Quick take:
- Adidas is expanding its metaverse strategy with the launch of NFT wearables.
- The wearables are designed to be worn by virtual avatars and NFT profile pictures.
- The collection also includes wearables representing Bored Ape Yacht Club, Gmoney, and PunkComics.
Adidas Originals today unveiled a limited collection of blockchain-based virtual wearables released as NFTs. The collection represents the sportswear company’s first collection of NFT wearables called “Virtual Gear” as Adidas accelerates its drive towards its metaverse strategy.
The 16-piece collection is available within the wallets of holders of its capsule collection which was launched in May and airdropped to Into The Metaverse (ITM) NFT holders who have claimed Phase 2.
From today, holders of the adidas Originals: Capsule NFT Collection can discover which of the 16 unique pieces they have been allocated once they choose to reveal and replace their Capsule NFT. This means they will have to agree to ‘burn’ the Capsule NFT they currently hold, in order to generate at random one of the 16 new digital wearable NFTs.
Designed to be worn by virtual avatars and NFT profile pictures, every piece of the virtual gear is interoperable with other metaverse environments.
Speaking on the launch, VP of the adidas /// studio (‘Three Stripes Studio’), Erika Wykes-Sneyd said: “I love the opportunity this collection represents for our most engaged community of holders. Every capsule holder has a choice at launch – burn and express their virtual identity with adidas’ first Virtual Gear collection, or list and allow others to join this community. With our community and creator ecosystem at the core, adidas will explore every viable utility, platform, and experience within Web3 to unlock new possibilities for our wearables, with a focus on tangible value and immutable utility for our community members.”
Some pieces in the collection make subtle nods to iconic aspects of adidas Originals’ DNA, and are realised through designs like the “NEOBONE”, which is inspired by the rubberised sole pattern of the timeless Superstar silhouette. Futuristic, metaverse-inspired designs include pieces named “C2172”, “SPACE CRYSTAL”, WALLRUNNER” and “P.F.D – Personal Flotation Device”.
As part of the continued collaboration with the brand’s earliest Web3 partners who collaborated with Adidas on the ITM project, the collection also includes three limited edition creator-led wearables – each representing Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), Gmoney, and Punks Comics, respectively.
Those who don’t currently hold an Adidas Originals: Capsule NFT can purchase the new Virtual Gear collection on relevant NFT marketplaces from Nov 16 onwards. As an added benefit, community members who hold a virtual wearable NFT and a compatible partner collection NFT (BAYC, MAYC, Inhabitants) will be able to outfit their NFT with their Adidas virtual wearable using a PFP tool, coming soon.
On Monday, Adidas’ Bored Ape, named Indigo Herz, appeared alongside football stars Messi and Benzema in a new World Cup trailer.
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