The Integrated Creative Process Behind Rat & Boa's Shopify Plus Transformation

Image: Rat & Boa

Rat & Boa has rapidly emerged as a leading name in influencer-driven fashion, celebrated for its daring designs and unique brand identity. To capitalise on their growing success and solidify their standing in the fiercely competitive direct-to-consumer (DTC) fashion market, founders Valentina Muntoni and Stephanie Cara Bennet enlisted DBCO. The goal: to transform their digital presence and enhance business performance.

In this article, we’ll uncover the details of this impactful collaboration, highlighting the strategic steps taken to bring the project to life. From an in-depth client workshop ensuring alignment on goals and vision, to a comprehensive brand refresh and bespoke retained services, we’ll demonstrate how DBCO provided seamless, in-house-level support to realise Rat & Boa’s ambitions and drive lasting growth.

Building the Foundations: Insights Through Audit and Workshops

To create a digital platform that truly reflects Rat & Boa’s bold identity and ambitious goals, we began with a deep dive into the brand’s existing ecosystem. Over the course of a week, we conducted a thorough site audit, analysing performance metrics, user behaviour, and technical capabilities to craft a strategic digital roadmap. This comprehensive audit allowed us to identify key opportunities and establish a clear priority list for the design sprints that would follow.

To ensure alignment and clarity, we complemented this with a two-day workshop alongside the Rat & Boa team. Together, we explored market positioning, brand credibility, and performance objectives, grounding every decision in the brand’s unique ethos and commercial aspirations. This collaborative approach set the stage for a seamless and focused process, laying the groundwork for a digital transformation that was as strategic as it was creative.

Collaborative Design, Tailored to Their Vision

At the heart of Rat & Boa’s digital transformation was a dynamic and collaborative design process tailored to their unique needs. Working in monthly sprints, we partnered with the founders and their team to refine every detail through iterative revision rounds, ensuring the final output aligned perfectly with their vision. Beyond the sprints, we provided hands-on support whenever needed, offering the flexibility and responsiveness of an in-house team within an agency framework. This approach not only streamlined decision-making but also ensured seamless integration of feedback, delivering a design process that was as efficient as it was impactful. This is a model of partnership that delivers both creative excellence and operational agility.

Members Only: Driving Long-Term Customer Engagement With Loyalty Lion

To foster deeper customer relationships, we worked closely with Rat & Boa to design and implement a loyalty program that rewards frequent shoppers with exclusive perks. By prioritising community-building and brand advocacy, this initiative seamlessly integrated into their mobile-first shopping experience, enhancing engagement at every touchpoint. Additionally, we collaborated with the client to develop immersive, shoppable lookbooks and editorials, weaving storytelling into the customer journey. This approach allowed us to showcase their collections in a way that captured their unique essence while driving purchase intent. Together, these strategies created a seamless, conversion-focused user experience, optimised for the brand’s predominantly mobile audience and built to encourage long-term connections.

Leveraging Technology to Empower DTC Growth

To support Rat & Boa’s expansion in the competitive DTC fashion market, we integrated a carefully selected tech stack to enhance performance, personalisation, and customer engagement:

Shopify Plus: A scalable and customisable platform that provided the foundation for a seamless shopping experience, tailored to the needs of a fast-growing fashion brand.
Klaviyo Flows: Automated and personalised email campaigns designed to boost customer retention and engagement, driving repeat purchases and brand loyalty.
Nosto Plug-in: Advanced personalisation tools that offered tailored product recommendations, creating a more dynamic and engaging shopping journey.
Loyalty Lion: The engine behind their exclusive members-only page and loyalty programme, rewarding frequent shoppers and fostering community connections.
Black Crow AI: Cutting-edge technology to accelerate email subscriber growth, optimising acquisition strategies for long-term success.

This integrated tech ecosystem empowered Rat & Boa to offer a premium shopping experience while supporting their brand loyalty initiatives and driving conversions.

At DBCO, we understand that every brand is unique, requiring a bespoke approach that reflects its individual goals and identity. Our collaboration with Rat & Boa is a testament to how we combine tried-and-tested methods with a personalised touch, ensuring every client receives the attention and support they deserve. From strategic workshops and detailed audits to monthly sprints and hands-on assistance, our team acts as an extension of your business—delivering the flexibility and responsiveness of an in-house team with the expertise and resources of a dedicated agency.

Whether it’s crafting immersive shopping experiences, implementing cutting-edge technology, or building long-term customer connections, we are committed to helping brands thrive in the fast-paced digital landscape. With DBCO, you gain more than a partner. You gain a team that’s invested in your success every step of the way.

Jane Kim – 12th December 2024