Virtual mirror to get Australia shopping online

Boutique Accessories is proud to be the first online store in Australia to launch a virtual mirror application. This is an augmented reality application to enable customers to “try on” fashion accessories while browsing the website. Unlike previous technologies, the virtual mirror does not need customers to print out markers to hold in front of the webcam in order to activate the application.

The virtual mirror automatically detects the user through the webcam image and, using key points on the face and neck, maps the jewellery onto the user in the correct position.

A real shopping experience with your friends online

Although high street shops have been vocal about online stores cutting their profits, online only stores are suffering from an altogether different problem. It is common consumer behaviour to first browse the product online, but make the purchasing decision on the high street after seeing or trying the product in-store. It is more likely that the shopper would make the purchase without returning to the online store unless the product was considerably cheaper.

Breaking the boundaries between virtual and real shopping is important for consumer confidence online. Developments utilising augmented reality will further accelerate this trend. Allowing customers to try on jewellery to see if it suits their body and style is a big step away from catalogue-shopping, and closer to a real shopping experience.

Boutique Accessories recognise the importance of social networks in people’s lives, and see the potential for the virtual mirror to offer a better interaction between online retail brands and their customers. The virtual mirror application on Boutique Accessories enables customers to post photos of themselves wearing the fashion accessory on their personal Facebook profiles, stimulating discussion amongst friends and networks.

Boutique Accessories requested Explore Engage, a company who specialises in digital media and technology, to create the Virtual Mirror with a feature which takes screen shots in the virtual mirror application and uploads them to facebook.

How do virtual mirrors work?

The mirror works using motion detection technology, similar to that of Xbox Kinect, to automatically detect a person’s position within the webcam image and place the jewellery into the correct position; appearing as though the person is actually wearing the jewellery. Go to the Virtual Mirroror visit www.boutiqueaccessories.com.au and navigate from the home page to try out the mirror.The application requires the latest version of Flash and either an Internet Explorer, Firefox or Google Chrome browser.

Boutique Accessories

The official launch on Australia Day is not a coincidence, the date was chosen to outline the site’s main purpose, promoting Australian Fashion Designers to the world and encouraging people to buy Australian.

The Virtual Mirror was created to bring a high-end boutique shopping experience online, complementing the VIP returns policy, which aims to make shopping online a better experience for Boutique Accessories customers.

About BoutiqueAcessories.com.au

www.BoutiqueAccessories.com.au is an online boutique selling Australian Designer Fashion Accessories including Earrings, Necklaces, Bracelets, Handbags and Purses.

Our mission is to recreate a high-end Boutique experience online by over delivering on customer’s expectations and providing cutting edge technology to constantly improve the online experience. Our customers know that when shopping with us, they have access to the most recent trends in fashion accessories.

Boutique Online Pty Ltd

Media Department Contact Person: Claire

Telephone: 0404035333

Email: Claire@boutiqueacessories.com.au

Website: www.boutiqueaccessories.com.au

Website: www.exploreengage.com