Swedish-American fashion brand BLK DNM has unveiled the first-ever example of connected fashion (garments that exist both physically and virtually, each aspect ‘twinned’ via technology) with the launch of BLK DNM Society and the integration of blockchain-powered hardware and software into its products. BLK DNM Society, built on tech designed by blockchain innovator and BLK DNM owner ChromaWay, will grant each garment a unique and recordable identity in both the physical and virtual worlds, while also rewarding ethical behaviour and granting brand influence to owners.

Blockchain-powered ‘digital garment ID’ microchips will give each item a unique identity and record of its history. Chips form the hardware element of BLK DNM Society, which launches in tandem and rewards responsible behavior and ownership. This tech will first appear in BLK DNM’s FW 2023 collection in Paris on 21 June.

Some of the first features of the digital garment IDs will include:

• Authentication of the garment as genuine, eliminating fakes and counterfeiting
• Rewarding responsible behaviours of treasuring and caring for clothing long-term, such as refurbs and second-hand purchases
• Recording each individual garment’s unique history – owners, events and places worn, repairs and alterations – enabling the item to accrue emotional and monetary value over time
• Acting as a digital ticket for entry to events
• Access to and voting rights within BLK DNM Society