The Adoption of NFTs in the Fashion Industry

NFTs have been gaining importance across various industries. We have previously explained what NFTs are and how toy brands make use of them. In this post, we explain the impact that NFTs had on the fashion industry and specifically its luxury segment. 

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have been adopted by the luxury fashion industry in a scope that we have seen with very few digital technologies. The concept of NFTs is a perfect fit for the industry because of its exclusivity and status, which explains the high rate of adaption among the brands. According to Vogue Business Index, 17% of the featured brands have already worked with NFTs. The first major fashion house to release an NFT was Gucci, releasing a film inspired by its latest collection. Since then, NFTs have also been adopted by the likes of Balmain, Jimmy Choo, or Givenchy.

NFTs and Gaming

There is no one right way to implement NFTs, but we do see some trends in the industry. Video games are a tactic that gained popularity among some of the biggest brands, such as Burberry or Louis Vuitton. According to some, this way the brands can jump on the trend while minimizing the risks associated with it. Due to their newness, NFTs are still surrounded by some uncertainties and controversies, such as their environmental impact or long-term value. That is why releasing paid NFTs might prove to be a bad tactic for luxury fashion brands in the future. However, releasing free or inexpensive ones on existing video platforms can minimize those risks while simultaneously reaching a whole new audience.

Early adopters

While some brands remain hesitant, others were quick to act. For Balmain, NFTs are already a steady strategic pillar. The brand has released its third NFT project in early December. While each of the projects is completely different, they were all created with the same vision. According to Olivier Rousteing, Balmain’s creative director, the key element is to tie the NFT to a physical experience. 

Promisingly, one out of five luxury fashion consumers rates NFTs as exciting for the industry. However, there are many trends and new technologies with huge potential. Therefore, only the future will show whether or not being an early adopter in the world of NFTs was a beneficial move. 

Katerina Kadlecova

Online Marketer at Icecat N.V.