Cozies look to tackle web3’s crypto-bro, degen culture through Hygge ‘cozy’ culture NFTs
CryptoSlate spoke with Andrew Fai and the Cozies team regarding the launch of the new NFT project. Cozies is an NFT collection focused around “Hygge,” the Danish concept that roughly translates to “to give courage, comfort, joy” or “cozy” in English.
The Cozies team is led by NFT veteran and Asia Blockchain Summit founder Andrew Fai who told CryptoSlate that the team is on a “mission to bring forth a Cozy identity movement.” As cultures evolve, so do the sub-cultures within. It is clear to see that there has been a growth in different methods of self-expression in the broader NFT community. Many NFT projects follow a similar mindset to typical crypto memes. However, as the space matures, so does its diversity and need to accommodate the myriad of new users in the space.
New users bring new likes, dislikes, and niche cultures. Cozies goal is to appeal to those interested or intrigued by NFTs but aligning to different druthers than communities such as Bored Ape Yacht Club, CryptoPunks, and Meebits. The ‘crypto bro’ or ‘degen’ communities aren’t for everyone, and that’s why we see an increase in more diverse work as the space grows.
What is the inspiration for Cozies?
Cozies was initially conceived as a counter-culture to the current “degen” mentality so prevalent within Web3. As much as the NFT space has given us, it is very tiring and often makes us forget to take care of ourselves and be comfortable in our own skin and individual journeys.
With the development of the IP, we realized that our philosophy of coziness (and the Danish cozy culture of “Hygge”) overlapped with many scientific practices and data on well-being. Our goal was to create this decentralized society that perpetuates its citizens’ well-being using cool art and community gamification.
How will Cozies help brand the culture of web3?
Our first goal is to establish a strong, Cozy identity – being comfortable with who you are, what you own, and where you are going. The Cozies art is deeply rooted in these values, and we aim to bring it to life through powerful storytelling and a unique and dynamic community infrastructure inspired by RPG gaming and soul-bound token (SBT) utilization.
Through this, Cozies will become the cozy and serene corner of Web3 and a gentle reminder to become more mindful of one’s own well-being and cherish real and digital experiences.
What is the previous experience of the Cozies founders?
The Core team behind Cozies is a global, diverse, and passionate group that places improving human well-being and the experiential process as the central mission of our work. Our team is primed for execution with prior experience in developing immersive digital experiences and operating in globally renowned companies. You can find more details about the team on the Cozies website
Our founder Andrew is widely recognized as a thought leader within the NFT space and respected as the power networker connecting opportunities and talent for Crypto 100 and Fortune 500 companies since 2017. He previously founded the Asia Blockchain Summit, the largest event of its kind in Greater Asia. ABS played host in the past to highlights like the controversial Tangle in Taipei debate between “Dr. Doom” professor Nouriel Roubini and BitMEX’s Arthur Hayes, astronaut Chris Hadfield’s first bitcoin transaction over satellite with Blockstream, and the Binance Super Meetup.
Why is fashion so important to the Cozies ecosystem?
Fashion reflects change, movements, individuality, and appreciation of beauty. It’s autonomy and self-expression in everyday life. We’re heavily inspired by the rise of streetwear in Korean city culture and comfortable lounge-wear that can look awesome.
Cozies is also set in the relatively near future, 2040, to be exact. It’s a sci-fi-inspired reflection of reality, and we’ve tried to showcase a cozy and optimistic version of it through fashion.
What have been the biggest surprises of watching the Cozies ecosystem grow?
It’s been incredible to watch the growth of the Cozies brand – we believed in the project with all our hearts, but it was still incredible to see how much the community resonated with the concept. I think it’s because coziness is such a familiar yet unspoken phenomenon. Yet a much-needed one.
We’ve also faced difficulties and have made poor decisions. But it’s important for us to remain humble, learn from these unexpected trials and listen to the voice of the community. In the end of the day, Cozies is much bigger than any of us.
Tell us why the concept of hygge is so important to Cozies?
The Danish are among the happiest, statistically, year after year. We believe that Hygge is a big reason for that.
Hygge literally translates to “cozy,” and it’s a culture that focuses on conscious efforts to make life more comfy and joyful. It inspires people to come together as equals, and cherish beautiful warm moments and meaningful experiences. “A sanctuary in the middle of every day life.”
The CEO of a Copenhagen think tank called The Happiness Research Institute describes hygge as ‘like a warm hug, but without the physical contact.’
How can Cozies help make the world a better place?
The world is already an amazing place. Cozies aims to help holders and everyone to cherish what they already have and understand that your own journey is different but important. With the help of a community that truly cares, unique art, data-backed practices, and sick fashion, we want to become a reminder to enjoy life and be grateful for it all.
What can you tell us about future plans?
Our first goal is to mint out and start rolling out, step by step, our understanding of a “decentralized society”. We’re heavily inspired by Glen Weyl’s whitepaper on the concept.
But also, I think that Discord is extremely underutilized, at least in the NFT space, and due to its robust infrastructure, it can accommodate such a vision.
Using soulbound tokens (SBTs) and our “pass-book”, community members will be able to track their experience, commitments, and affiliations, thus creating a secure, fun and immersive governance system and social landscape.
On top of that, we will work with our holders to expand the IP, and move into fashion.
What is the best way for those interested to learn more about you and Cozies?
Connect with Andrew Fai
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