Brands Trying Out New Looks at Metaverse Fashion Show

Walking the Decentraland Catwalk

Over the weekend, a digital fashion show was held in the virtual world called Decentraland. It was part of the first-ever Metaverse Fashion Week, and brands such as Estée Lauder (EL), Forever 21, and DKNY (GIII) participated. As of last month, Decentraland had roughly 562,000 monthly active users.

Both smaller startup brands and established players in the fashion world reportedly see upside in the metaverse, where physical products can be marketed, and digital assets like NFTs or non-fungible tokens can be sold.

The chairwoman of Metaverse Fashion Week says the event shows virtual fashion is of high importance to clothing companies. While digital fashion shows have been held in past years, the fashion week highlighted the metaverse itself, and the ability to buy products and interact with others while in the digital space.

Companies Exploring Metaverse

Consultants say the digital fashion show allowed brands to study how comfortable customers are when it comes to shopping inside the metaverse. Estée Lauder gave away 10,000 NFT-backed wearables that allowed users’ avatars to glow. Company executives hope that leads to more brand awareness, and customers visiting their website or buying products in real life.

NFTs, which are traded via blockchain technology similar to cryptocurrencies, are a big part of how brands are looking to digitally interact with customers. Forever 21 and apparel group Cider Holding sold NFTs throughout the fashion week. Some participants don’t sell any physical products, such as NFT XRCouture, a digital clothing company. For these companies the metaverse grants exposure and opportunity.

The Big Metaverse Money

It’s clearly not just fashion that’s fueling the metaverse trend, as over the past year millions of dollars have been invested in the digital space. When Facebook (FB) changed its name to Meta Platforms it generated significant buzz, and a number of high-profile executives have signed onto metaverse companies. Former Walt Disney Co. (DIS) CEO Robert Iger is among them, as he joined up with avatar technologies company Genies Inc.

The fashion week’s host Dencentraland is one of several virtual world platforms that marketers have been experimenting with. Sandbox is another metaverse platform that’s raised millions in fundraising. Proponents of the metaverse argue it will be a part of people’s everyday lives in two to three years. That sort of sentiment does seem fashionable right now. Time will tell if it’s more of a seasonal fad.

Things are changing daily within the financial world. Sign up for the SoFi Daily Newsletter to get the latest news updates in your inbox every weekday.
Sign up

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.
The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.
Communication of SoFi Wealth LLC an SEC Registered Investment Adviser
SoFi isn’t recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.
SOSS22032803