Brand New Vision (BNV), Francis de Lara, and Gemfields are all set to introduce a limited edition of just 10 NFTs. These are the first-ever NFTs from Francis de Lara – the world-renowned jewellery-eyewear house – and were inspired by real-life eyewear featuring Gemfields’ coloured gemstones. BNV, a Web3 fashion platform, has adapted this stunning creation for the digital world.
The inaugural BNV NFT drop – known as ‘Eve’ – is based on one of Francis de Lara’s inimitable haute couture eyewear designs, finished in gold and bejewelled with Gemfields’ Zambian emeralds. Francis de Lara’s signature style embraces past and present, combining innovation with strong historical references. In this case, nodding to the Renaissance period and the artful romance of that time.
The real-life ‘Eve’ glasses are entirely handmade, featuring two golden serpents as the glasses’ side temples in a design embodying the creationism story. The larger serpent’s tail is encrusted with Gemfields emeralds, curling around the wearer’s ear and dangling a miniature tourmaline apple as a trompe-l’oeil earring.
The second, more demure creature sparkles with cognac diamonds, pink sapphires and 18k gold cabochons while gazing towards the sky. There are vacant trompe-l’oeil settings to give the idea of an ancient piece that has lost some stones over the course of time. Both serpents’ faces feature white enamel details. The front of ‘Eve’ is half-rimmed and finished with the criss-cross engraved motif.
This stunning creation has now been replicated in the virtual world by BNV’s technical wizards. Nathan Minsberg, BNV’s Metaverse Lead, commented: “BNV is absolutely thrilled to launch Francis de Lara’s first-ever NFT collection. A truly exceptional limited-edition design, that will offer exclusive access and wearability in the Metaverse.”
John-Paul Pietrus – the founder and creative director of Francis de Lara – the man behind the Eve eyewear, was in a more philosophical mood. “I hope even in the digital world, people will appreciate and feel the handmade aspect of my pieces. My artisans and I truly infuse our love and dedication into every single piece through our hearts and hands. There is a little bit of my soul in each Francis de Lara creation.”
Emily Dungey, Marketing & Communications Director of Gemfields, added enthusiastically: “Francis de Lara creations are not to be missed, and these first-of-a-kind limited NFTs will be no exception. It is a delight to see Zambian emeralds enter the Metaverse in such inimitable style.”
The drop will consist of 10 pairs of ‘Eve’ glasses at 0.25ETH (Ethereum), which is around AED 1,600.
The NFT is a 3D file that will have interoperable capabilities in the open Metaverse and be available as a wearable. Public sale opens on 28 May at 18:00 UAE (22:00HKT | 14:00 UTC| 10:00 US EST).
