Can AI actually revolutionize online shopping?

E-commerce fatigue has officially set in. From unreliable sizing and increased shipping costs and delays to the collapse of once-dominant platforms like Matchesfashion, online shopping feels like it’s lost its spark. Doji, the AI-powered app founded by Dorian Dargan (formerly Meta, Apple, and YouNow), is hoping to change that. Launched in beta last month, the startup is already turning heads, thanks to its promise to revive the online shopping experience. How Doji’s AI avatar system works Doji’s approach is refreshingly simple. Users upload eight selfies and two full-body images to generate a digital avatar, which takes around 30 minutes to render. From there, AI-powered styling takes over: users can mix and match pre-loaded items — including products from brands such as Balenciaga, Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, and Farfetch — let Doji suggest outfits, or even upload links to e-commerce product pages for a virtual try-on. A checkout feature then directs shoppers straight to the brand’s site, converting inspiration into an instant purchase. AI-driven shopping tools are quickly gaining traction as traditional e-commerce loses its luster. Last year, for example, Meta introduced an AI-powered personal stylist for its Ray-Ban smart glasses, offering real-time feedback on outfit choices. Users can scan a clothing item for styling suggestions or receive instant critiques of their look in the mirror. From mood boards to purchases: Doji’s unique shopping experience Doji takes AI personal-assistants one step further. The platform also doubles as a Pinterest-style mood board, allowing users to dress their avatars, curate wishlists, and experiment with different looks — reigniting excitement around online shopping. But the app’s real strength lies in its data-driven approach, analyzing shopper preferences to track trending styles across different age groups and regions. This enables brands to pinpoint “hero products,” optimize inventory, and minimize overstock and waste. For brands, this translates into smarter upselling opportunities, leaner operations, and a more personalized shopping experience that keeps consumers engaged. Virtual try-ons are the future of e-commerce Tech startups have long tried to replicate the styling assistant from Clueless, but this might be the closest — and most user-friendly — version yet. Whether Doji will integrate directly into retailers’ sites remains to be seen, though it has the potential to become a widely adopted virtual try-on tool, much like Farfetch’s Wanna, which counts Loewe and Valentino among its users, or Vyler, which is used in-store by retailers like Marks & Spencer. There are still a few pain points in Doji’s interface, as expected from a tool still in beta mode. However, as the technology evolves and expands into new product categories, it signals a promising shift in how consumers interact with fashion online.

Can AI actually revolutionize online shopping?

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Published February 23, 2025

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Can AI actually revolutionize online shopping?