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AI Influencers Are Here, and Earning Big
Simplifying emerging technology trends with Shira Lazar. Learn what matters in web3 and AI in under 3 minutes per week.
Shira Lazar
November 27, 2023
This Week in Web3...
A recap of The Past Week in Web3
Cool Cats, an NFT collection created by Colin "Clon" Egan, originally stemmed from his Instagram character, Blue Cat, and transformed into a unique digital collection on the Ethereum blockchain in 2021.
This past week, Cool Cats gained further recognition by debuting as a helium balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, having won an online vote against other PFP collections. The balloon, showcasing the collection's mascot Blue Cat, and his companion Chugs the Milk Carton, soared through New York City, marking a significant milestone for the collection.
Pudgy Penguins, a popular brand in the digital and physical collectibles space, has further expanded its reach into mainstream pop culture by launching its new line of plushies in select Hot Topic stores nationwide. This strategic partnership with Hot Topic, a well-known cultural hub, marks a significant step for Pudgy Penguins in broadening its audience and enhancing its presence in the retail market.
Pudgy clip-on plushies are now available in select Hot Topic stores nationwide.
Hot topic is a cultural hub that allows us to increase our presence within pop culture and expand the reach of Pudgy Penguins.
— Pudgy Penguins (@pudgypenguins)
11:31 PM • Nov 22, 2023
Italian luxury brand Tod's has recently joined the Aura Blockchain Consortium, integrating the Consortium's Digital Product Passport technology into its collections, beginning with the Custom Di Bag. This innovative digital passport, embedded in the bags via an NFC chip, provides owners with access to certificates of ownership, detailed product lifecycle information, and sustainability credentials.
Additionally, owners can acquire a blockchain-based digital twin of their bag, serving as a unique proof of ownership. This move by Tod's reflects the luxury industry's growing embrace of blockchain technology, underscoring the importance of transparency, consumer engagement, and traceability in the luxury retail sector.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York has introduced MoMA Postcard, a digital initiative merging mail art with blockchain technology. This program allows public collaboration in creating digital postcards, co-owned and co-created by multiple contributors, emphasizing community and collective creativity in the art world.
This initiative is part of MoMA's broader exploration into web3 technologies, aligning with its recent acquisitions of NFT artworks and participation in blockchain-centric exhibitions. MoMA continues to blend art with technology, preparing for an upcoming online exhibition showcasing digital art in collaboration with Feral File.
Quick Headlines
AI Corner
AI Influencer on the rise?
Spanish modeling agency The Clueless has created Aitana López, the country's first AI influencer, who has quickly gained popularity with 124,000 Instagram followers and substantial earnings of 1,000 to 10,000 euros per month from modeling and advertising. Created due to challenges with real models, López, a pink-haired, 25-year-old virtual personality, featured in lingerie ads on Fanvue, a platform akin to OnlyFans.
The rise of AI influencers like López, including others such as Emily Pellegrini, is indicative of a broader trend where digital characters are increasingly becoming successful on social media and adult content platforms, as noted by Business Insider and Fanvue's CEO. This trend suggests a growing acceptance and demand for AI-generated personalities in the influencer and advertising space.
This Week We’re Bullish On
Anna Bofa
Anna Bofa, the founder of Crate, an innovative app powered by AI, brings a wealth of experience in building and scaling global teams and launching market-leading products and services. With a notable track record in driving strategic partnerships and negotiating complex deals, Anna has significantly influenced product strategies and developed scalable solutions that drive user growth and revenue.
As a seasoned senior leader, she has thrived in both fast-growing startup environments and large corporate settings. Her extensive management and advisory experience have been instrumental in the success of Crate, an app designed to intelligently save and organize everything users love, demonstrating the practical and transformative power of AI in everyday life.
Positive Affirmation for This Week
"The secret of attraction is to love yourself,"
- Deepak Chopra
Hope you enjoyed this week's edition of the Alpha newsletter!
We're looking for brands to share with The Alpha. If you’ve got a product or service you think we’d love, let us know!👇
Remember, I'm Bullish on you!
With gratitude,
