Lookk

Lookk, founded in 2010 and based in London, operated as a community-driven e-commerce platform connecting fashion designers with consumers. The company was established by co-founders Andreas Klinger, Tamas Locher, Yane Frenski, and Gilbert Wedam. Initially launched as Garmz, the venture rebranded to Lookk in 2011, securing an undisclosed amount in a Seed funding round on August 11, 2011, with participation from investors including 500 Global, Kima Ventures, and Eden Ventures. Co-founder Tamas Locher described the move from Austria to London as a strategic decision to be in a more dynamic environment for an internet-based company.

The business model centered on being a curated social platform where emerging fashion designers could upload their designs. These designs were then voted on by the platform's user community. Winning designs were subsequently produced and distributed by Lookk, which managed the entire product development cycle, including manufacturing and associated costs. This demand-driven production model was intended to reduce waste and inefficiency by producing smaller, confirmed batches, effectively acting as an incubator for fashion talent. The platform aimed to provide designers with crucial market data and a direct route to market without the need for their own production infrastructure.

Lookk's service provided a direct channel between creators and their target audience, allowing for instant feedback and fostering a community around new fashion trends. For consumers, it offered a way to discover and purchase unique pieces from up-and-coming designers. For designers, it lowered the barrier to entry by handling the business aspects of production and distribution, allowing them to focus on the creative process. Despite its initial funding and innovative concept, the company is now listed as deadpooled. Keywords: Lookk, Garmz, fashion e-commerce, community commerce, designer platform, social fashion, demand-driven fashion, fashion incubator, Andreas Klinger, Tamas Locher, Yane Frenski, Gilbert Wedam, 500 Global, Kima Ventures, Eden Ventures, fashion tech, London startup, direct-to-consumer fashion, emerging designers