Louis Vuitton, the world-renowned French luxury brand, is all set to launch its first-ever “phygital” NFT collection named “Via”. The limited-edition series will feature “Treasure Trunks” in physical form that come with matching non-fungible tokens (NFTs). However, there’s a catch. Only a few hundred trunks will be made available, with each trunk costing a staggering €39,000.
The window of opportunity for those wanting to get their hands on one of these exclusive tokens and trunks begins on June 8. Interested buyers will have to visit the dedicated website and link their crypto wallets while providing personal details. Louis Vuitton’s process will tie personal information to wallet addresses, which is an unusual move for the privacy-focused crypto world. This slight nudge goes against the anonymity usually cherished by the crypto community.
Louis Vuitton plans to disclose additional details about the drop to selected individuals by June 14. Registered users can claim these exclusive trunks by shelling out crypto or fiat currency two days later, on June 16.
But owning the NFTs isn’t just about acquiring a valuable asset. It also opens the door to future Louis Vuitton offerings. The owners will have the “keys” to unlock special items, with the inaugural key expected to drop in mid-June. Louis Vuitton also plans to invite community members to participate in various experiences.
One unique feature of these tokens is their “soul-bound” nature, which prevents holders from transferring or selling them. In this way, Louis Vuitton emphasizes the principles of exclusivity and a “closed community.”
Louis Vuitton is offering loyal fans a fresh avenue to connect with the brand’s heritage through this NFT collection. The brand’s claim to fame was the elite travel trunks it produced way back in the 19th century. This isn’t the first time Louis Vuitton has ventured into the world of NFTs.
In August 2021, the brand launched a free-to-play NFT-integrated game called “Louis: the Game,” which allowed fans to learn interactively about the brand’s history while trying to collect one of 30 non-fungible tokens. The game was a fitting tribute to the 200th birthday of Louis Vuitton, a testament to the brand’s enduring allure.
Louis Vuitton’s Via collection is an intriguing blend of luxury and technology. The brand’s first “phygital” NFT collection offers a unique opportunity for fans to own a piece of Louis Vuitton’s heritage while also unlocking future offerings. The exclusivity and “closed community” principles, along with the soul-bound nature of the tokens, add an element of mystery and intrigue to the collection. Louis Vuitton’s foray into NFTs is a testament to the brand’s ability to adapt to changing times while keeping its heritage intact.