A Vivienne Westwood Tribute, adidas Digital Wearables, Nick Knight and More at Metaverse Fashion Week

From 28-31 March, Decentraland are hosting their second Metaverse Fashion Week (MVFW). The shared virtual space, which is user-generated and powered by the Ethereum blockchain, made waves in 2022 when real world brands including Etro, Tommy Hilfiger, Philipp Plein and DUNDAS unveiled digital fashion collections, parties and events. Although the fashion community was let down by time lags and glitches, there was no shortage of stellar events, including SHOWstudio and Nick Knights virtual debut of the digital fashion project ikon-1.

Showing again as part of the CashLabs Gallery, SHOWstudio will be joining a host of innovators in the space for MVFW 2023. This year, Decentraland is focused on connecting traditional designers with digitally native minds under the theme Future Heritage. Here's what not to miss.

First up, is Nick Knight and SHOWstudio's exhibition as part of David Cash's Cash Labs Gallery, offering more insight into the innovative digital fashion and NFT project ikon-1. Launched in December 2022, ikon-1 brought together a cohort of creatives, including digital native designers and industry insiders like nail artist Marian Newman and hairstylist Eugene Souleiman, to create otherworldly wearables for our icon Jazzelle's digital avatar. 8,000 one-of-a-kind artworks styled by Nick Knight and Jazzelle using AI was just the first in a host of projects to come. Make sure to visit us at MVFW at the Cash Labs Gallery in the Genesis Plaza.

Digital fashion innovators are a must, but this year MVFW will be focused on spotlighting lesser known, 'NEO' talent. DRESSX, a leading authority in AR wearables and web3 fashion, will be taking on the role of curator to bring in new digital brands to the space, whilst also unveiling custom digital wearables for the event. Joining them are Auroboros and The Fabricant, whilst as Altr, another digital fashion platform, are set to spotlight 10 different cultures. Phygicode will be showing a wearable created with Decentraland community creators inspired by designer Rubin Singer, called the Phygicode Dress. Topping it off, the Fashion Future Awards by Fashion Zoo celebrates pioneers in China.

Elsewhere, London's own Institute of Digital Fashion, also a curator for the NEO designers, has teamed up with Central Saint Martins graduate Bradley Sharpe for the next project as part of the ‘IoDF Emblems for Change’ NFT Series. Focused on IoDF's community and sustainability values, predicated on creating change within the fashion industry, their collaboration with Sharpe highlights the digital possibilities for physical designers and consumers to reduce their impact on the planet without sacrificing on the design.

'I entered this collaboration with IoDF knowing absolutely nothing about the possibilities of the metaverse and the impact it could have on my creativity. Partnering with IoDF has given me such a great depth of intel into the future. Their knowledge and expertise inspires a new generation of digital fashion', Sharpe explains. The result of their partnership is Sharpe's Victoriana-inspired 'Mourning Gown', inspired in part by the designer's huge, tent-like structures, and is available to purchase on the event's marketplace to wear throughout the week and beyond.

In the spirit of collaboration, physical-first brands are partnering with digital natives to create unique experiences for visitors. New York label COACH will be taking over part of the Fashion Plaza in partnership with Web3 artists, whilst as adidas will showcase their first ever digital-only collection. Italian brand Diesel are teaming up with HAPE at the D-CAVE space for an interactive virtual party, where attendees will have the chance to receive NFTs delivered as airdrops. Elsewhere, the late Vivienne Westwood will receive her very own digital design tribute by the art collective Vuelta, with an installation inspired by her designs. Then, head over to the UNXD Luxury Fashion District where you'll find Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY (closing night party), Dundas (runway show), Michael Kors (installation), and more.