In celebration of its sixtieth anniversary, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has partnered with The Sandbox metaverse to release its first collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), as well as a virtual fashion exhibition.
Available on CFDA.bnv.me from December 12-16, the NFT collection boasts renowned American fashion brands, including Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Wes Gordon for Caroline Herrera, Vivienne Tam, and Willy Chavarria. The fashion exhibition in The Sandbox is on December 19.
Bringing big-name fashion designers into virtual spaces is not without its challenges, as designers are sticklers for detail. It’s a particular issue because The Sandbox is a low-resolution voxel-based metaverse. The solution is to create high-quality graphics displayed on the walls in The SandBox, essentially utilizing The SandBox as a stage for the fashion exhibition. However, apart from the seven designers, other members have created voxel-based fashion for avatars in The SandBox.
The collection will be powered by Polygon Studios and brought to life by BNV, an NFT platform that has experience in virtual fashion exhibitions, having previously implemented projects for big and small names such as style magazine Dazed.
While the opening bid for the collection starts at $15 000, with proceeds going to charity, each of the seven one-of-a-kind NFTs comes with unique utility benefits, giving collectors access to luxury perks and experiences beyond the value of the digital artwork.
The Diane von Furstenberg NFT includes a customized specially embroidered DVF wrap dress, an invitation to two fashion events and a meet and greet with the fashion designer Diane herself.
The Tommy Hilfiger NFT includes an all-expenses paid trip to the next Tommy Hilfiger brand experience with a guest, and a custom-made replica of the NFT rugby top, signed by Mr. Tommy Hilfiger.
Meanwhile, various high-end fashion brands are leveraging NFTs to educate and attract clientele. For instance, LVMH-owned cognac brand Hennessy recently launched an exclusive luxury web3 social club aimed at curating distinctive experiences across the globe for members, whereby membership comes in the form of an NFT featuring bespoke digital artwork. The Timex watch brand is launching exclusive one-of-a-kind timepieces and digital twin NFTs available to owners of Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs.
