Fashion brand and tech spinout develop 3D modelling sizing software
Yorkshire-based slow luxury fashion brand, AVIE, is promoting a more sustainable approach to consumerism by collaborating with Oxford University spinout Aistetic to launch next-generation 3D body measurement.
The companies have developed an AI sizing algorithm which helps customers determine the best size for their body type, resulting in a more personalised and accurate shopping experience.
The algorithm helps reduce the need for returns, making the process more sustainable and eco-friendly.
In addition, the partnership allows customers to see recommendations of styles before making a purchase, providing customers with greater confidence in their purchases.
AVIE and Aistetic have responded to the current situation which sees some brands and retailers experience return rates as high as 50%. Clothes are unnecessarily shipped and returned, often to end up in landfill.
Sonya Bachra-Byrne and Liam Nathan Byrne, founders of AVIE, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Aistetic to bring these innovative features to our customers.
“Our goal is to make the online shopping experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible, and these tools are a major step in that direction.”
AVIE creates stylish investment pieces which are made to order at its micro-factories in London.
A central focus of the business is to re-shore its manufacturing back to England and support British craftsmanship with limited-edition collections created from eco-friendly materials or existing stock.
Sonya Bachra-Byrne added: “The important role of tech innovation merging with the fashion industry, such as Aistetic’s sizing technology is to lead the way and address these big problems within the fashion industry, reducing inventory held and any write-offs to landfills.”
Founded by Duncan McKay, an ex-Unilever and PepsiCo executive and Phil Torr, a Professor of Computer Vision at University of Oxford, Aistetic provides 3D body modelling from mobile devices in the form of a simple white labelled plug-in that can be added with two lines of code.
This simple button accesses Aistetic’s technology, accurately measuring and recommending clothes sizes for each shopper from the comfort of their own home from any mobile device.
McKay, CEO of Aistetic, said: “It’s great to work with Sonya and Liam at AVIE. They are leading the way and we’re excited by the benefits and value our 3D modelling technology will bring to their clients.
“More and more online clothes retailers are wanting to cut clothing returns and waste, lower their environmental impact and improve their profitability.
“To date, however, there has been no accurate and accessible solution available. We want to change this and look forward to working with AVIE to make this happen.”
Aistetic has received two Innovate UK Grants, has been part of the Digital Catapult’s Machine Intelligence Garage, and the University of Edinburgh AI Accelerator and has recently been awarded a grant from the University of Leeds & the Future Fashion Factory.
The firm recently concluded a pre-seed round of financing attracting interest from AdTay Ventures, Oxford Science Enterprises, St Catherine’s College at the University of Oxford as well as two angel investors.
