By: Parth Yadati

Contributors: Elizabeth Adepegba + JoAnne Asenime

:This article is here to be your guide on the current state of digital fashion.  This article includes some key definitions to keep in mind. It also includes the platforms, marketplaces, and software that you need to know as you begin and continue to navigate your way through digital fashion:

It can be numbered on one hand the aspects of daily life that we find absolutely essential to function as an individual and also includes members of society. Food, water, and shelter are the basics of life, and close behind them follows clothing. When thinking about what one must do before going about their individual lives, the first thing that comes to mind is dressing ones’ self before stepping into the sight of society. The industry of fashion consists of an immeasurably broad sweeping range, one that directly or indirectly touches every person in this world.

We are entering a new age as a global society not only economically but also culturally as we come out of this pandemic (in an economically skewed fashion)*. For over a year and a half society was restrained to information, communication, and entertainment interactions through only one outlet. The digital landscape. The digitization of our lives is happening as we speak. Economically, this only means one thing for the importance placed on the digital landscape--It is now exponentially greater than ever before. Through the lens of the consumer, the development and growth of commerce in the digital landscape being pushed as the main viable option for businesses means easier and more efficient access to anything imaginable. Through the lens of the brands and companies, this means education and action on moving into the digital landscape is a priority on their agenda as well in order to target these consumers.

As we continue to move towards digitization of our routine life, fashion in all of its importance will inevitably continue to progress in this direction. The space of digital fashion is one still in its infancy. The opportunity to create and also define an entirely new space has never been greater. Through incorporation of blockchain technology, the niche based in Web3 shows the opportunity for gradual mutualism between physical and digital spaces. The applications of blockchain technology and the incorporation of Web3 concepts in the world of fashion are truly infinite and bound only by our own minds and ideas. What has been failed to be mentioned to the public and mainstream is the gradual footing high fashion houses and brands are establishing in the lesser-known Web3 aspect of the digital landscape.

-Digital fashion*: - Digital projects (regarding any article of clothing) that have no affiliation with NFTs. Any form of digital fashion/design purchased with fiat currency in no affiliation with blockchain technology

vs

Meta Fashion*: - Digital Fashion projects that are minted as NFT’s

Digital Fashion Marketplaces: The Dematerialised(Lukso Blockchain), The Fabricant, DressX, Artisant.IO, Tribute Brand, Digitalax

Terminology: Digital fashion*, Meta fashion* , NFT, DAO, Web3, Virtual Runway

Economically Skewed Fashion*: As we come out of the pandemic on a global scale, first world and wealthy countries will tend to do so at a noticeably faster pace than economically challenged third world countries with little to no infrastructure (As stated by The State of Fashion 2021 report by The BoF).The opportunity and utility that ‘DeFi’ (Decentralized Finance) is able to provide to developing nations and impoverished peoples are life-changing and limitless. Currently, the ability to save and invest in stable currencies or even generate personal wealth is near to impossible for many in the current state of their nation’s financial system. The introduction of blockchain technology and DeFi into these situations seemingly solves these major issues. With truly transparent and authenticated financial tools, those previously excluded and disregarded are now given an opportunity to navigate their financial path through life on a ‘level playing field’.

Blockchain is not a programming language or even a cryptocurrency! Rather the blockchain is a “Distributed Ledger Technology” (DLT) that introduces the idea of an immutable record that will no longer require external central entities to validate authenticity in any aspect. At the most base level, this technology can provide transparency and decentralization of power in any outlet, although to date it has mainly been utilized through a lens pointed towards economic and financial transactions (hence “DeFi”). Approval of any transaction in any particular blockchain is enabled only through multiple parties’ consensus; therefore eliminating the need for a ‘middle-man’ entity with central power for transaction approval, verification, and authenticity. With such a broad sweeping reach of potentially positive influence, the application of this technology lies in the mind and at the hands of the creator. True freedom. True independence. True transparency.

Web3.0: Is the continuation of the development of the greater ‘Web’. It began with the original Web1.0, where the internet was filled with information meant to inform users and that was it. Slowly, this shifted into Web2.0, where the user could begin to interact with the internet as well as with others through the internet through innovations like social media platforms. The current shift into the future of the ‘Web’ as it stands in the digital landscape has been coined with the term Web3.0. Web3.0 can be defined as the next iteration of the internet where the user controls their own personal data. It is essential for one to grasp the concept that a sole differentiator of Web3 is being built on and utilizing blockchain technology. This key concept alone will allow for the exploration and implementation of limitless progressive and productive reform to creation, finance, and governance as a whole. As a user, the digital pivot towards Web3 allows for free flow of finance and thought without middle-man regulation, authentication, and verification as it stands in our current state. Data will no longer be stored in centralized repositories. This progression has already begun revolutionizing every industry and niche imaginable. And if Web3 has not touched your specific niche or community to date, it is important to understand it will make its’ way to innovating your space much quicker than you would think.

