Last update on: 3:50 am December 26, 2023 by fashionabc
The pace of creativity and digital innovation is rapidly increasing in fashion and there is a race among fashion brands to innovate and stay ahead of the curve in this fast -paced industry. These are interesting times as the metaverse aims to democratise fashion by allowing anyone with a computer and certain software to showcase their ideas, designs and collections. Per Morgan Stanley, Web 3.0 revenue opportunities for the fashion and luxury industries could amount to $50 billion by 2030 with NFTs and social gaming presenting the main areas for growth. And with AI also taking centre stage in fashion, it’s time to examine the effect the metaverse and artificial intelligence will have on a fashion brand or a designer’s representation, visibility and identity.
Making headlines in this realm is French luxury fashion house Balmain which has once again unveiled a limited-edition phygital version of its iconic Unicorn sneakers in collaboration with digital fashion community SpaceRunners. For this release, Balmain collaborated with Ant Kai, an acclaimed American artist known for his inventive custom sneakers, injecting a fresh dynamic spin into the best-selling Unicorn. These one-of-a-kind Unicorn sneakers can be found at Balmain’s Atlanta flagship as well as its e-commerce site and speak to a younger consumer base. Additionally, the digital collectibles will be minted on Polygon, a blockchain known for its dedication to sustainability and eco-conscious practices. This presents users with the opportunity to mint their own creations, embracing the platform’s environmentally friendly principles and fostering a new era of conscientious digital artistry. With the assistance of an AI tool, users can don the mantle of an artist and create their own personalized NFTs.
This unique Unicorn will showcase the distinctive flair of Ant Kai, while underlining the remarkable streamlined silhouette of Balmain’s luxury Unicorn sneaker. The partnership with Ant Kai highlights Balmain’s history of embracing diverse talent and fresh perspectives, spotlighting the luxury fashion brand’s history of rebellion and innovation. By associating with the artist, Balmain aims not just to create a new spin on a best-selling design—it is also crafting a narrative that resonates with a broader audience. Earlier this year, Space Runners and Balmain made headlines when they joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind collection of digital-wearables and physical apparel. The collaboration, which was presented during Paris Fashion Week, was a stunning display of both brands’ credibility in the luxury fashion industry.
