Web3 streetwear brand Gutter Cat Gang has partnered with shoe retailer Puma and NBA player LaMelo Ball, launching a non-fungible token (NFT) sneaker collection. The “GutterMelo MB.03” digital sneaker collection is set to hit the market on June 29 on NFT marketplace OpenSea. According to the brand’s website, this collaboration signifies a “new era for hoops apparel and fashion,” as Ball designed the sneakers as part of his fashion collaboration with Puma.
One of the appealing aspects of this collaboration is that every buyer who purchases the NFT sneakers will also receive a physical counterpart of the product. This feature not only enables basketball fans to showcase their unique style on the court but also online. Furthermore, it paves the way for increased mainstream awareness of web3 technology and digital collectibles.
However, given the exclusive nature of the collaboration, not every buyer will have access to mint into the collection. Despite the over-allocation, eager buyers can still register to purchase on the allowlist platform Premint. Those who secure a spot on the early access allowlist can acquire GutterMelo MB.03 sneakers for $175, while others on the waitlist will pay $195. Finally, the price will increase to $215 for the public sale.
This latest development undoubtedly offers a fresh perspective on the world of NFTs and fashion. Sneakers and streetwear, in particular, have taken center stage in the digital fashion sphere. Just in April, Nike announced its first digital sneaker collection through its web3 platform, Swoosh, which generated over $1 million in sales, even amid delays caused by technological issues. Furthermore, Adidas also released its inaugural series of NFTs as part of its Into the Metaverse web3 ecosystem in April.
On the one hand, it’s evident that digital fashion is gaining traction, as prominent brands are embracing NFTs and web3 technologies. This expanding trend signals innovative ways in which fashion enthusiasts can enjoy exclusive, limited-edition products with tangible and intangible benefits. On the other hand, it could be argued that the exclusivity and inflated prices of these limited-edition NFT-based products may lead to an imbalance in accessibility, leaving some fashion enthusiasts without the opportunity to participate in this new wave of digital fashion.
Ultimately, the integration of NFTs and web3 technology into the fashion space is becoming increasingly prevalent. It remains to be seen if the adoption and growth of these technologies will result in larger audience inclusivity or continue being limited to a select few who can afford to participate. The GutterMelo MB.03 collaboration sets the stage for this ongoing conversation.
Source: Coindesk
