While a lot of people still don't know it, Ralph Lauren is a fashion house that is really ahead of the curve, when it comes to integrating technology with fashion and shopping, as well as in the range of creative innovation the house produces.
In Ralph Lauren's new US Open campaign, for example, the American fashion house has integrated QR Codes.
"QR Codes storing addresses and URLs may appear in magazines, on signs, buses" and business cards Wikipedia explains. "A user having a camera phone equipped with the correct reader software can scan the image of the QR Code causing the phone's browser to launch and redirect to the programmed URL."
If that's not enough, Ralph Lauren has installed an interactive window in their NYC store. As seen in the gallery, it resembles a giant newspaper page reading, "The New Rugby.com" as the headline.
Using a camera phone, visitors can "window shop" by choosing through the catalog or 'looks' section, then choose size, color and snap a photo of the UPC (QR) code, then beam it to the store who will then ship the item to your address; you don't even need to step inside!
In addition, Ralph Lauren has completely redesigned their site to ensure they keep up to date with the latest web design, like an interactive flash look-book, to compliment their of-the-moment fashion savvy.
I'm most excited about the "Make Your Own" rugby shirt which is "coming soon." You pick the basic design and colour, style it with crests and numbers, and then Rugby.com custom makes it for you!
Check out some more Ralph Lauren innovations below as well as some more on QR and UPC codes.
Fashion Buying Technology
Ralph Lauren's QR Codes and Interactive Windows
Trend Themes
1. Integration of Technology and Fashion - Opportunity for fashion brands to explore creative ways of integrating technology into the shopping experience.
2. QR Codes in Marketing - Emerging trend of using QR codes in advertising and marketing campaigns to provide interactive experiences for consumers.
3. Interactive Retail Experiences - Growth in the use of interactive windows and displays in retail stores to enhance the shopping experience and attract customers.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Retail - Fashion retailers can leverage technology to create innovative and interactive shopping experiences for customers.
2. Marketing and Advertising - Companies in the marketing and advertising industry can explore new opportunities using QR codes to engage consumers.
3. Retail Technology - Retail technology companies can develop interactive display solutions to help retailers enhance customer engagement and drive sales.