There’s a new online fashion platform for those who want to be trendy, writes Hanna Sheikh Mokhtar
HAVE you ever wished for a personal stylist to help you look your best for an important event but don’t have the means to hire one? For some of us, it may come as a challenge to try to match the tops, shirts, pants or skirts in our wardrobe so that we always appear stylish.
There may be gems tucked in your closet, but if you cannot figure out which goes with what, it’s all a waste. This is probably where you wished you had your own stylist to create that perfect look.
Well, fret no more, as SuitApp.my is now available for anyone who’s keen on improving their style.
“We believe that appropriate outfit can change your life. We help you look good to feel confident,” said Jen Grebenschikova, co-founder of SuitApp.my.
INCEPTION
SuitApp.my was created by a team from the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC) startup acceleration programme. The team, comprising two young Russian women, started the project two years ago marrying fresh and creative ideas with fashion and technology.
Grebenschikova has a degree in Linguistics and Economics, and used to head the international department at a wallpaper factory, dealing mostly with European designers. Her co-founder, Elena Chuiko, majored in journalism and is passionate about art. The two later met and roped in Vladimir Sinitcin, a talented developer who joined the team as chief technology officer.
In March 2016, when the project was chosen to participate in the MaGIC startup acceleration programme, the whole team moved to Kuala Lumpur where, according to the founders, they are now developing the project in the very friendly, dynamic and amazing Malaysian atmosphere.
NEW APPROACH
The app’s approach benefits customers directly as the automatically generated looks are delivered to customers immediately. The app focuses on providing personal advice and styling tips for the customer.
How? It sends customers personalised styling recommendations. It connects customers with stylists online so they may consult them on what to do with their existing wardrobe.
It offers different looks according to customers’ specific preferences and body shapes. It lets customers try the offered outfits on an online fitting room, and it helps customers buy clothes online.
“We provide a new approach to style recommendations. It uses both unique computer algorithms created by mathematicians, professional stylists and developers and human experts’ opinion. Moreover, in the second version of our app, we will add a feature to try these outfits on their avatar and see how they suit customers,” explained Grebenschikova.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
SuitApp.my is fairly simple to use. After downloading the app, customers will receive feeds like those in Instagram. Through these feeds, they will receive personalised outfits from real stylists and algorithms, created according to all fashion rules.
The feed is pretty “smart” and the more customers use it, the better it learns their preferences.
Next, customers can take a selfie and choose their body type so that SuitApp.my can create an avatar for them. Customers can then try out recommended outfits on their avatar (with their face and body).
There is also a feature that helps customers filter options (such as gender, outfit price and colour) so that the recommendations will be more accurate.
PLATFORM FOR EVERYONE
SuitApp.my is not only for those who are looking for trendy looks, it’s a platform for everyone who’s keen on fashion. Here, stylists can meet new customers, while fashionistas can get acquainted with leading stylists and boutique managers. Those with online shops can find new customers and agents that are likely to stay loyal in future.
Last, but not least, fashion bloggers can use the platform to help increase their audience.
On how they would describe the app in just two words, the founders describe it as a Styling Fairy! And they are working hard to make sure that the “fairy” is constantly learning the customers styling preferences so SuitApp.my can provide better service to its customers.
SuitApps.my is currently only available for iOS devices (iPhones and iPads).
