Weinsanto teams up with K-pop group Lightsum for metaverse debut
Roberta HERRERA
Weinsanto is expanding his brand universe by launching his first NFT wearables for K-pop group Lightsum. Former dancer Victor Weinsanto, known for his queer, fun and exuberant style, is working on a virtual project for his brand that will be presented during Paris Fashion Weekrue des Francs-BourgeoisDover Street Market
The digital fashion experience entitled ‘M3TALove’ will be promoted by the virtual fashion platform, bnv.me, launched in 2021 by Hong Kong-based start up Brand New Vision (BNV). Together with BNV’s team, the French designer created eight exclusive looks as NFTs for the eight Lightsum members: Sangah, Chowon, Nayoung, Hina, Juhyeon, Yujeong, Huiyeon and Jian.
The designer interacted with each of the girls from his Paris studio, sharing music videos and sketches via Zoom meetings over the summer, before meeting them in person in Los Angeles at the K-Con festival held in August.
“My plan was to connect with the spirit of Lightsum. Each girl has such a strong personality, and that really inspired me,” said Weinsanto in a statement.
“This opportunity to work in the metaverse gave me extra motivation and impetus. It allowed me to reinterpret and accentuate my own cabaret-inspired designs, to play with virtual fabric effects, volumes and colors. (…) Web3 and innovative technologies offer a new horizon, both in terms of creativity and in addressing environmental concerns through new supply chain and production possibilities. I love the fact that Weinsanto can now be both virtual and physical,” he continued.
The Alsatian designer studied ballet in Stuttgart and received his fashion training at Atelier Chardon Savard. He went on to work for Y/Project, Jean Paul GaultierMaxime Simoëns and Chloé before going solo in 2020, presenting his first ready-to-wear collection at Paris Fashion Week. Adrian Joffe, of Dover Street Market, has been supporting the commercial development of the young Parisian brand, which is distributed at H Lorenzo in Los Angeles, Maria LuisaSelfridges
