SpreeAI, the fashion tech startup redefining virtual shopping experiences, has reached a $1.5 billion valuation after a recent funding round led by The Davidson Group. The AI-powered fashion app allows users to virtually allows users to try on clothes in an experience so lifelike it feels like you’re in a real dressing room. Designed for use both in-store and online, SpreeAI blends cutting-edge technology with real-world retail to transform how consumers shop and how brands sell. SpreeAI valued at $1.5 billion Co-founded and led by CEO John Imah, SpreeAI has
Vogue is receiving backlash for the use of an AI-generated model in its August issue. The double-page Guess advertisement, created by AI marketing agency Seraphinne Vallora, features a blonde model wearing two different outfits. Seraphinne Vallora specializes in “editorial-level AI-driven marketing campaigns and cinematic videos.” The agency has previously worked on editorial shoots featured in Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. Seraphinne Vallora told the BBC that it created 10 draft models for Guess cofounder Paul Marciano, who ultimately selected one brunette and one blonde. When asked about the choice of race for the model,
Wisdom Kaye, the Nigerian-born content creator known for his high-fashion TikTok videos, has secured a coveted spot on Forbes’ Top Creators 2025 list. The annual ranking highlights the most influential internet personalities worldwide, taking into account estimated earnings, follower counts, engagement rates, and entrepreneurial ventures. From engineering to editorial Born in Nigeria, Kaye moved to Houston, Texas, with his family at the age of 4. He later enrolled at Texas State University, where he pursued a degree in electrical engineering. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kaye redirected his energy toward
Fashion-tech startup Doji raised $14 million in seed funding, days after publicly launching on the App Store. Techcrunch reports that the funding led by Thrive Capital, with participation from Seven Seven Six Ventures, will be used to upgrade Doji’s AI models. “At Doji we’re building the most personal way to shop for fashion online. Create your photorealistic AI likeness and try on real clothes. Doji is designed to encourage play – helping you feel confident, explore new looks and find pieces you’ll love,” Doji’s founder, Dorian Dargan, said on LinkedIn. What is Doji?
Sustainable fashion has become more popular in the past few years, with more consumers acknowledging the damage fast fashion does to the planet. In a worldwide survey by Statista, over one-quarter of consumers said they had made a significant change toward buying more sustainable products. Additionally, fashion lovers are realising the benefits of investing in pieces, so more individuals have started renting their clothes. In 2025, the US clothing and apparel rental market was expected to be worth $1.5 billion, according to IBIS World. It makes sense; why spend hundreds of dollars on
At just 12 years old, Alyssa Awuah has become the youngest-ever winner at the PRECIOUS Awards, a platform celebrating the achievements of Black women and girls in the UK. Alyssa, the Co-Founder and “mini-CEO” of Frobelles—a dress-up game empowering kids to embrace afro hair—was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the event sponsored by Santander and supported by the Joseph Levy Foundation. Frobelles Game Champions Afro Hair Frobelles was born from Alyssa’s curiosity as a six-year-old, asking her mother, Yvonne Ottley, why none of her game characters resembled her
BET has partnered with Cistus Media to launch Shop With BET, a curated online marketplace that celebrates Black-owned and inclusive brands. Celebrating Black Businesses Unveiled just in time for the holiday season, Shop With BET offers an exclusive selection of culturally inspired products, showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurship of Black founders and small businesses. “This partnership is about more than just commerce; it’s about creating a platform that celebrates diversity and empowers our communities,” Candi Carter, CEO of Cistus Media, said in a statement. “We are committed to curating an experience
Fashion tech startup Aesthetic has unveiled its AI platform, Alma, which promises to transform social media shopping by enabling users to identify and purchase clothing directly from social media posts. Often described as a “Shazam for clothes,” Alma uses proprietary AI to analyze visuals and offer direct shopping links, allowing users to easily browse and buy items featured on Instagram and, soon, TikTok. Aesthetic’s New Social Commerce Tool Gains Early Momentum Aesthetic’s launch follows a beta phase, during which Alma drew over 80,000 users to its waitlist. The AI concierge,
Target has introduced ÜNOS by Sz, a new line of sneakers that expands to fit growing feet. The expandable sneakers are the brainchild of Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, a footwear designer and president of Pensole Lewis College, a design-focused HBCU in Detroit. Edwards has over 30 years of experience designing for top brands like Nike, L.A. Gear, and icons like Tupac and Michael Jordan, Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, and Nas. A Unique Approach to Affordable Footwear ÜNOS by Sz, which stands for “U Need One Size,” offers more than 15 styles
The Hollywood Reporter’s “Creator A-List: The 50 Most Influential Influencers” highlights digital stars reshaping entertainment through innovation and influence. Black creators on the list are leading the way, proving their value through cultural impact and trendsetting content. Here’s a look at the Black influencers making their mark on this year’s list. Kai Cenat (@kaicenat) At just 22, Kai Cenat is a force to be reckoned with on Twitch, where his comedic content and live streams have garnered a massive following. Notable for featuring rappers like Lil Baby, 21 Savage, and
