New York Fashion Week (NYFW) has announced a partnership with payment technology startup Afterpay to launch a non-fungible token (NFT) initiative.
The effort entails the release of five NFTs featuring keys that will provide users with access to exclusive events and items, as well as ownership of art made by some of the world’s best fashion designers.
Afterpay has joined forces with five renowned designers: Altu by Joseph Altuzarra, AnOnlyChild, Jonathan Simkhai, Kim Shui, and The Blonds, who have each drawn inspiration from their Spring/Summer ’23 collections to create their own NFT key, as well as a selection of limited edition products or traditionally NYFW experiences.
Altu by Joseph Altuzarra’s NFT key, in particular, will allow key owners to unlock a yearly membership to one of New York City’s finest art institutions with a curated exhibition selection created by Joseph.
Kim Shui’s NFT key unlocks the option of a custom-designed sweatshirt with Shui’s signature dragon motif or tickets to her runway show on September 12.
AnOnlyChild’s NFT key unlocks a limited-edition belt bag or an invitation to the designer’s New York Fashion Week after party.
Finally, Jonathan Simkhai’s NFT key allows customers to unlock a private meet-and-greet shopping experience with the designer or signed original runway sketches from his new collection, whereas The Blonds NFT key offers an exclusive invite to The Blonds’ NYFW after party or a signed copy of the forthcoming book ‘The Blonds: Glamour, Fashion, Fantasy.’
In addition to the designer NFT keys, Afterpay announced its first NFT AirDrop in a limited amount that has already sold out. Holders of the free NFT will receive a Tidal HiFi Plus 6-Month Free Trial, access to an NYFW close-friends Instagram group, and an invitation to RSVP to NYFW: The Talks sessions.
Each NFT key costs $100 and is available at keys.NYFW.com.
All revenues from the sale of the NFT Keys will be donated to Free Arts NYC, a non-profit organization that uses art and mentorship programs to enable youth from marginalized neighborhoods to develop their creativity, confidence, and abilities to succeed.
