First Prize for Innovation in Fashion Retail in Italy
The Romanian startup wins over the Innovation Village Retail jury with an AI platform to reduce returns in online shopping. 3D technology, customisation and sustainability become new levers to revolutionise fashion retail.

Why the First Prize for Innovation in Fashion Retail in Italy Matters
Irisphera was awarded First Prize at the Innovation in Fashion Retail in Italy during Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags, one of Europe’s leading international events dedicated to fashion retail, footwear, and accessories innovation. The recognition highlighted Irisphera’s contribution to the future of digital commerce through artificial intelligence, virtual try-on technology, and personalized shopping experiences.
The competition brought together emerging startups focused on solving major challenges within the retail industry. Irisphera stood out for its ability to combine AI-powered recommendations, computer vision, and virtual mannequin technology into a platform that helps consumers discover clothing better suited to their body shape, measurements, and personal preferences. By improving purchase accuracy, the platform helps brands reduce costly return rates while increasing customer satisfaction.
A central aspect of Irisphera’s vision is creating a more sustainable online shopping ecosystem. Through personalized sizing guidance and realistic garment visualization, the platform encourages more informed purchasing decisions, reducing unnecessary returns, transportation emissions, and product waste. This approach aligns with the growing demand for smarter and more environmentally responsible retail solutions.
Winning the competition represented an important milestone in Irisphera’s international expansion and validated the company’s position within the rapidly growing fashion-tech sector. The award also reinforced the relevance of AI-driven personalization as one of the key technologies shaping the next generation of online fashion commerce.
The recognition at Expo Riva Schuh further strengthened Irisphera’s mission of helping fashion brands deliver more personalized, efficient, and customer-focused shopping experiences while building a more sustainable future for digital retail.
The award also highlighted the growing importance of innovation in addressing some of the fashion industry’s most pressing challenges. As online retail continues to expand globally, brands are increasingly searching for solutions that can improve customer confidence while reducing operational costs. Technologies that combine artificial intelligence, personalization, and immersive shopping experiences are becoming essential tools for retailers seeking sustainable growth.
A key factor behind Irisphera’s recognition was its ability to deliver measurable business value. By helping shoppers find products that better match their body shape, preferences, and style, the platform contributes to higher conversion rates and lower return volumes. This creates benefits for both retailers and consumers, making online fashion shopping more efficient and enjoyable.
The competition also provided an opportunity to showcase how advanced digital technologies can support the future of fashion commerce. Through its AI-powered virtual mannequin and personalized recommendation engine, Irisphera demonstrates how data-driven solutions can bridge the gap between physical and digital shopping experiences.
Receiving the First Prize for Innovation in Fashion Retail in Italy further strengthened Irisphera’s international visibility and opened new opportunities for collaboration with fashion brands, retailers, and technology partners across Europe. The recognition confirms the company’s commitment to building innovative tools that improve customer satisfaction while supporting a more sustainable retail ecosystem.
As the fashion industry continues to embrace digital transformation, solutions focused on personalization, virtual try-on technology, and intelligent shopping assistance are expected to play an increasingly important role. Irisphera’s success at Innovation Village Retail demonstrates how emerging technologies can create meaningful value for businesses while improving the overall customer journey.
The recognition also reflects the growing demand for AI-powered fashion retail solutions that improve customer experiences while supporting sustainable business growth.
Source: FotoShoe Magazine – Irisphera Wins the Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags Startup Competition.
LATEST NEWS
Irisphera in the Press
Recent media coverage, awards, partnerships, and company milestones.

Oracle Partnership Accelerates Global Growth
Strategic collaboration with Oracle strengthens Irisphera’s enterprise capabilities and expands access to global fashion retail…

First Prize for Innovation in Fashion Retail in Italy
The Romanian startup wins over the Innovation Village Retail jury with an AI platform to…

Scaling AI-powered Fashion Personalization
Irisphera leads the digital transformation in fashion retail with AI and computer vision to tackle…


