Fashion 2.0

Being happy in a job you hate. Feeling on top of your game after a sleepless night. Some things just don’t go together.

But style and technology, it turns out, make a perfect match.

The digital fashion startup boom began in 2007 with the advent of flash sale sites. Since then, websites and conferences focusing solely on online fashion companies have cropped up – and the industry continues to grow.

Jennifer Markas formed Damsels in Design in 2011. Based in New York, the professional networking organization connects women in the design community.

And technology plays a huge role. “As Damsels increases its membership, we focus more on social media to continue the conversations online,” she says.

Harvard Law grad Radha Kapoor worked eight years at a law firm before leaving to launch her company LookLab. The free personalized online shopping experience pairs visitors with their own fashion stylist.

What are their top tips for launching your own tech-savvy style startup? “Take classes on the latest technologies, in branding and marketing, and in business and finance,” says Markas.

“There’s no substitute for getting out there as early as possible,” adds Kapoor. “It’s only when users interact with your product or service that you get an understanding of where you are and need to go.”

For more, check out the future of fashion at Electricfoxy, buzz-worthy e-store Shoptique and instant style advice from the fitting room with the Go Try It On app.

Bonus PINK Link: Check out how to turn your gadgets into fashion statements.

What’s your favorite fashion site? and and let us know!

By Caroline Cox

“Fashion is not frivolous. I am a businesswoman.” Donatella Versace