital fashion experiences included holograms, virtual showrooms, and animation screenings from some of the world’s leading artists and fashion designers who work within the Web3 space.

ZERO10 at the 2023 Digital Fashion Week NY

The AR fashion platform ZERO10 also showcased activations, alongside LODE. Through these phygital fashion experiences, attendees were able to learn more about how modern technology could play a role in transforming digital fashion and how this, in turn, could give them a new channel for self-expression.

Aside from activations, ZERO10 also showcased a recreation of five designs from independent phygital fashion designers, in particular, pieces from Private Policy’s Fall/Winter ‘23 collection, transforming them into augmented reality.

ZERO10 designs on Digital Fashion Week NYC 2023

Private Policy, a New York-based inclusive fashion brand, debuted its F/W ‘23 collection, entitled “We Are All Animals” and is a celebration of the interconnectedness of all the earth’s living beings. Pieces from the collection featured graphic designs of endangered and critically endangered species, such as the Amur Leopard and the Yangtze Finless Porpoise.

The collection combines utilitarian features, such as harnesses and tactile pockets, with sustainable materials. For instance, components like slanted checker pieces are made using reclaimed or unwanted denim garments, while statement outerwear designs are crafted using recycled poly faux fur.

Aside from promoting sustainability through the collection’s materials, Private Policy’s newest collection also distills the beauty and vigor of nature, combining it with elements that give it an urban edge.

Of the five designs, two had physical representations that were showcased at the show in New York City on February 11. These physical representations will also be made available for viewing in London on February 18. The Digital Fashion Week London runs from Friday, February 17 to Saturday, February 18.

ZERO10 on Digital Fashion Week 2023 NYC - The Marine Explorer #manipulator

As for the other three designs, they will remain digital and will be made available for NYFW 2023 guests to try on. Furthermore, Private Policy’s collaboration with ZERO10 will enable fans to virtually try on pieces from the collection via the ZERO10 app.

Through ZERO10’s integration, attendees and fashion enthusiasts have a new way of interacting and learning more about immersive phygital fashion through augmented reality.

Aside from ZERO10 and LODE, some of the other artists, designers, and brands that were present during the Digital Fashion Week NY included Anastasia Sladkova, Clo B, DOPE GLOBAL, Maya ES, MOS Brand, Schieva x Tokyo White, Tony Murray, and Zoha Khan. S

Digital Fashion Week - phygital fashion - Design by Maya ES — *Fashion by Maya ES*

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PINKO Experience Powered by Emperia Amid Funding Announcement

Beauty & Fashion, e-commerce, extended reality, fashion, featured, Retail / Ryan Harris / February 10, 2023

Virtual store builder Emperia recently announced a new funding round, as well as hints at how that funding round will impact their roadmap going forward. In the meantime, PINKO is joining the list of retailers showing us what Emperia is already capable of.

PINKO’s Virtual Store From Emperia

Emperia isn’t a Harry Potter spell, it’s a tech company that “marries the reach and accessibility of e-commerce with the impact of physical customer service shopping experience.” ARPost first met Emperia about a year ago when the company launched “Artemis”, its software-as-a-service solution for virtual storefronts.

“With the realization that clients will be using these spaces in the long term, and the need to constantly change/update the virtual store the same way they would change their physical space, Emperia created a platform that enables full customization of product displays as well as decor, allowing brands full creative control,” Emperia co-founder and CEO Olga Dogadkina said last year.

Emperia PINKO virtual store

PINKO, the other name in our story, might be less familiar to ARPost readers. The Italian womens fashion brand is using Emperia to open its first virtual storefront and explore virtual sale items. The opening of their first virtual store coincides with the opening of a new brick-and-mortar boutique location in Milan, according to a release shared with ARPost.

“Opening in such a prestigious and internationally established location, we decided as a mission statement to give global resonance to our new and unique store,” said PINKO CEO and founder Pietro Negra. “The virtual shop is the most innovative environment that can guarantee us the possibility of expanding our vision of engagement for our consumers everywhere.”

A Look at the Virtual Store

To be clear, PINKO isn’t a stranger to e-commerce generally. The company’s online purchasing infrastructure is already robust. However, there’s a big difference between experiencing the PINKO shopping experience online and the PINKO shopping experience in one of their stores. Their virtual store from Emperia is partially intended to help bridge that gap.

PINKO virtual store Emperia - handbags

Further, PINKO’s one-room virtual storefront in the clouds isn’t only for physical goods. Interactive 3D models of PINKO’s recognizable handbags help users understand the physical bags that they can purchase through the experience. Some of the 3D models also represent “Meta Love Bags” – an exclusive line of NFTs.

PINKO x Experia virtual store handbags

“Our 3D technology ensures a high merchandise-viewing quality, which complements its real-life twin product, to the smallest detail, allowing PINKO to present and directly-sell its exclusive capsule collection in a way that simulates a realistic shopping experience,” Dogadkina said in the release.

$10M Can Do a Lot for a Good Roadmap

Of course, there’s also big news for Emperia. The company recently announced a $10M series A funding round led by Base10 but including a number of other funders including the Sony Innovation Fund.

“I’m confident that the pool of participating investors in this round, from both the U.S and Europe, will make for a great network of advisors as Emperia continues its global expansion, pioneering e-commerce’s next generation,” said Dogadkina “I’m looking forward to delivering an even more impactful experience for our brand partners.”

The release also included some insights into what the company plans to do with the funding round. Goals include growing the team, improving Artemis, developing its customer data suite, and increasing the platform’s market presence. The release also expresses the intent to work with more partners in the space, which is always exciting for the product and the general field.

Speaking of the general field, the comments provided by investors help to speak to Emperia’s exact position within the emerging technology ecosystem. Base10 partner Luci Fonseca described Emperia as a “Web 2.5” solution.

“It is a device-agnostic bridge for brands to engage with a new generation of consumers while driving real commerce,” Fonseca said in the release. “Emperia is pioneering the development of virtual store creation and maintenance, and we’re excited to be partnering with a team that is truly building for the future of e-commerce.”

InfiniteWorld CEO Brad Allen used “Web 2.5” to describe his company “building a bridge to Web3” in an October interview with ARPost. The term is gaining traction in the industry to describe experiences that utilize and explore emerging trends like immersive tech or blockchain without relying on them completely as a business model.

More Coming Soon

It’s naturally exciting to see a company in the space clear funding rounds, particularly with prodigious investors like those backing Emperia. It’s even more exciting to see the sorts of plans that the company has for that money. Checking in with companies like PINKO to see how these movements are affecting their business models also sounds like a promising discussion.

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