- BLK DNM has introduced connected fashion by integrating blockchain-powered hardware and software into its garments.
- The launch of BLK DNM Society includes unique digital garment IDs that authenticate items, reward responsible behavior, record garment history, and grant brand influence to owners.
- BLK DNM aims to revolutionize the fashion industry by using connected fashion to promote sustainability and community engagement.
Swedish American fashion brand BLK DNM unveiled the first-ever example of connected fashion (garments that exist both physically and virtually, each aspect ‘twinned’ via technology) on Thursday, with the launch of BLK DNM Society and the integration of blockchain-powered hardware and software into its products.
BLK DNM Society, based on technology developed by blockchain innovator and BLK DNM owner ChromaWay, will provide each garment with a unique and recordable identity in both the physical and virtual worlds while rewarding ethical behavior and granting owners brand influence.
- Blockchain-powered ‘digital garment ID’ microchips will provide each item with a unique identity and a historical record.
- Chips are the hardware component of the BLK DNM Society, which is launching concurrently and rewards responsible behavior and ownership.
- Tech will make its debut in BLK DNM’s FW 2023 collection.
The Hardware: Digital Garment IDs
BLK DNM clothing in the future will be equipped with a ‘digital garment ID,’ which is an undetectable chip that gives each physical item a unique and recordable identity. Some of the first digital garment ID features will be:
- Authentication of the garment, removal of fakes, and counterfeiting
- Rewarding responsible long-term clothing treasury and care behaviors, such as refurbs and second-hand purchases
- Recording the unique history of each garment – owners, events, and places worn, repairs, and alterations – allowing the item to gain emotional and monetary value over time.
- Acting as a digital ticket for event admission
- Access to and voting rights within BLK DNM Society.
BLK DNM Society
The digital garment IDs are the first hardware components of the BLK DNM Society, which is launching concurrently. BLK DNM Society, the first example of connected fashion, is a community of BLK DNM owners who are virtually connected by their physical items and are rewarded for responsible behavior and granted voting rights on key brand decisions based on item ownership – thereby initiating the first ever process of decentralizing a fashion brand’s stewardship.
Each digital garment ID will generate a ‘digital reflection’ of the physical garment: a virtual twin in which the physical item’s history and place within BLK DNM Society will be recorded. The digital reflection can also be worn in metaverses, catering to younger generations whose virtual worlds are just as important as their physical identities.
FW 2023
Digital garment IDs will be revealed on June 21st at BLK DNM’s FW event in Paris. The chips will be embedded in only leather items for this first collection, with subsequent collections introducing more items to BLK DNM Society via embedded blockchain-enabled hardware.
According to Henrik Hjelte, CEO and Co-Founder of ChromaWay, “This is completely futuristic. Nothing like this has ever been attempted in the fashion industry. It’s fascinating for us to see our technology elevate one of fashion’s iconic brands into something unique after so much hard work, to see our technology elevating one of fashion’s iconic brands into something unique. This can transform people’s relationships with the clothes they wear and the brands they buy. No longer does the relationship with the customer end at the checkout. And each beautiful garment becomes its living, evolving piece of history.”
About BLK DNM
BLK DNM is a Swedish-American fashion label specializing in high-quality, timeless tailoring, leather, and denim. Following its relaunch as an entry-luxury fashion house in 2023 under the direction of new Creative Director Jessy Heuvelink, BLK DNM’s emphasis on enduring craftsmanship and aesthetic timelessness encourages customers to love and treasure each item for decades and across generations.
About ChromaWay
ChromaWay is a blockchain technology industry leader specializing in developing and deploying cutting-edge, scalable blockchain solutions for businesses and governments. The company, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, has been at the forefront of accelerating the widespread adoption of blockchain technology.
