During Milan Fashion Week on Sunday, a distinctive shoe will feature crowdsourced design decisions and NFT functionality made its debut on the AVAVAV track. The split-toed boot with a faux fur overlay, known as the Hoofster, was reminiscent of the hooves of a shaggy pony. And now you can order it.
De Hoofster, made in collaboration with Web3 design studio OnlyEver, is linked to a Ethereum NFT thanks to a built-in Near Field Communication (NFC) chip. That connects the footwear to its digital twin, with a certificate of ownership, design and co-creation details, and further benefits that will be revealed as the project develops.
The shoe was created in collaboration with the AVAVAV community, with details from structure to color and materials – and even the name – all put to the vote. Ultimately, it can be worn with or without faux fur, revealing a black leather
The Hoofster shoe shown on the catwalk of AVAVAV Milan Fashion Week. Image: AVAVAV
“By embracing blockchain technology and involving our community in the design process, we are pushing boundaries and challenging traditional norms,” OnlyEver founder Rocco Bressanin said in a statement. He also emphasized his belief that the future of fashion lies in community and co-creation.
OnlyEver is the recently launched arm of luxury Italian design and manufacturing company RubensLuciano, which boasts a 35-year history in the footwear industry. The company has worked with clients such as Versace, Birkenstock, Calvin Klein and Beyoncé’s Ivy Park.
The Hoofster. Image: OnlyEver/AVAVAV
OnlyEver combines physical production expertise with Web3 capabilities all under one roof, allowing the team to ensure continuity between digital and physical design while delivering projects quickly without the need for outsourcing.
The Hoofster, currently for sale on the OnlyEver website, will be made to order in an effort to combat the problems of overproduction. It costs €750 (about $795).
London’s Digital Fashion Week showcased the industry’s bold future
AVAVAV’s Milan Fashion Week show provided humor as models sprinted down the catwalk in sloppy-looking, unfinished outfits. Hype beast described the show as “stress-induced chaos” and called it a critique of the fashion industry’s propulsive nature and intense deadlines.
While blockchain-linked NFC chips have proven popular with brands from Dior Unpleasant Adidasthere is also an emerging trend for those embracing elements of co-creation.
Earlier this year Lacoste has unveiled a clothing collection co-designed with the Web3 UNDW3 communitywhile Casio recently created a blockchain co-creation program linked to the G-Shock wristwatch line.
Last month AVAVAV launched the Finger flop in collaboration with the Amsterdam brand Yume Yume. The sandal, with a toe-shaped profile silhouette, was a take on AVAVAV’s signature finger boots, reminiscent of rubber gloves for the feet. Like the Hoofster, the concept has parallels with Maison Margiela’s iconic Tabi boots, derived from traditional Japanese footwear.