OHLALA Insights

Online shopping

Amazon.com and eBay launched their sites in 1995 and Alibaba in 1999. The culture of buying online started there and just grew exponentially. The website digitalintheround.com predicts that in 2021 there will be anywhere between 12 to 24 million online shops. It is difficult to keep up with numbers, many companies are going out of business, and new shops are popping up out of necessity and change.

In the fashion world, online shopping has been part of people’s lives for a long time. Designers have their collections available in the multi-brands marketplace, such as Tryano, Netaporter, Theoutnet and many more. About 10 years ago, subscriptions boxes such as Stich Fix and Franck and Oak appeared in the market and, with them, services such as virtual personal styling. A form with private information from measurements to taste has to be filled and a selection of clothing and accessories is sent to you. Some of them even offer virtual styling consultations. The idea of having someone helping you sort your wardrobe out is an exciting one, and there are personal stylists out there that have turned their services full-on virtual with a comprehensive step-by-step system.

Perfect Fit

Technological tools have been key in the transformation of the fashion scenario. Companies like Zozo, MTailor and MySizeID have an even more audacious approach when it comes to the personalisation of your closet.

The Japanese fashion retailer Zozo invested in a body-measuring suit and app. The measurements are taken from a tracking-dot covered body stocking. The improved version from the first model, the Zozosuit 2, can generate precise 3D body models with a simple and intuitive scanning process using your phone and is available for business partnerships.

The American company MTailor does not use a bodysuit, but its app system calculates the measurements through your phone camera and sells you fitted T-shirts, shirts, jeans, and suits. The promise is a perfect fitting, no matter your body shape.

Another app that uses a patented algorithm to take measurements is MySizeID, it uses technology already available in mobile phones without accessing the camera. “There are no pictures taken. It is completely private,” said MySizeID CEO Ronen Luzon. The app offers a solution for online shoppers and retailers alike. MySizeID lets consumers create an online profile of their measurements, which can then be used with partnered online retailers to ensure that the consumers get the right fit, no matter the manufacturer or size chart.

With this technology, no one will be small, medium or large anymore, and clothes will have the main purpose of representing someone’s style — a big step forward in the fashion world.

Customised Beauty

In the beauty scenario, the in-person factor is fundamental. You can watch tutorials online on how to give yourself a haircut but having this service through virtual reality is still not possible. Hairklinikken, a hair clinic founded in Denmark at the beginning of the ‘90s, and now with locations all over the globe, has an innovative way of offering virtual hair consultations. It does sound tricky, but we spoke with Lars Skjøth, Hairklinikken Founder and Lead Researcher, who told us about how they have been exploring the digital field and offering their tailor-made services. “For over 10 years, Harklinikken has been servicing clients virtually to help individuals who are unable to visit one of our clinics. It has always been a goal of mine to make effective hair care solutions accessible. Once the pandemic temporarily closed our physical clinics, safety and self-care became the primary concerns for our clients and us. Thankfully, we already had a lot of experience in the virtual scene, and all worked out well,” says Lars.

A virtual consultation with a Harklinikken specialist begins on FaceTime or Zoom video call, with a detailed review of the client’s hair history and is followed by a thorough analysis of the hair and scalp. Photos from different angles and specific hair partitions are requested. If the specialist concludes that the Harklinikken Hair Extract formula (100% personalised and handblended) is a good option for you, a programme with the brand’s product regime to meet your specific needs is created.

“While we prefer to have the opportunity to invite people into our physical clinics, after years of experience in virtual consultations, we have finetuned the process to service the clients to achieve the best results possible,” highlights Lars. “The response from our customers about our remote appointments has been overwhelmingly positive. Our new clients were thrilled to hear that they can have access to Harklinikken specialists and good-quality hair care from the comfort and safety of their homes. So many have commented that this is the first time they felt listened to when opening up about their concerns on hair thinning,” he adds.

When asked if he believes that people have been more open to trying online services with the pandemic, Lars said that with the continued technological advancements, their virtual department has been experiencing steady growth for many years, but the pandemic indeed yielded a significant rise in traffic. Whether you love or hate technology, little by little, it will enter your life and make it easier and more connected with every corner of the world and allow you to experience an abundance of services.

We sat with Ali Almohannadi, founder of the beauty app Venita, to talk about wellness, beauty and technology. Connectivity and practicality are key elements in today's world.

OHLALA - Venita is an innovative online beauty platform that connects customers to various services such as salons and spas, and they can even purchase beauty products. How did you come up with this concept?

Ali Almohannadi - The platform's idea is about beauty and health, which we are focusing on for the future. Personal care was at the centre of attention during this pandemic. This period has been the most influential in our industry, with many shops shutting down, many laws passed that affected public income and employment, so much harm to businesses. During the upcoming months, we will try hard to continue moving towards a successful online process in which we serve all social groups, which will allow us to achieve more and more success.

