[E010] Spectrum of Footwear

Released in 2022 and designed with purpose in mind, the inspiration point for EBiT™ Spectrum of Footwear [E010] was an unusual parallel as it mapped the development of mental health medical categorization on the evolution of the fashion footwear and sneaker world. [E010] paid a respectful reference to how both the classifications of footwear design and the diagnosis of mental health conditions have followed a similar progression over the previous 20-25 years. From a traditionally labelled individual category or illness – a shoe, a sneaker, a boot, a heel, in terms of footwear - Asperger’s, depression, ADHD, schizophrenia et al, in terms of mental health – to today’s approach of un-categorized hybrid footwear design and diagnosis of patients not by individual labels but across a spectrum of mental health where elements of conditions overlap.

Exploring the virtual fashion scene, Spectrum of Footwear [E010]: was a range of ten game-engine ready 3D designed shoes and sneakers which can be worn by your avatar in the metaverse and digital dressing in real life. The styles were available for purchase as NFTs via a special collaboration with virtual fashion’s leading marketspace THE DEMATERIALISED.

The project pushed the boundaries of brand purpose and experience, and of product utility and function.

The EBiT™ Spectrum of Footwear range consisted of 10 styles, designed across a spectrum, where elements of each style morph and sequentially overlap. 80s vibe sling-back sneaker mules morph into flat grain leather low tops then classic basketball high tops, before hybridizing into post-modern Chelsea boots, clogs and wedge-heels before completing the spectrum. Each style was equipped with 66cm signature EBiT™ label which contains subtle references to morality, mental health and youth culture, and features on all EBiT™ products physical and/or virtual. The whole project was a parallel reflection on how categorization of and vocabulary around the spectrum of mental health conditions has morphed and evolved in the past 20-25 years. 

The project also highlighted a new form of brand marketing as the range was sketch designed by hand (by Dominic Laurelli, EBiT™ design collaborator) yet developed, marketed and sold completely in 3D not for physical consumption but for virtual utility, digital dressing and purpose-driven awareness. 

Spectrum of Footwear [E010] was exclusively launched via THE DEMATERIALISED platform on the Lukso blockchain (proof of stake), available to buy as NFTs priced based on scarcity with 1 of 1 style at auction, and 9 styles in limited quantity up to 50 units. Each NFT had different versions to enhance utility across IRL and URL: a 3D style of footwear (GLB), a game engine optimized 3D style of footwear (USZD), an exclusive 2D digital art piece (.png), an exclusive 3D digital art piece (.mp4) and first notice of availability of physical EBiT™ products . The collection also had a unique AR experience on Instagram, and digital dressing functionality.

10% of sales from EBiT™ Spectrum of Footwear [E010] went to the National Autistic Society charity.

Creative direction by EBiT™ with rendering and NFT assets created by Amsterdam based fashion CGI specialists INDG – leaders in full product portfolio digitization – in partnership with Bastiaan Geluk, Markus Bauer, Nick Hussain and Ben Mahon. Digital product development led by Jaime Galipienso, with Didac Albors and Joseto Garcia.

With love,

EBiT™