Dharpan.ai and the Rise of the Smart Mirror Experience
Trying on clothes could soon be as effortless as tapping a notification. Dharpan.ai combines AI powered smart mirrors and virtual trial rooms to transform how people shop for fashion both in store and online. Founded in 2022 in Hyderabad, the company builds its own hardware and proprietary algorithm to deliver fast, accurate virtual try on experiences that help retailers reduce friction and increase conversions.
What Dharpan.ai does
Dharpan.ai develops smart mirrors and a virtual trial room platform that lets shoppers see garments on a digital avatar or live reflection within seconds. Key features include:
- Near instantaneous try on in around 2.5 seconds
- Real time inventory tracking displayed at the mirror
- Online virtual try on via uploaded photos or preset avatars
- Notifications for new arrivals so customers can try items from anywhere
These features create a seamless omnichannel experience. Whether a shopper is standing at a retail entrance or browsing an ecommerce store, they can preview fit, switch colors and sizes, and check availability without stepping into a physical trial room.
Technology and product design
Unlike many solutions that rely on third party tools, Dharpan.ai has built both its hardware and software in house. The company designs sleek six foot mirrors optimized for retail placement and powers them with a custom algorithm that scans and renders garments visually. The mirror also displays fabric information to give shoppers a better sense of material and feel through visual cues.
Owning the core AI provides multiple advantages:
- Full control over performance and user experience
- Protection of intellectual property
- Faster iteration based on retailer feedback
This approach positions Dharpan.ai as a fashion tech startup focused on reliable, in store ready hardware combined with flexible online solutions for ecommerce brands.
Business model and pricing
Dharpan.ai began by selling its smart mirror hardware for a one time price. To lower barriers to adoption, the company shifted to a subscription model. Current pricing is designed for standalone stores and multi location deployments:
- Single store subscription includes up to 500 product uploads for a monthly fee of Rs 25,000
- Multi store packages for up to five locations are available for Rs 35,000 per month
The subscription model removes heavy upfront costs, allowing retailers to pilot the technology, adapt based on customer behavior and scale gradually. This flexibility has proven to be a game changer for small and medium sized retailers.
Traction and market expansion
Since launching mirror installations in 2023 with brands like Monte Carlo and My Perfect Fit, Dharpan.ai now serves 17 clients and is piloting devices with several European brands. The startup has engaged regional partners to enter markets such as Australia, Singapore and multiple European countries where brands have shown willingness to pay premium monthly fees.
Operating with a small team from Hyderabad and limited external funding, Dharpan.ai remains largely bootstrapped while commanding growing interest from retailers and potential investors in the fashion industry.
Benefits for retailers and shoppers
Smart mirrors and virtual trial rooms offer measurable benefits:
- Higher conversion rates as shoppers make confident buying decisions
- Reduced trial room bottlenecks and improved store throughput
- Better inventory transparency with live stock counts
- Enhanced customer engagement through notifications and immersive experiences
The technology also appeals across demographics from Gen Z shoppers to older adults, and can turn shopping into a more playful and exploratory experience.
Competitive landscape and outlook
Globally, a few players are building similar smart mirror solutions. In India Dharpan.ai cites minimal direct competition, with traditional trial rooms remaining the primary alternative. International competitors may have stronger funding, but Dharpan.ai’s focus on product quality, IP ownership and a subscription friendly model helps it differentiate.
The company is actively pursuing partnerships and investor interest from fashion industry stakeholders who understand retail dynamics and product adoption challenges.
Conclusion and call to action
Dharpan.ai offers a practical path to modernize retail fitting rooms with AI powered smart mirrors and virtual try on experiences that increase conversions and simplify operations. Retailers interested in piloting a smart mirror, or investors exploring fashion tech opportunities, can reach out to learn how the technology fits their stores and growth plans. Smart shopping is no longer a vision it is a retail reality you can adopt today.
