Glad Rags To Money Bags -- Selling With Online Interactive Fashions Shows

PLAYA DEL REY, CA., February 21, 2002 -- Now . . . Apparel and accessory Designers can add Online Interactive Fashion Shows in their existing Web site from 1st In Media Productions (http://www.1stinmedia.com/apparel). In this case, Interactive" means Web site visitors have the power to spin, pan (close-up), and zoom -- controlling professional fashion models or accessories with nothing more than a mouse and standard Web browser.

Glad Rags To Money Bags -- Selling With Online Interactive Fashions Shows

PLAYA DEL REY, CA., February 21, 2002 -- Now . . . Apparel and accessory Designers can add Online Interactive Fashion Shows in their existing Web site from 1st In Media Productions (http://www.1stinmedia.com/apparel). In this case, Interactive" means Web site visitors have the power to spin, pan (close-up), and zoom -- controlling professional fashion models or accessories with nothing more than a mouse and standard Web browser.

The company conducted an informal poll taken at the Los Angeles Cal Mart and New Mart during a recent Market. We found that many Designers do not consider the Internet as an important factor in apparel marketing. Many Designers dont know or realize that apparel sales are the second largest online market," reports Don Goss, Director of Interactive Fashion Shows for 1st In Media Production. Harris Interactive and Nielsen/NetRatings reported that in September, 2001, the apparel industry had $494,000,000 in online sales for that month. Thats 79% growth over the prior year. In an extensive study released last November by UCLA, 72.3% of Americans are online. Whether a Designer is pursuing eCommerce or just branding their label, Designers have a very inexpensive and timesaving way to present their collection, and close sales with industry Buyers that miss Market Week." Arguably, many boutiques may not be connected to the Internet, however, these Buyers will have access from home with fewer interruptions.

Online Interactive Fashion Shows are nothing like online video. Theyre 300% to 500% bigger, sharper, clearer, and faster! The Web site visitor controls the model or accessory and gets to examine the entire garment or accessory -- a much more compelling presentation for selling.

Interactive Fashion Shows are a very effective way for Designers and Reps to increase sales while reducing their selling expense. Reps can call Buyers and use 3D Fashion Shows in lieu of travel to Buyers in geographically less accessible locations. They can conduct 1 to 1 fashion shows as if the Buyers were right there in the showroom. This simplifies and shortens sales cycles with many Buyers that miss Market. Interactive Fashion Shows are online all the time, everywhere. Theyre inexpensive to produce and may be updated very quickly so revisiting Buyers can consider other styles for purchase. These production and updating costs are much cheaper than post cards or catalogs.

Buyers can easily see the fit and how fabrics drape as they turn the models. Models can fluff skirts and open jackets as they spin. Web site visitors can inspect small details (lace patterns, embroidery, etc.) through panning close up. Buyers quickly focus in on the exact styles they need, place an order, or request only the samples they need on Memo. 3D Online Interactive Fashion Shows load quickly for people using dial-up connections and visitors dont need to install special software or plug-ins."

3D Interactive Fashion Shows and product demonstrations can also be used for In-Store and Mall Kiosks or Trade Show as interactive or self-running presentations.

The November 2001 UCLA study showed that 65.2% of Internet users conduct research on the Web before buying at local stores. This demonstrates the importance of giving visitors a good first impression. Active user participation with Interactive 3D (i.e. spinning the models) produces a significantly higher Designer brand name recognition and recall than traditional passive roll media. People just dont forget you when theyre able to play with your models on their computer and really examine what they want," says Mr. Goss. With so many choices in this information overload culture, brand name recognition is critical to selling and customer loyalty with industry Buyers and ultimately, Consumers.

The most dramatic improvement in overall marketing strategy is achieved when incorporating Online Interactive Fashion Shows with traditional advertising media. But far too many print ads have page numbers that are larger than the Web address. Its important to get Buyers to the Designers Web site where they can get much more information about the collection. Print media needs to prominently displaying that the Designers collection is available online in 3D" with their Web address.

See samples at: http://www.1stinmedia.com/apparel

About 1st In Media Productions
1st In Media Productions is an interactive imaging studio based in the Los Angeles area. They provide photographic imaging services for interactive product demonstrations using fast loading user-controlled images for Internet dial-up delivery. Technology development, market response testing, and improving delivery for dial-up users was over two years in the making. By 2000, 1st In Media had perfected the process and delivery method for products. However, working with live models presented different conditions in achieving top quality results without an increase in price. By January 2002, after developing new production techniques specific to the apparel industry, Online Interactive Fashion Shows were finally tested and ready for prime time.