As it pertains to fashion and its place in our current world, its shift, and progression into Web 3.0 will be the next industry revolutionizing turning point. There are a plethora of different avenues of utility that web3 will bring to fashion. From dressing personal avatars in immersive virtual realities to its application in bridging the physical and digital worlds, the utility can truly be explored to an endless extent. The infinite possibilities of utility that web3 can bring to fashion essentially all fall under one main umbrella. That is, the once-in-a-generation opportunity has come along to break the cycle and system of current power and control. Being in an absolutely new space that has yet to be explored by the majority of the global population; small, unique, and innovative creators have an opportunity to define new standards for the industry from ground zero. It is only the absolute responsibility of the next generation of creators and innovators bringing fashion into Web3 to do so in a manner that leverages control for and allows the average human being the opportunity to build out with audacity and bring positive change into a traditionally institutional space.

As if on cue, large conglomerates and fashion houses have recognized the untapped potential of fashions’ place in web3 and began to move on establishing footing. On one hand, this brings the opportunity for institutional gatekeeping to be broken down in the industry.

“Still finding its footing, NFT technology has opened the fashion industry to new possibilities through co-creation and collaboration with crypto-native fashion brands. This is a considerable achievement for an industry notorious for being secretive about its work.” (Muchaneta Kapfunde)

On the more concerning flip side, this also allows the opportunity for the exploration and establishment of this new space to play out frighteningly similar to how large conglomerates monopolized power in the Web1 and Web2 eras. With the majority of high fashion houses and conglomerates racing to get a footing in a space that most of the mainstream public has yet to even dream about, there is an existential fork in the path of Web3 staring small creators and innovators dead in the eyes. To either lay over and allow these centralized and institutional powers to steamroll their way into colonizing this unexplored space, or step in and proactively act to define the boundaries of the space in its total decentralization as it should be.

Blockchain technology holds the power to liberate people impoverished in all aspects from their struggles. By providing all with the opportunity for a level playing field, we will begin to see our world take shape towards true equitability. A concept that for all too long has been just that, a concept, is now slowly coming to fruition on the backs of small creators and conglomerates alike. Although what this means for fashion is still largely yet to be explored, it is clear that the path of fashions’ progression into Web3 is that of revolutionary importance. All in all, it is safe to say a new age is beginning to dawn over the state of fashion. The development of blockchain technology and Web3 as a whole has subtly been ushering in the transition and progression of fashion into a new digital landscape holding infinite possibilities. Concurrent to the limitless possibility to be explored lie the unintended repercussions of this transition. In our next post, we will take a look at and dive deeper through the lens of sustainability into the not-so-obvious implications the progression of fashion into Web3 will bring, as well as what this means for entities adapting into the space.

Digital Fashion Entities and Notable Figures:

• Karina Grant- The Dematerialised

• Marjorie Hernandez- The Dematerialised & Lukso

• Natalia Modanova- DressX

• Daria Shopavalova

• Kerry Murphy- The Fabricant

• Subham Targaryen - XR Couture

• Emma-Jane MacKinnon-Lee- Digitalax

• Gala Marija Vrbanic-

Perspective.pY:

All in all, it is important for one to acknowledge the movement of fashion towards the digital landscape as the digitization of our surroundings ensues. As a space that houses creative thought, it is clear that the boundaries and definition of acceptable design will be pushed more than ever in the digital fashion space. Being in a state where the space is being built from scratch, small creators and innovators have the unique opportunity to define the flow of thought from ground zero for the betterment and greater inclusion of their peers as well as the breaking down of gatekeeping.

Through the incorporation of blockchain technology, the niche based in the greater Web3 shows the opportunity for gradual mutualism between physical and digital spaces. The applications of blockchain technology and the incorporation of greater Web3 concepts in the world of fashion are truly infinite and bound only by our own minds and ideas. The transition of fashion into the digital landscape also allows for unique onboarding and education opportunities into blockchain technology and greater Web3 concepts for entities to provide their mainstream audiences. What has failed to be mentioned to the public and mainstream is the gradual footing high fashion houses and brands are establishing in the lesser-known Web3 aspect of the digital landscape. The future is now.

Insight.pY: Sustainability Cont.

