In a unique blend of fashion and technology, Adidas Originals and BAPE have unveiled a limited-edition sneaker collaboration for the Triple-White Forum 84 BAPE Low. This collaboration is not just confined to the physical world; it extends into the digital realm with a “digital twin” NFT version of the sneakers that can potentially be worn in the metaverse.
The Collaboration
The collaboration is supported by the Adidas /// Studio (Three Stripes Studio), and the auction will be centered around redeemable NFTs via the Adidas Collect platform. This marks the first time that Adidas will use an auction format for an NFT-driven drop.
The sneakers feature BAPE’s iconography via a shooting star motif on the lateral upper and the “A Bathing Ape” logo embossed in metallic silver foil. The white colorway, in contrast to previous camo iterations, is tied into a narrative hook around a “pristine laundrette, located in the heart of a mysterious desert.”
Digital Twin Concept
Each pair of sneakers is equipped with an NFC chip, placed in the left tongue, which provides the owner with access to its NFT-based certificate of authenticity when scanned with a smartphone. Once the access pass NFT is redeemed for the physical shoes, owners will also receive a “digital twin” Ethereum NFT that will be “interoperable” with Adidas’ ALTS avatar project. This suggests that owners will be able to wear their kicks in the metaverse as well.
Auction Details
The Adidas Originals x BAPE “Fresh Forum” access pass NFT auction will begin on August 22 and run for 72 hours until August 25. Just 100 Ethereum NFTs, corresponding to one of 100 pairs of sneakers, will be made available.
Holders of Adidas’ 2,298 ALT[er] Ego “Soles”—sneaker-specific traits that make up one of the eight ALTS NFT traits available—plus members of the BAPE: (B)APETAVERSE community will have a complimentary 10% premium added to their bidding price, giving them a bidder advantage.
Bids can be placed according to shoe size, and while only one bid per size can be active at any one time, prospective purchasers can bid as many times as they want. Bidding starts at 0.3 ETH (about $550 at present) and there is no maximum bid.
The 100 winners of the Adidas Originals x BAPE NFT auction will be able to burn their tokens to redeem the physical sneakers and digital twin starting on September 26 via Adidas Collect, with shipping set to begin in October.
Conclusion
This collaboration between Adidas Originals and BAPE represents a significant step in the integration of fashion with the digital world. By offering both physical sneakers and their digital twins, the brands are exploring new avenues in the rapidly evolving landscape of NFTs and the metaverse.
The launch is also the third part of a collaboration celebrating BAPE’s 30th anniversary, reflecting the ongoing synergy between these two iconic brands. As the lines between the physical and digital worlds continue to blur, collaborations like this one are likely to become more common, offering consumers new and innovative ways to engage with their favorite brands.
