NFT Art and Fashion: What to wear in the metaverse?

NFT Fashion - self expression extends beyond the material world and the possibilities are seemingly endless in the metaverse

As the metaverse expands and the lines between reality and virtual reality reach the level of co-existence, it’s only natural that commodities such as fashion are now being integrated and sought after. Digital currencies are often interchangeable or fungible, whereas NFTs are irreplaceable. They hold an originality that makes them so valuable, pricking up the ears of collectors and consumers alike.

The virtual world is a place where ‘digital reflections of identity are explored whilst also tokenizing them as tradable objects’. The interest lies in the limitlessness of the digital sphere and the social currency and online spectacle they hold.

Fashion has always been defined as a garment to fit the body, but in the metaverse, this limit does not exist. Craftsmanship isn't a barrier and traction is certainly unpredictable. Pants can be animated, prints are interchangeable, and limited acquisition breeds a ‘must have’ consumerist frenzy.

An image of Elon Musk wearing a pair of RTFKT Studios, ‘CYBERSNEAKERS.’ at the 2018 Met Gala.

The futuristic, geometric design was a mirror of Musk’s Tesla Cybertruck.  However, Musk never actually wore the sneakers. It was a digital simulation applied to an existing image. The attention of the virtual shoes spiked the attention of Nike after SuperRare featured the sneakers on their platform, leading them to buy RTFKT Studios out in December 2021 rebranding them as Meta-Platforms. 

But, how does one shop for clothes in the metaverse?

You start with the popular merging commodity known as ‘skins’; the digital apparel made for your avatar to wear inside virtual spaces or games. The garments can be minted utilising ‘Crafting Machine’. The skins are limited editions and can only be acquired by attending wearable crafting events. With only a small window of opportunity to acquire these skins- like an exclusive fashion event- the value of the skins is ever increasing if you can get your hands on them. 

If you think that skins is the extent of the minting chain market, your avatar can attend an event in an item of clothing and receive an exclusive ‘Proof of Attendance Protocol Token (POAP). These tokens resemble a digital kodak moment to say I was here, I attended this event.

Just like second-hand- vintage, you can buy and sell your fashion NFTs. 

The possibilities are endless for luxury goods stepping into the metaverse and the convergence of art and fashion has never been more viable; it’s superseding status though is yet to be convinced.