Anyone with a computer or smartphone can download an app called Zeekit and virtually try on thousands of outfits without buying them or even entering a store.
Twenty years ago, we watched the movie Clueless, fascinated by Cher Horowitz/Alicia Silverstone’s closet and her little screen that portrayed outfits as she mixed and matched on her body.
Fast forward to 2016.
Anyone with a computer or smartphone can download an app called Zeekit and virtually try on thousands of outfits without buying them or even entering a store.
Meet innovator and CEO Yael Vizel, a 32-year-old Israeli technical engineer who propelled her experience as an intelligence officer in the Israel Defense Forces right into your closet. Pretty cool.
Zeekit means “chameleon” in Hebrew; her app allows you to see yourself in new outfits online, combining real-time computer vision, graphics and image processing with the fun of fashion.
Using similar technology to layering intelligence and military maneuvers over typography, the app comprises looks from 70 brands, stores and fashion websites — more than 3,000 items — then allows you to see those looks on your own body. (GPS for your car was developed from Israeli intelligence in much the same manner.)
Born in Tel Aviv and a graduate of Israel’s Technion University, Vizel began her career in the Air Force, leading field and aerial tech missions.
Following the Air Force, her first job was at Elbit Systems, Israel’s leading defense electronics company, in the graphics processing unit. There she designed microprocessors for aircraft missions — she was not originally a fashionista.
Yet she had an “ah ha” moment and somehow envisioned applying the same image-processing algorithms to e-commerce.
Here’s how it works: You take a selfie, wearing a tank top and shorts or slim pants, then upload it to Zeekit. From there, you pick any item on the site — selections range from Neiman Marcus to discount brands and everything in between — and virtually try it on.
Do you need the next size? Another color? Try that on, too. Just like in Clueless. But now you can buy it and send it right to your front door. (Zeekit gets 10 percent.)
Additionally, the app offers stylists, recommending similar looks for your silhouette. Do you buy books on Amazon? You know how when they recommend new titles you may like, you often do? Same exact thing.
Conversely, you can try on looks that aren’t usually you, perhaps a motorcycle jacket or low-cut dress, and see how they fit — without ever leaving your chair.
I picture girls shopping for prom and graduation parties going crazy over this, but you also can try looks straight from the runway, red carpet or couture creations from last week’s Met Gala as well.
Then you can email it to all your friends for their opinions.
Vizel and Zeekit. Young. Smart. Modern. Fun.
Welcome to 2016. This is indeed a very cool way to shop.
