Puma is diving into the metaverse trend by introducing its inaugural metaverse website experience, known as Black Station. This innovative and immersive platform aims to connect consumers with various web3 activations and experiences. As part of Puma’s ‘Futrograde’ show during New York Fashion Week, Black Station will feature limited edition NFTs that can be redeemed for physical sneakers.
At the start of the Black Station experience, users are greeted with a hyper-realistic digital lobby space that contains three separate portals. The first two portals, accessible from Wednesday onwards, will showcase never-before-seen Nitro NFRNO and Nitro Fastroid sneakers tied to Puma’s recent NFT Nitropass mint. The third portal serves as the entry point to a digital metaverse fashion show for NYFW. Within this interactive space, visitors can engage with the collection’s pieces, all presented with captivating point cloud style effects.
For Puma, the launch of Black Station represents new territory in the web3 realm. It signifies the brand’s first venture into owning NFTs that bridge the gap between digital design and physical products. Black Station revives the name previously used to represent Puma’s most innovative fashion designs two decades ago. By reestablishing Black Station as a new portal for digital exploration, Puma reaffirms its commitment to pushing boundaries in product design and digital innovation.
Creative ventures company FTR led the development of Black Station, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 to create cutting-edge graphics. Minters who have obtained a Nitropass will have exclusive access to two NFTs on Black Station – one linked to a physical product and another that unlocks a customized experience connected to the chosen shoe. After the Futrograde show, minters can claim their physical sneakers by burning their product-claimed NFT.
Puma’s in-house designers played a significant role in the digital product design process, enabling them to break creative constraints and envision 3D digital sneakers without the usual limitations imposed by the shoe production process. The resulting designs redefine iconic Puma features through bold and innovative designs. The Nitro Fastroid sneaker, for example, features exaggerated volumes of Nitro foam in gradient high-impact hues, pushing the boundaries of performance tech silhouettes. On the other hand, the NFRNO sneaker combines elements from obscure archive styles, resulting in a multi-part molded construction that captures the essence of ‘sport is art’.
Adam Petrick, Puma’s Chief Brand Officer, expressed his excitement about exploring new frontiers in the digital realm. With Black Station, Puma aims to deliver a unique and captivating metaverse experience that merges fashion, sport performance, heritage classics, and innovation. As the virtual and physical worlds converge, Puma seizes the opportunity to engage consumers and establish a presence in the metaverse landscape.
Black Station, as Puma’s first-ever metaverse website experience, sets the stage for the brand’s ongoing digital exploration and establishes its influence in the evolving world of web3. By incorporating NFTs, immersive experiences, and exclusive products, Puma demonstrates its commitment to embracing innovation and leveraging technology to connect with its audience in fresh and exciting ways. The launch of Black Station during New York Fashion Week signifies a significant milestone for Puma as it looks towards the future of fashion and digital experiences.
Useful links:
1. Puma Website
2. Web3 Summit
