The expansion of the metaverse has prompted many brands and consumers to turn to web3 to see what’s next in fashion. Online-only silhouettes, which can boast a smaller environmental impact and no physical limits, are already taking over runways and social media.
To date, the metaverse has hosted fashion video games, NFT-linked clothing, and a record-breaking $3.1 million sale for virtual sneakers.
Replicant
Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist, Replicant has something to offer. The cyber boutique’s offerings are fairly digestible compared to others’ pricing, with pieces ranging from $14 to $50. Its online-only fashion is described as “an opportunity to express yourself without harming the planet.”
Happy99
Built with the hope of redefining mindless consumer culture, Happy99 calls to its followers to enjoy its products as they come. The brand’s mini-drops — which include phygital beanies, knit vests, socks, and footwear — are spaced out to contrast the fast-paced cycle of the fashion industry. Highlights from Happy99’s offerings include spiked slippers and playful keychains.
Auroboros
If you’re looking to earn cyber clout, look no further than Auroboros. The London-based label has dressed Kim Kardashian and stylist-DJ Sita Abellán and touts designs inspired by flora, fauna, and otherworldly creatures. Dubbed “nature tech,” the pieces lean into sci-fi and fantasy aesthetics with biomimicry textures, tendrils, and veins.
RTFKT
RTFKT originally got its leg up in the metaverse by selling millions of dollars in virtual sneakers, capitalizing on the shared collectibility of shoes and NFTs. Since being acquired by Nike earlier this year, the web3 studio has expanded its offerings to phygital sneakers as well as NFT-linked hoodies. Streetwear enthusiasts should feel at home at RTFKT.
Tribute
Tribute’s “contactless cyber fashion” combines CGI 3D modeling, UX design, and coding to lend its futuristic styles to people of all genders, sexes, and sizes. Pieces like flame-engulfed dresses and glowing green pants are among the brand’s cyberpunk garments, while other offerings include puffer jackets and a flared statement jacket. Styles can cost as little as $29 to as much as $699.
“[Our consumers] are the people whose natural habitats are virtual worlds,” the brand told Input. “They show their true identity there — not on the physical world's streets.”
The Fabricant
Called a “trailblazer” in the digital couture space, The Fabricant specializes in luxury virtual experiences like headpieces and celebrity collaborations. Puma, Under Armour, and Adidas x Karlie Kloss have already joined forces with the digital fashion house. Just note The Fabricant charges as much as $9,500.
DressX
If you’re looking for the digital fashion equivalent to SSENSE or Farfetch, look no further than DressX. The platform’s available styles range from virtual Salomon sneakers to collaborations with Berksha Smiley, with new silhouettes uploaded fairly frequently.
DressX highlights upcoming digital designers, meaning you could find your new favorite brand just by browsing the platform’s marketplace. Just search for what you want, click to buy, then attach a photo to have the piece tailored to.
Republiqe
Singapore-founded label Republiqe is known as the world’s first digital-only fashion brand. Founded by designer James Gaubert, Republiqe hopes to curb the fashion industry’s waste problem with its bubbly, red carpet-ready pieces. Gowns and thigh-high boots are among some of the brand’s offerings, which can be tailored to shopper’s photos after purchase.