CFDA Reveals Upcoming Debut NFT Collection – WWD

The Council of Fashion Designers of America unveiled its very first NFTs on Thursday, ahead of its official launch on Dec. 12, as part of the organization’s broader metaverse initiative in honor of its 60th anniversary.

Featuring the work of seven fashion houses and designers, the exclusive commemorative collection highlights Coach, Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Vivienne Tam, Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera and Willy Chavarria. The 3D digital artwork will be offered with starting bids of $15,000 or $25,000 until December 16.

Since only one of each style will be available at CFDA.bnv.me, these are rare digital collectibles, with proceeds going to the CFDA Foundation. The group partnered with MoonPay to handle transactions with its “white glove” concierge service, so it could make the experience as seamless as possible.

Notably, the tokens come with more than just the artwork. As utility NFTs, they also unlock special benefits, access or privileges. Descriptions provided to WWD by the CFDA outline the art, opening bids and benefits as follows:

Coach: An expression of the craftsmanship that has always been at the heart of the Coach brand and a celebration of their beloved mascot, Rexy. Benefits: Two tickets to a Coach holiday event hosted at Rockefeller Center, Tour of Coach Archives, Coach ReLoved Bag (max $650 value). Opening bid: $25,000

Diane von Furstenberg: The timelessness of DVF’s prints and designs is encapsulated by their iconic wrap dress in an environment that celebrates DVF’s love of print and color and is a showcase for the brand’s DNA of print mixing, effortless design and bold colour. Benefits: A custom DVF wrap dress (special embroidery) that mimics a dress from the simulation; Invitation to the opening of the exhibition for DVF in Brussels in April 2023 (travel not included); invitation to preview upcoming collections presented by Talita Von Furstenberg (DVF co-chair) and design team/design director; meet and greet with Diane von Furstenberg (format and timing TBD). Opening bid: $25,000

Michael Kors: “The Jet Set Ideal.” A beautiful destination, the perfect time of day, a beaded dress that catches the breeze. Benefits: Front row seats for the holder and a guest to attend a Michael Kors Collection fashion show and backstage meet and greet with Kors at the fashion show. Opening bid: $25,000

Tommy Hilfiger: Inspired by Tommy Hilfiger’s prep heritage and modern as a digital collectible, the featured ‘Hilfiger’ rugby is a modern take on a brand classic. Benefits: All expenses paid trip to the next Tommy Hilfiger fashion show with a guest; custom replica NFT rugby, signed by Tommy Hilfiger; personal shopping package with five handpicked items by Mr. Tommy Hilfiger. Opening bid: $25,000

Vivienne Tam: Bringing past, present and future together in one design, this NFT takes the form of a very traditional garment that showcases the designer’s Chinese heritage and features her friends from the Bored Ape Yacht Club, shown in a Mandala pattern representing the basic building blocks which can be found everywhere. all of nature. Benefits: One front row seat for holder and one guest to the next fashion show; one chance to get backstage at her next collection; a date to meet Vivienne and share her philosophy on healthy living and its impact on design and culture; one chance to join a design discussion to hear about an upcoming collection. Opening bid: $15,000

Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera: Creative director Wes Gordon turned to the unexpected use of denim, an iconic staple of American fashion, on a Herrera evening silhouette. Drawing inspiration from the Spring 2023 Secret Garden collection, the team collaborated to present this unique denim dress in a lush and beautiful garden. Benefits: Bodycon Dress (Floor-Length Spaghetti-Strap Empire-Waist Evening Dress in Denim Blue); studio tour; one ticket to an upcoming fashion show with the opportunity to meet Wes Gordon. Opening bid: $25,000

Willy Chavarria: This NFT represents the spirit of the Willy Chavarria brand: the attitude and elegance in digital form, the confidence in the model’s gait, the intention to strengthen one’s own being. Benefits: Front row seats for the holder and one guest to attend a Michael Kors Collection fashion show and backstage meet and greet with Kors at the fashion show; a full Willy look chosen by and styled by Willy; a 45-minute meeting with Willy (and his team if desired) virtually or in person, depending on availability to discuss collaboration or business opportunities; two tickets to the CFDA Fashion Awards 2023. Opening bid $15,000

To create the digital collection, the CFDA worked with Brand New Vision, an NFT platform specializing in fashion assets. According to Richard Hobbs, Brand New Vision’s founder and CEO, the firm describes its work as “building the framework for fashion brands to navigate into the metaverse and all the possibilities that Web 3.0 can offer them.

“It was a great privilege to work with the CFDA to shine a spotlight on American fashion designers both emerging and established to lead the way,” he added.

Shortly after this fall, the second leg of the council’s maiden voyage into the metaverse also begins. On December 19, the virtual exhibit at The Sandbox, titled “Fashioning the Shades of American Design,” will offer a retrospective spanning six decades.

“Seeing the memorable NFTs and the first fashion metaverse exhibition come together so creatively gives us a glimpse of future possibilities and continued innovation for our industry,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA’s executive director. “The CFDA looks forward to seeing how this area continues to develop and grow.”

Curated by Darnell-Jamal Lisby, assistant curator of fashion at the Cleveland Museum of Art, the exhibit will feature 60 looks from throughout the organization’s lifetime, but recreated in a voxel — read: visually blocky — environment. There will also be a gaming aspect, which invites visitors to participate.

“We’ve seen many European luxury brands play in the metaverse, so The Sandbox is thrilled to see some of the biggest names in American fashion enter the metaverse through a unique exhibition gaming experience in partnership with the CFDA that takes our players through an iconic American fashion journey through the the past 60 years,” said Arthur Madrid, co-founder and CEO of The Sandbox.

The exhibition will celebrate CFDA members past and present, with works sorted by five themes: “Illuminating a Fantasy”, “Illuminating Romance”, “Illuminating the Avant-Garde”, “Illuminating Understanding” and “Illuminating Soul”.

CFDA’s announcement provided more details: The event will feature “Stephen Burrows’ colorful layered salad dress created for the 1973 Battle of Versailles; Dapper Dan’s 1980s custom designs for hip-hop legends Eric B & Rakim; a grunge look from Marc Jacobs ‘ famous Perry Ellis Spring 1993 collection; an eclectic 1970s-inspired look from Anna Sui’s Fall 2000 collection, and a Thom Browne crinoline menswear ensemble from his Spring 2020 collection.”

The organization called the exhibit “a snapshot” of the wide variety and cultural breadth of American fashion. In that way, it seems that the CFDA, in connection with its milestone anniversary, wants to take a look back at the same time as it moves forward into the digital future.