Fashion bloggers are squealing that Google's going into the fashion business, following an invitation for a swanky NYC launch event this Wednesday, where "high tech fuses with high fashion." Supposedly, they'll be using image-recognition software from their Like.com acquisition.
After spotting the whispers on Twitter, I looked up the domain registrant of Boutiques.com, which appears to be Like.com. Google bought the fashion site, which uses image-recognition software to find similar items, back in August. The domain changed hands to Like.com on 19th July, and is obviously now owned by Google too.
A fashion site might seem like an odd choice for Google, but for anyone who's got a girlfriend, sister or friend who's addicted to online shopping it only figures that Google would want a slice of that big, financial pie. I myself buy most of my clothes online now—so a one-stop destination to major fashion brands (said to be 19 high-end American designers, as well as retailers such as Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, Selfridges and Shopbop) certainly interests me (and my lack of time). [Frockwriter via @LDNFashion]