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New York: Busy shoppers in New York can now try on
sunglasses without stepping inside the store.
American department store Bloomingdale has introduced a new store-window
technology that lets passers-by see how they look in a variety of
designer sunglasses.
Virtual-reality technology projects designer shades onto shoppers who
simply stand in front of the Lexington Ave. windows, the New York Daily
News reported.
People tried out the technology in the Marc Jacobs window during a test
run before Thursday’s launch.
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There are six interactive windows in place through May 7, each showing
four women’s frames by a different designer. Other brands include Gucci,
Fendi, Miu Miu, Prada and Roberto Cavalli.
“This gives customers the opportunity to try on different style frames,”
said John Klimkowski, Bloomingdale’s operating vice president and
creative director of visual and merchandising presentation.
“It gives them a chance to play around to see which ones fit their faces
better. They can compare each of the designers’ styles,” he added.
The “Virtual Style Bar” windows work by aligning your eyes with ovals on
the glass. Once you’re in the right place, it takes a few seconds for
the sunglasses to appear on your face on a 42-inch HD flat screen.
Users can try on all four pairs in each window by tapping different
icons on the screen.
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“We are utilizing LCD screens that identify where your eyes are when you
look into the screen,” Klimkowski explained.
“The technology actually allows the customer to turn their head and see
how the sunglasses look on the side of their face. So they could see the
arm and how that rests,” he said.
“There’s always a challenge when we’re using technology in the windows
because of the amount of traffic that goes by. This was extremely
difficult because we had to get the technology so tight that the camera
wouldn’t lose contact with your face as other people passed,” stated
Klimkowski.
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It worked for most of the women trying it out.
The shades range in price from 250 dollars to 450 dollars.
In addition, shoppers who like what they see can tap the screen to print
out a picture of themselves in the shades.
The prints come out in the Sunglass Style Bar on the main floor of
Bloomingdale’s. There, a stylist can further guide customers on which
frames best match the face and hair, or direct them to their chosen
pair. |
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