In September, SALON TODAY participated in Perfect Corp’s 10^th annual Global Beauty and Fashion AI Forum, bringing a panel of salon owners who are embracing AI in unique, consumer-connected ways. Joining SALON TODAY's Stacey Soble on stage for a dynamic conversation was Scott Buchanan, owner of Scott J Salon Group and the president of the Intercoiffure America Canada, Michaella Blissett-Williams, owner of [salon] 718, Justin DePasquale, co-owner of DePasquale The Spa, and Sam Brocato, owner of Sam Brocato Salon. 

Our panel topped off an exciting day of sessions featuring top beauty and fashion executives discussing how artificial intelligence and augmented reality are shaping the future of beauty and fashion, changing the way consumers discover, shop for and purchase both services and products, in person and online. 

Experiencing was believing for the event’s attendees. In addition to several showcases of AI/AR technology, participants enjoyed a fashion show featuring looks from New York Fashion Week. Then, in an AI-powered interactive presentation in partnership with Nolchas Shows, they were invited to try on the featured runway looks using Perfect Corp.’s precise Generative AI technology, bringing the cutting-edge creativity of the designers to life in a fully immersive experience.

Throughout the day, several experts offered testimony to how AI is already bringing personalization, customization, and engagement to all kinds of beauty and fashion experiences: 

• In a fireside chat with Perfect Corp. President Wayne Liu, Angelica Munson, global chief digital officer at Shiseido set the stage, when she said, “AI is redefining the way we experience beauty and fashion.”

• In a panel focused on Beauty’s AI renaissance, Chris Payne, CEO of Jane Iredale shared, “The power of the virtual try-on is real—we’ve seen consumers spend 20% more time on our site, and a 9% lift in sales.” 

• Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kay Durairaj pointed out, “It’s so much easier to deliver the results a patient wants when she can show me an example of her expectations—for example, how big she’d want her Cupid’s bow.” 

• “Post-COVID, consumers were eager to return to stores to shop, but we need to continue to give them a reason to keep coming back,” offered Fashion and Luxury Retail Expert Marie Driscoll. “This in-store experience has to be better than the online experience.”

In the SALON TODAY session, the owners shared how AI is enhancing their individual business operations:

• Scott Buchanan detailed why he felt AI was so important; he made it the sole focus of Intercoiffure’s two-day Spring Gathering, and he shared how AI advancements are alleviating some operational responsibilities in the salon, allowing the team to focus on delivering a higher-touch experience to guests. 

• Michaella Blissett-Williams described how learning her seven-location operation missed 4,000 calls last December led her to partner with Rozie AI, which developed Brook, an AI reservations agent. 

• Justin DePasquale offered his observations after trialing Perfect Corp.’s Skincare Pro Before & After simulator in both the retail and consultation areas of his spa, and how he believes it will enhance the guest experience as well as lead to increased service and retail sales. 

• And, Sam Brocato shares how he utilizes AI platforms as Co-CEO, guiding his daily leadership focus, as well as how they are helping him build his own app to onboard new hires.