This week we chat with the co-founder of Monogram, Kristen Slowe to learn more about the personalized shopping app, and how fashion and retail are moving onto new digital platforms.
With over 10 years experience in fashion, Kristen has worked for a range of outlets including Fortune 500 retail companies and most recently, e-commerce menswear company Sabøteur. She is also a recipient of the Wilkes Bashford Award for Excellence in Merchandise Product Development, in addition to her role as director of content for Monogram.
Q: How did you get started in the fashion industry?
Kristen: I started making jewelry when I was 8 and selling it to friends and family. After college my first job was with the corporate office of TJX Inc. Cos (owner of TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Winners among others). I was being paid to work with merchandise. It was heaven! After a move to San Francisco, I transitioned toward e-commerce.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about Sabøteur?
Kristen: Sabøteur was the menswear line that I started and designed previous to joining Monogram. It came out of what I saw as a void in mens clothing. Easy pieces that could translate into a guys exiting wardrobe. Sabøteur’s motto, “You’re a man. Dress like one.” is very true. A persons appearance is their opener.
Q: What made you get interested in technology? How did you get on board with building this app?
Kristen: I’ve always had an interest in technology- how it simplifies things, the design of it, and its impact on our lives. My father is a scientist & techie and so is my husband, so technology has and is a big part of my life. My co-founder Leo and I have known each other for a while, and have a good friend in common. With working on Monogram, it’s amazing to have direct input into it’s creation and building something from the ground up. Helping consumers browse and shop more intuitive and concisely is something I think about every time I shop. Monogram allows me to join two passions, shopping and technology.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about what’s happening at Monogram and what you’re most excited about for the near future?
Kristen: We’re gearing up for our official Demo Day as part of our being in the 500 Startups Incubator. There are two Demo Days in the San Francisco Bay Area and one in New York City. Simultaneously we’re working toward launching our app, which is currently in alpha. I’m working with stylists and affiliates to ensure that we offer the best shopping experience on the iPad.
Q: Do you think e-commerce, in a small sense, can sometimes over saturate the retail market? What positive differences have you found that an online platform offers to retailers, which stores may not?
Kristen: Having an online platform allows designers and stores to sell to a more varied clientele than they might otherwise be unable to reach. Inventory risks are lessened as well, it can be more cost-effective to have goods in one warehouse location to ship to the customer. Designers and stores can a/b test with a smaller investment. It offers another growth vehicle within an existing customer base. Online retailing is always open, so browsing and shopping can be done whenever, wherever. That’s got to be a good thing.
Q: With an exponentially growing number of new and innovative e-commerce platforms, what makes Monogram stand out from the rest?
Intuitive browsing. Monogram can show you designers and items that the customer wants, and the same for ones it does not. Based on these preference, it will show users items they may like. Alerts customers to sales as well as new merchandise.
Q: What are your future aspirations for Monogram?
Kristen: To offer the best iPad shopping experience. Monogram is a one-stop-shop of your favorite brands, a customizable dashboard, and curated looks to browse and shop by stylists. The app adapts and learns as customers shop and browse, learning preferences and sizes. This eliminates the needs for repeated search and filtering.
