Rimowa makes ‘phygital’ NFT luggage in the metaverse

Luggage brand Rimowa has released NFTs that can be redeemed on physical, limited edition Original Cabin suitcases. Rose Dykins reports

Rimowa has entered the NFT realm with a collaboration with the Nike-owned technology collective RTFKT.

Together they have launched a collection of 888 limited edition suitcases that can only be secured by investing in a NFT’s (non-fungible tokens). The luggage has both physical and digital form (hence “phygital”).

The number 888 is considered a lucky number within the cryptocurrency world, and with this collaboration, Rimowa offers an experience that effectively allows people to virtually “coin” their NFT to get a physical suitcase.

Rimowa and RTFKT created a story-driven interactive campaign where crypto fans work together to solve challenges.

Users uncover a Rimowa x RTFKT space station that they must reactivate to craft their NFTs. This is followed up by a “forge” event where NFT holders can come and redeem it for a limited edition Rimowa suitcase.

During this event, a series of metaverse avatar items created by Rimowa and RTFKT will also be unveiled, and community members will also have the chance to purchase virtual worker robots created by the two companies, which they can use as avatars during their future metaverse visits .The Original Cabin case for the Rimowa X RTFKT collaboration features the model’s signature grooves and is made of high-end anodized aluminum, making it ultra-light.

The special limited edition Original Cabin case features a silver design with a “Wandersmith” anti-FUD pattern print that is “made for the next generation of world builders and explorers”. The cover is designed to fit in the overhead compartment of most aircraft.

The collaboration between Rimowa and RTFKT is an interesting example of how physical brands can take advantage of the opportunities for innovative customer experiences for crypto fans.

By including a customer journey that starts with an online community coming together to mine NFTs, and ends with the physical reward of an exclusive luxury suitcase, plus a virtual asset that can be enjoyed in the metaverse, the collaboration delivers value and builds customer engagement with Rimowa beyond its physical products.

Benoit Pagotto, co-founder of RTFKT, says: “Working with Rimowa has been a dream for us since day one. Who wouldn’t be honored to be able to bring their iconic designs into our world and create a spaceship, robot and travel tool for Web3 builders and hackers? We really put all our passion into this project, while pushing the boundaries in terms of embossing experience, 3D space and draw-to-lottery system.”

Another brand experimenting with NFTs for physical products is Portuguese sneaker brand Diverge, which allows you to buy custom trainers for yourself by choosing a unique colourway, then buy the NFT of it for around £80. The benefit is that if someone else buys that color and style, you get 10% of the revenue.