As sustainability relates to digital fashion, a new term advised to fashion brands entering the digital fashion space being coined is ‘greener blockchains’ that lead to less miner emissions. An additional viewpoint that can be taken on sustainability as it relates to digital fashion is that as the space of “phygital” (physical and digital) commerce continues to be explored, the average consumer will now value their garments and pieces on a different level than before, and be disincentivized to toss garments in the trash to be sent to landfills…

By: Parth Yadati

Contributors: Elizabeth Adepegba + JoAnne Asenime

:This article is here to be your guide on the current state of digital fashion.  This article includes some key definitions to keep in mind. It also includes the platforms, marketplaces, and software that you need to know as you begin and continue to navigate your way through digital fashion:

It can be numbered on one hand the aspects of daily life that we find absolutely essential to function as an individual and also includes members of society. Food, water, and shelter are the basics of life, and close behind them follows clothing. When thinking about what one must do before going about their individual lives, the first thing that comes to mind is dressing ones’ self before stepping into the sight of society. The industry of fashion consists of an immeasurably broad sweeping range, one that directly or indirectly touches every person in this world.

We are entering a new age as a global society not only economically but also culturally as we come out of this pandemic (in an economically skewed fashion)*. For over a year and a half society was restrained to information, communication, and entertainment interactions through only one outlet. The digital landscape. The digitization of our lives is happening as we speak. Economically, this only means one thing for the importance placed on the digital landscape--It is now exponentially greater than ever before. Through the lens of the consumer, the development and growth of commerce in the digital landscape being pushed as the main viable option for businesses means easier and more efficient access to anything imaginable. Through the lens of the brands and companies, this means education and action on moving into the digital landscape is a priority on their agenda as well in order to target these consumers.

As we continue to move towards digitization of our routine life, fashion in all of its importance will inevitably continue to progress in this direction. The space of digital fashion is one still in its infancy. The opportunity to create and also define an entirely new space has never been greater. Through incorporation of blockchain technology, the niche based in Web3 shows the opportunity for gradual mutualism between physical and digital spaces. The applications of blockchain technology and the incorporation of Web3 concepts in the world of fashion are truly infinite and bound only by our own minds and ideas. What has been failed to be mentioned to the public and mainstream is the gradual footing high fashion houses and brands are establishing in the lesser-known Web3 aspect of the digital landscape.

-Digital fashion*: - Digital projects (regarding any article of clothing) that have no affiliation with NFTs. Any form of digital fashion/design purchased with fiat currency in no affiliation with blockchain technology

vs

Meta Fashion*: - Digital Fashion projects that are minted as NFT’s

Digital Fashion Marketplaces: The Dematerialised(Lukso Blockchain), The Fabricant, DressX, Artisant.IO, Tribute Brand, Digitalax

Terminology: Digital fashion*, Meta fashion* , NFT, DAO, Web3, Virtual Runway

Economically Skewed Fashion*: As we come out of the pandemic on a global scale, first world and wealthy countries will tend to do so at a noticeably faster pace than economically challenged third world countries with little to no infrastructure (As stated by The State of Fashion 2021 report by The BoF).The opportunity and utility that ‘DeFi’ (Decentralized Finance) is able to provide to developing nations and impoverished peoples are life-changing and limitless. Currently, the ability to save and invest in stable currencies or even generate personal wealth is near to impossible for many in the current state of their nation’s financial system. The introduction of blockchain technology and DeFi into these situations seemingly solves these major issues. With truly transparent and authenticated financial tools, those previously excluded and disregarded are now given an opportunity to navigate their financial path through life on a ‘level playing field’.

Blockchain is not a programming language or even a cryptocurrency! Rather the blockchain is a “Distributed Ledger Technology” (DLT) that introduces the idea of an immutable record that will no longer require external central entities to validate authenticity in any aspect. At the most base level, this technology can provide transparency and decentralization of power in any outlet, although to date it has mainly been utilized through a lens pointed towards economic and financial transactions (hence “DeFi”). Approval of any transaction in any particular blockchain is enabled only through multiple parties’ consensus; therefore eliminating the need for a ‘middle-man’ entity with central power for transaction approval, verification, and authenticity. With such a broad sweeping reach of potentially positive influence, the application of this technology lies in the mind and at the hands of the creator. True freedom. True independence. True transparency.

Web3.0: Is the continuation of the development of the greater ‘Web’. It began with the original Web1.0, where the internet was filled with information meant to inform users and that was it. Slowly, this shifted into Web2.0, where the user could begin to interact with the internet as well as with others through the internet through innovations like social media platforms. The current shift into the future of the ‘Web’ as it stands in the digital landscape has been coined with the term Web3.0. Web3.0 can be defined as the next iteration of the internet where the user controls their own personal data. It is essential for one to grasp the concept that a sole differentiator of Web3 is being built on and utilizing blockchain technology. This key concept alone will allow for the exploration and implementation of limitless progressive and productive reform to creation, finance, and governance as a whole. As a user, the digital pivot towards Web3 allows for free flow of finance and thought without middle-man regulation, authentication, and verification as it stands in our current state. Data will no longer be stored in centralized repositories. This progression has already begun revolutionizing every industry and niche imaginable. And if Web3 has not touched your specific niche or community to date, it is important to understand it will make its’ way to innovating your space much quicker than you would think.

