PUMA takes its metaverse dream forward by showcasing its new sneaker NFT collection
PUMA takes its metaverse dream forward by showcasing its new sneaker NFT collection
Users can now view exclusive PUMA sneakers through a hyper-realistic digital lobby with 3 portals
By Shashank Bhardwaj
Image: Shutterstock
Sportswear giant PUMA unveiled its first-ever metaverse experience, dubbed “Black Station,” during New York Fashion Week (NYFW) on September 7. According to the official press release, Black Station will be a “dynamic destination to visit.” Through this initiative, PUMA users will be able to connect in an immersive and interactive way to enjoy the brand’s NFTs. These will primarily include sports equipment. During New York Fashion Week, the experience is part of the sports brand’s ‘Futrograde’ show.
PUMA confirmed that they will be exhibiting their virtual sneakers during New York Fashion Week on September 13th in the Black Station metaverse. These will include ‘Nitro NFRNO’ and ‘Nitro Fastroid.’ PUMA’s own 3D spatial territory is known as the Black Station. It provided an opportunity for PUMA to showcase its most innovative designs. As a result, PUMA revived its website to commemorate its commitment to innovation.
Using a hyper-realistic digital lobby with three distinct portals, users can experience exclusive, never-before-seen sneakers from the moment they enter Black Station. They can also get Nitropass to receive NFTs linked to physical products. These NFTs can be claimed once the Futrograde show in New York has concluded.
The first two of the three portals are now available. They unveil the Nitro NFRNO and Nitro Fastroid sneakers. These are associated with the brand’s latest NFT Nitropass coin. Customers who purchase a Nitropass will receive two NFTs. One of them is related to physical products. The second is linked to a unique experience. The third portal provides access to the digital NYFW metaverse fashion show. Visitors can interact with the collection’s pieces and view a digital adaptation of the show.
PUMA’s Chief Brand Officer, Adam Petrick, stated: “Twenty years ago, Black Station was PUMA’s home.” In a public statement he said,
“Given the boundaries we’re pushing from a product design and digital standpoint, we saw fit to bring back Black Station as a new portal for digital exploration across fashion, sports performance, our classic traditions and innovation.”
PUMA is not the first to venture into the metaverse. Adidas announced three significant metaverse partnerships in November 2021. The partnerships were with Punk Comic, G Money and Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC). In December 2021, Nike also announced the purchase of RTFKT Studios. It is one of the most innovative fashion companies in the Web3.
PUMA’s Global Creative Director and Head of Innovation, Heiko Desens, stated that due to the advantages provided by the metaverse, PUMA’s team of designers could work without limitations to create original designs as impressive as the actual products. According to him,
“Our team of designers took a lot of liberties when envisioning these footwear styles. We told them the sky’s the limit. As a result, we were able to harness their creativity without the typical constraints and limitations of our shoe manufacturing process.”
Shashank is the founder of yMedia. He ventured into crypto in 2013 and is an ETH maximalist. Twitter: @bhardwajshash
