Fashion

Now in beta, Stockholm-based Looklet offers a selection of seven models—each with various facial expressions—38 backdrops and almost 2,000 items of clothing and accessories that can be combined to try out new looks and combinations. All the clothes items are actual, existing pieces selected by stylists from real designers; users need only drag and drop them onto the model of their choice to create their own personal look, which is viewable from multiple perspectives. Once they've created a style they like, they can save it and share it with other users of the site as well as with friends on Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere. Some 76,000 users have already created more than 600,000 outfits on Looklet, all browsable, searchable and available for remixing.

There's no doubt both Looklet and competitor Polyvore offer the opportunity for fashion brands to engage with their target audiences in a much more compelling way than traditional advertising ever could. While Polyvore provides e-commerce links to enable shopping, however, Looklet currently does not, instead simply providing general links to the designers' sites. Seems to us users will eventually want to convert their dream creations into reality—one to partner with on the e-shopping end to help make that possible? (Related: Fashion blog is street version of shopping mags.)

Website: www.looklet.com

BBQ Retail: Local Designers Create Pop-Up Boutique

It would seem like one of the year’s biggest understatements to say that consumers are hesitant to go shopping at the moment. Not only are the fashion conscious set reluctant to spend any money on new threads, but there’s a general sense that it’s irresponsible to be thinking of one’s wardrobe while the entire country appears to be teetering on the verge of financial collapse. So how can retailers take some of the sting out of spending?

By making customers feel like they’re at a BBQ with friends.

This past weekend in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, designer Mary Meyer teamed up with local brands such as Costalot Sunglasses, Round Designs , newly opened Parlour Salon, and Facade Vintage to throw a free BBQ featuring produce from Rooftop Farms and music by Mirror Mirror and Patrick Thomas. The event, which was held on the back patio of The Parlour Salon, beckoned passersby with balloons and the promise of free bang trims, beer, and a good time. Inside was a well curated collection of vintage clothing, and Mary Meyer was on hand showing her new menswear line. Meyer, who created the event as a way to showcase the talents of her fellow designers and friends, also acted as host to those curious about what goes on behind the makings of an indie fashion line.

Source: PSFK