As it pertains to fashion and its place in our current world, its shift, and progression into Web 3.0 will be the next industry revolutionizing turning point. There are a plethora of different avenues of utility that web3 will bring to fashion. From dressing personal avatars in immersive virtual realities to its application in bridging the physical and digital worlds, the utility can truly be explored to an endless extent. The infinite possibilities of utility that web3 can bring to fashion essentially all fall under one main umbrella. That is, the once-in-a-generation opportunity has come along to break the cycle and system of current power and control. Being in an absolutely new space that has yet to be explored by the majority of the global population; small, unique, and innovative creators have an opportunity to define new standards for the industry from ground zero. It is only the absolute responsibility of the next generation of creators and innovators bringing fashion into Web3 to do so in a manner that leverages control for and allows the average human being the opportunity to build out with audacity and bring positive change into a traditionally institutional space.

As if on cue, large conglomerates and fashion houses have recognized the untapped potential of fashions’ place in web3 and began to move on establishing footing. On one hand, this brings the opportunity for institutional gatekeeping to be broken down in the industry.

“Still finding its footing, NFT technology has opened the fashion industry to new possibilities through co-creation and collaboration with crypto-native fashion brands. This is a considerable achievement for an industry notorious for being secretive about its work.” (Muchaneta Kapfunde)

On the more concerning flip side, this also allows the opportunity for the exploration and establishment of this new space to play out frighteningly similar to how large conglomerates monopolized power in the Web1 and Web2 eras. With the majority of high fashion houses and conglomerates racing to get a footing in a space that most of the mainstream public has yet to even dream about, there is an existential fork in the path of Web3 staring small creators and innovators dead in the eyes. To either lay over and allow these centralized and institutional powers to steamroll their way into colonizing this unexplored space, or step in and proactively act to define the boundaries of the space in its total decentralization as it should be.

Blockchain technology holds the power to liberate people impoverished in all aspects from their struggles. By providing all with the opportunity for a level playing field, we will begin to see our world take shape towards true equitability. A concept that for all too long has been just that, a concept, is now slowly coming to fruition on the backs of small creators and conglomerates alike. Although what this means for fashion is still largely yet to be explored, it is clear that the path of fashions’ progression into Web3 is that of revolutionary importance. All in all, it is safe to say a new age is beginning to dawn over the state of fashion. The development of blockchain technology and Web3 as a whole has subtly been ushering in the transition and progression of fashion into a new digital landscape holding infinite possibilities. Concurrent to the limitless possibility to be explored lie the unintended repercussions of this transition. In our next post, we will take a look at and dive deeper through the lens of sustainability into the not-so-obvious implications the progression of fashion into Web3 will bring, as well as what this means for entities adapting into the space.

Digital Fashion Entities and Notable Figures:

• Karina Grant- The Dematerialised

• Marjorie Hernandez- The Dematerialised & Lukso

• Natalia Modanova- DressX

• Daria Shopavalova

• Kerry Murphy- The Fabricant

• Subham Targaryen - XR Couture

• Emma-Jane MacKinnon-Lee- Digitalax

• Gala Marija Vrbanic-

Perspective.pY:

All in all, it is important for one to acknowledge the movement of fashion towards the digital landscape as the digitization of our surroundings ensues. As a space that houses creative thought, it is clear that the boundaries and definition of acceptable design will be pushed more than ever in the digital fashion space. Being in a state where the space is being built from scratch, small creators and innovators have the unique opportunity to define the flow of thought from ground zero for the betterment and greater inclusion of their peers as well as the breaking down of gatekeeping.

Through the incorporation of blockchain technology, the niche based in the greater Web3 shows the opportunity for gradual mutualism between physical and digital spaces. The applications of blockchain technology and the incorporation of greater Web3 concepts in the world of fashion are truly infinite and bound only by our own minds and ideas. The transition of fashion into the digital landscape also allows for unique onboarding and education opportunities into blockchain technology and greater Web3 concepts for entities to provide their mainstream audiences. What has failed to be mentioned to the public and mainstream is the gradual footing high fashion houses and brands are establishing in the lesser-known Web3 aspect of the digital landscape. The future is now.

Insight.pY: Sustainability Cont.

As sustainability relates to digital fashion, a new term advised to fashion brands entering the digital fashion space being coined is ‘greener blockchains’ that lead to less miner emissions. An additional viewpoint that can be taken on sustainability as it relates to digital fashion is that as the space of “phygital” (physical and digital) commerce continues to be explored, the average consumer will now value their garments and pieces on a different level than before, and be disincentivized to toss garments in the trash to be sent to landfills…