OHLALA - The element that unites the whole platform revolves around beauty. The pandemic affected the regular services at salons and spas. How can this market grow again?

Ali - Every business involved with beauty, wellness and personal care has been hit during the lockdowns. But it's natural to go through crises like the one that has happened and, at the same time, these challenges give us the power to continue and work again. It helps us develop and collaborate with new partners to come back, take advantage of what's happened positively and shift our operations in a positive way. And that's where our struggle comes from, so during the upcoming time, we'll continue to work hard to achieve more relevance to the market, our subscribers and Doha's beauty community.

OHLALA - How do you see Venita expanding even further?

Ali - We plan to grow and expand during the upcoming period. We have updated Venita features, and we are taking it to the next level, as you have never seen before. We also have been working on shopatvenita; our e-commerce platform for beauty and wellness products. We have taken advantage of the times when services have been closed and worked hard to make sure we are providing inclusive, user-friendly services to our consumers all in one place. We will work on marketing it extensively to spread awareness, provide the best services to the Doha community and widen our services in different markets within the region.

OHLALA - You have a degree in Analytical Chemistry & Forensic Science. Do you believe that your science background helps you have a clearer vision of your own businesses and your clients' strategies?

Ali - My study period was in Britain. While living there, I learned a lot from the consumer behaviour perspective, how technology made my life easier, and how different apps were tailored for customer satisfaction and a user-friendly experience. I also have a diploma in business administration, which helped me a lot in my business. I don't get bored with studying. I'm currently learning more about digital marketing, and it got me building my business and expanding considerably, and I've got a lot of plans for the future.

OHLALA - When you are not busy managing your brands or finding the best solutions for your clients and partners, how do you like to spend your free time?

Ali - When I am not working or researching the latest technology trends, I spend time watching Netflix, catching up with TV series. I also have been a football fan; I am in for watching any game. I like to browse different social media platforms; I love content creation in all its different forms. I used to write and create content like storytelling on my IGTV. I haven't done that in a long time, but I am determined to go back again.

OHLALA - If you could give one piece of advice, personal or professional, what would it be?

Ali - My advice is that there is no such thing as an end to knowledge; you must continue to work on your learning experience; science is constantly developing. Change is the only constant, especially the one we are part of; it evolves day by day. You must keep pace with everything and learn everything that comes in front of you. Knowledge is power. Marketing management 20 years ago was not what it is now. What I want to say is never stop learning with every lesson, course or reference found through social media or any educational platform. @venita.app

Wakan is a hidden gem nestled in the Western Hajer mountains in Oman. A farming village home to terrace gardens and apricot flowers, serving as an inspiration for Amal Al Raisi's autumn and winter 2021 collection. Dedicated to resilient women, this line embraces the inspiration by defining the strong layers embedded in each woman. Like the Sakura (cherry) blossom in Japan, when the apricot flowers of Wakan village are in full bloom, the place becomes a fairy tale of white flowers. These florets symbolise change and new beginnings which are captured in Amal's signature embroidery of leaves and flowers. The collection boasts the flowy silhouettes of long dresses and separates that stay true to the brand's feminine aesthetic, and the designs come with touches of lace and velvet. The colours used are intense grey and black, signifying fortitude and power, fused with hints of turquoise, embodying emotional balance, and pale rose, expressing grace. The lookbook was shot in collaboration with Jawahir Oman Jewellers.

IMAD HASSAN

OHLALA had the opportunity to talk to Amal about her brand and latest collection.

OHLALA- Your creations have an Arabian touch. Are the Middle East and its traditions and culture your primary source of inspiration?

Amal Al Raisi - My brand's identity is embedded in the idea of fusing tradition with modernity while honouring Arab roots. Every collection is inspired by an Omani element as I use my designs as a canvas to portray the heritage and craftsmanship of Oman to the rest of the world.

OHLALA- What are the main fabrics used in your AW2021 collection, and which is your favourite?

Amal - The collection is mainly comprised of soft crepe, lace, tulle and silks. The fabrics are highlighted using delicate embroidery techniques. I personally prefer the soft crepe as I feel it's a very light and comfortable fabric to wear.

OHLALA- Your collections have traditional cuts; however, at the same time, the final pieces have a modern silhouette. How do you achieve that?

Amal - I like to design for those on the lookout for feminine yet modern pieces to suit their style. With this in mind, I use traditional silhouettes as an inspiration and redesign them from a contemporary angle to suit today's women.

OHLALA- What is the message behind your clothes? What do you want women of all ages to feel when wearing an Amal Al Raisi piece?

Amal - Through my designs, I want women to feel bold and confident while embracing their inner femininity.