I started hacking on this idea a while ago but lost interest, and didn't really think I could execute being a male with no sense for what women want online or fashion. However, my idea was a bit different, and I hope 99dresses can read this and ponder it.
Basically, my killer feature was piggy backing on Facebook. Women love to upload photos, the photos are usually of them looking good in their dresses, the social network is already there to provide viral growth. So basically all a user would have to do is select from photos they've already uploaded, and describe the dress. Then their friends could see who has what dress available and see what it looked like actually being worn on a dress model they personally know.
My model really only worked with immediate friends, and was based on borrowing. Monetization I imagined would come from advertising shoes, accessories, and other dresses etc. But who knows, maybe women are willing to buy dresses from their friends?
I had the same exact idea as you but unfortunately could not find the right technical co-founder. As some of the comments mentioned, most technical males do not get very excited when it comes to fashion :)
I think it can still be done though, so the best of luck to Nikki and all the other sites that are trying to solve this problem. It is a big market and someone is bound to find the right solution that will work for the masses.
Basically, my killer feature was piggy backing on Facebook. Women love to upload photos, the photos are usually of them looking good in their dresses, the social network is already there to provide viral growth. So basically all a user would have to do is select from photos they've already uploaded, and describe the dress. Then their friends could see who has what dress available and see what it looked like actually being worn on a dress model they personally know.
My model really only worked with immediate friends, and was based on borrowing. Monetization I imagined would come from advertising shoes, accessories, and other dresses etc. But who knows, maybe women are willing to buy dresses from their friends?