Maison Margiela has introduced its iconic Tabi boot to the metaverse with the launch of the MetaTABI collection, marking the brand’s inaugural venture into Web3. This initiative, developed in collaboration with digital fashion house The Fabricant and supported by Brave Virtual Xperiences (BVX) and the Aura Blockchain Consortium, offers a fusion of physical craftsmanship and digital innovation.(Vogue Business, OTB Group)
🥾 Two Exclusive Editions
The MetaTABI collection comprises two limited-edition NFTs:(OTB Group)
- White MetaTABI (15 units): This ultra-rare edition includes a handcrafted pair of Maison Margiela Tabi boots in brown suede, adorned with a distinctive gold foil finish—a design exclusive to this release. The NFT also grants access to various digital experiences and serves as a mint pass for future Web3 initiatives.(Cryptoflies News, FashionNetwork)
- Black MetaTABI (1,500 units): This edition comes with a custom-made black leather wallet engraved with the owner’s crypto wallet number. Holders receive similar digital benefits, including augmented reality (AR) wearables and access to metaverse platforms.(Cryptoflies News, OTB Group)
Both editions are priced in Ethereum (ETH), with the White MetaTABI at approximately 2.5 ETH ($7,700) and the Black MetaTABI at around 0.185 ETH ($560) .(Cryptoflies News)
🌐 Digital and Physical Integration
MetaTABI owners can experience their digital boots across various platforms, including AR applications and metaverse environments like The Sandbox and Ready Player Me. The NFTs also function as membership tokens, offering priority access to upcoming Maison Margiela Web3 projects .(Decrypt)
The collection is minted on the Ethereum blockchain using a Multi Token Minter smart contract developed by the Aura Blockchain Consortium. Purchases can be made with either fiat currency or cryptocurrencies, and a redemption period will follow the drop for claiming physical items .(OTB Group, Vogue Business)
🎮 Building a Web3 Community
This release builds upon Maison Margiela’s previous Web3 engagement, notably a “numbers game” launched in October 2023. The game awarded 18,000 unique wallets and distributed 170,000 NFTs, fostering a community that will have early access to the MetaTABI drop .(Vogue Business)
Stefano Rosso, Chairman of Maison Margiela and CEO of BVX, emphasized the brand’s commitment to innovation:(nft now)
“In a time where we are seeing technology being integrated more and more with the physical world, it is fundamental for the luxury industry to experiment and explore these digital realms.”(nft now)
The MetaTABI collection represents a significant step in blending traditional fashion with digital experiences, offering collectors a unique intersection of art, technology, and luxury.
