Carine La Roche reflects on an incredible four year journey as she departs digital fashion company DRESSX

Carine La Roche is stepping away from her role as VP of Global Partnerships at DRESSX.

She plans to continue her work at House of Innovation Consulting and will be on the look out for new opportunities.

In a LinkedIn post, she said: “I’m reflecting on an incredible journey over these (almost) four years. It has been an honour to lead transformative projects, collaborate with visionary partners, and help redefine how fashion, beauty and technology intersect.”

Highlights, she added, have included leading the strategy and execution of the world’s first digital AR fashion mirror at Printemps in 2021.

Elsewhere, a Coca-Cola Dreamworld campaign, enabling customers to engage with AR by scanning bottles, and pitching Warner Music Group on the concept of digital merchandise for artists these projects were pivotal.

“Warner Music Group not only embraced the vision but became an investor, enabling campaigns like Tiago PZK’s collection, the Dominoes digital fashion collection featuring AI virtual popstar noonoouri, and the historic Hip Hop 50th Anniversary celebration,” La Roche said.

She continued: “Through collaborations with H&M, Maisie Williams, Google, and The Fabricant, we spearheaded the first ever digital fashion campaign, redefining how technology supports brand storytelling and sustainability. Highlights include the Salomon XT-6 10th Anniversary campaign, Google Pixel’s “Material You” collection, and teaching digital transformation at ESMOD International.”

“Collaborating with DRUNK ELEPHANT and Shiseido, we redefined beauty in the digital space with AR aesthetics at SEPHORiA, SEPHORA’s largest annual event -showcasing how digital innovation elevates beauty experiences.”

“These efforts contributed to raising $15 million in funding and earned recognition as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2023. Being selected by La Maison des Startups LVMH as one of the most innovative startups further validated the impact of these initiatives on the future of fashion tech.”

La Roche concluded: “I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the world’s most iconic brands. While these accomplishments were truly a team effort, I am proud of the creativity, trust, and collaboration that brought these ideas to life.”

“As I move forward, I will continue consulting through House of Innovation Consulting and remain open to exciting opportunities that allow me to drive impact and lead transformative initiatives.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Startups were a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended last week’s gathering.