Artificial intelligence to replace the stylist

Zalando’s programmers have created an algorithm that identifies clothing items and then combines them into a complete outfit. The learning process was carried out by entering test data. More than 200,000 Zalando’s outfits have been used for this purpose. “Customers often tell us that they have difficulties in combining items and they appreciate fashion advice,” says Marta Skassa, the AFC product manager. With AFC Zalando can offer an unlimited number of free suggestions that will be based on previous customer purchases and interests. The system creates outfits based on the so-called ‘base elements’ – items that customers have recently purchased or added to their wish list. The system then recommends a maximum of three additional matching products. AFC is now ready for launching. It will be available on all 17 Zalando markets. Another innovative system based on algorithms is an intelligent chatbot that will help customers choose the right gift. The tool has been available on the German market since October. Zalando works on this project with Google. First, the service will be available to users of Android smartphones. After asking a few questions, the chatbot using the Google Assistant application will offer the customer a choice of the right gifts that can be ordered and purchased immediately through the Zalando platform. The German online platform currently uses chatbots to communicate with clients on social media i.e. Facebook and Messenger.