How Temitope Kamilu is revolutionizing fashion tech with AR and AI innovation

Temitope Kamilu, a digital marketer at Xplore Fashion World, shared how he is revolutionising fashion through technology. At this forward-thinking fashion tech company, he blends creativity with digital solutions to transform how we shop and connect with style. We sat down with Temitope to unpack his journey, his impactful projects, and his vision for fashion tech’s future.

Can you tell us about your background and what made you have a keen interest in technology?

I grew up in a rural community where technology was barely a thing. But when I got to secondary school and used a computer for the first time, it clicked, technology could make life easier and open doors. That moment stuck with me. When I joined Xplore Fashion World, I saw how tech could shake up something as traditional as fashion. It wasn’t just fascinating; it was the key to creating something new and meaningful.

As a technology enthusiast, what value do you think technology has on other non-tech industries?

Technology changes the game for any industry. It streamlines processes, makes things more accessible, and sparks better ways to connect with people. In fashion, it’s not just about online stores, it’s about personalising experiences, like virtual try-ons, or using AI to answer customer questions instantly. I’ve seen this at Xplore Fashion World, where tech has significantly improved how we engage customers. From agriculture to education, technology is helping every sector work smarter and reach more people globally.

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What tech-driven project have you done that has caused great impact?

One of my biggest wins was leading the rollout of Xplore Fashion World’s Virtual Try-On (VTO) feature, an augmented reality (AR) tool to tackle high return rates in online shopping. Customers were hesitant to buy clothes they couldn’t try on, so I proposed using AR, got the green light, and worked with Seven OZ, a skilled 3D fashion designer, to create interactive models hosted on Snapchat AR. Launched in 2023, it boosted conversion rates by 20%, cut returns by 15%, and increased session times by 27%, with over 100,000 interactions in six months. Leadership called it a “notable step forward in customer-focused tech,” and it’s helped Xplore Fashion World stand out as an industry leader.

That’s groundbreaking. What inspired this idea?

It started with customers telling us they were unsure about online purchases. As one of a select few global experts invited to Meta’s exclusive, invite-only AR/VR User Research Panel, I’d seen how AR could solve similar challenges in other fields. I thought, “This could work for fashion.” The VTO feature lets people see how clothes look on them without leaving home, making shopping easier and more confident. It’s practical and keeps Xplore Fashion World ahead of the curve.

How are you actively contributing to the tech ecosystem outside your immediate role?

I’m all about giving back to the tech community. In February 2025, I volunteered at Lagos Tech Fest, a major event with over 2,000 attendees, including startups, investors, and government officials. I helped organize networking sessions and supported the Nigeria Tech Leadership Roundtable, connecting industry leaders to shape the future of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. I also share insights through LinkedIn articles on fashion tech, and mentor young Nigerian professionals to bring tech into their work. My Meta AR/VR Panel role and a Forbes BLK membership have helped me build global connections, which I’m grateful for.

How has technology affected you in your day-to-day activities as a digital marketer at Xplore Fashion World?

Tech is at the heart of what I do. I use AI tools to optimise ads, refine SEO, and create content that resonates. Our email campaigns got a 25% boost in open rates thanks to data insights. I also came up with the idea for an AI-powered chatbot and led its deployment on Xplore Fashion World’s e-commerce platform, replacing a sluggish LiveChat system. It now offers 24/7 customer support, walking you through our e-commerce platform, cutting response times by 40%, and improving customer satisfaction by 25%, and reducing support costs by 36%. These tools let me work smarter and deliver results that matter.

What excites you most about the future of fashion tech?

I’m excited about how tech is making fashion more creative and accessible. From AI personalizing shopping to virtual reality creating immersive experiences, the possibilities are endless. The chatbot Ideployed is a great example of simplifying customer interactions, and I’m eager to explore things like sustainable fabrics or blockchain for transparency. Helping shape a future where fashion is inclusive and eco-friendly is what drives me.

What are your long-term goals as an emerging leader in tech?

I want to create tech solutions that uplift fashion markets, especially in Africa, by making product discovery easier and more sustainable. I’d love to co-found a platform that connects local designers to global customers. I also hope to influence policies that bring more tech into creative industries, building on my Forbes BLK recognition. My aim is to be a global voice for technology that includes everyone.

How do you stay ahead in the ever-changing tech sector?

I make learning a priority. I took an AI in Marketing course and joined the Fusion Fashion Tech Society to stay in the loop. Testing out tools like CRM systems or analytics keeps me sharp. Making research also helps me spot trends early. Staying curious is what keeps me moving forward.

What advice would you give to young professionals who are passionate about tech but are entering non-tech industries?

Think of technology as your toolkit. Learn the basics, figure out what’s holding your industry back, and use technology to fix it. In fashion, AR builds trust with customers; in other fields, it might streamline workflows. Take online courses, connect with innovators, and keep trying new things. Tech can make you stand out, no matter where you work.

Temitope Kamilu’s story is a reminder that passion and technology can transform industries. From his innovative projects at Xplore Fashion World to his contributions to Nigeria’s tech scene, he’s helping build a brighter future for fashion tech.