An affordable AI fashion app that uses a chatbox to allow users to input any luxury item for cheaper and more sustainable options.
Role:
Co-Developer
Team:
2 Developers, 3 Creatives
Languages:
Swift
Tools:
OpenAI API, Figma, Canva, GitHub
Overview
Solution
Dupelocator is an AI-powered fashion app that helps users find high-quality, sustainable alternatives to luxury items. Using a chatbox interface, users can describe any luxury product, and our AI provides affordable, eco-friendly options that serve the same purpose.
Unlike traditional dupe culture, our app focuses on shifting the narrative—emphasizing sustainability and smart shopping rather than just mimicking designer brands.
Secondary Research
Why Pair AI with Fashion?
The emergence of OpenAI with ChatGPT have created a generative AI divide, with 70% of users being Gen Z. Gen Z uses forms of generative AI to save time, learn new things, make informed decisions, and help with their success in school or at work.
Learn more here.
Generative AI is changing the way we build apps
New forms of AI have changed the course of app development. Many companies have rewritten and rethought their existing applications in order to embrace the new possibilities that AI offers.
Learn more here.
Dupe culture can benefit brands
As consumers continue to face rising inflation rates, they are turning towards more affordable options. Brands that sell less high-end products are benefiting from this change in consumer behavior.
Learn more here.
Primary Research: Interviews & surveys with students
In addition to our own research, we conducted a survery & interviews to refine our problem & narrow the scope of our platform
Some (not all) of our data points:
Demographics:
After providing users with a brief description of the term “dupe,” we asked them “What are your thoughts on dupes? Please indicate in your response whether you have heard this term before.”:
Participants were asked: “What are the most important factors for you when choosing fashion apps to use?”
Findings
01
Finding fashion alternatives is not always easy.
Many users struggle to research and discover affordable, sustainable dupes due to inconsistencies in available resources and lack of centralized information.
02
Simplicity and accessibility matter.
Users prefer a platform that balances ease of use with reliable and diverse product recommendations, making the process of finding quality alternatives seamless.
03
Dupes are a popular yet divisive topic.
While some consumers embrace dupes as budget-friendly and sustainable alternatives, others remain skeptical due to concerns over quality, ethics, and brand loyalty.
04
Convenience drives engagement.
Users are more likely to search for fashion alternatives if the process is quick, digestible, and integrates seamlessly into their shopping habits.
Beta
Check out our Trailer!
Reflection
What did I learn?
AI Models can be pricy
A good amount of time was spent researching for affordable models that our college pocket change could handle. My co-developer & I have seen some outrageous prices.
Learning Xcode
While I have experience with mobile apps, learning Swift with XCode for the first time was a different ballgame. Another reminder on how apps are so much more different that websites but there’s still so much to learn!
Fashion & Tech CAN go together
I believe this was my first real experience in the Fashion Tech industry. I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project, as fashion and sustainability are two of my key interests. Through this experience, I realized that technology can extend into industries in unexpected ways, which ultimately sparked my passion for Fashion Tech.