Taking place last week in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood, HBX and Coinbase hosted a weekend pop-up event that celebrated the intersection of crypto culture and streetwear with digital and physical experiences. Bringing elements from both worlds into the space, the HBX x Coinbase Pop-Up featured an NFT art gallery, a screen printing station and an authentic gashapon arcade that dispensed prizes ranging from physical fashion items and home goods to NFTs.
The event offered a glimpse into the future of both brands. HBX will open its permanent New York City outpost in 2022 and Coinbase will soon launch its own NFT marketplace. The two-day pop-up kicked off with a V.I.P. party where attendees were the first to experience the space’s interactive elements. Exhibiting artists from the event’s exclusive NFT gallery, including Stickymonger, Henbo Henning and Eric Hu, who pulled up with artist Honorroller, stopped by to celebrate the opening.
The gallery also included works from FVCKRENDER, Rhymezlikedimez and Bobby Hundreds. Other creatives including digital collage artist Slimesunday, VR artist Osean, graffiti artist FAUST and cartoonist The Pink Cat came through on opening night to help usher in a new era for Coinbase and HBX.
Before opening to the public on December 18 and 19, a line wrapped around the block as enthusiasts patiently waited to experience the pop-up. Upon entering the space, attendees were greeted by a wall of authentic gashapon machines that dispensed coveted prizes in both physical and digital forms. A few lucky participants won NFTs, like “WHEN WE FIRST MET,” which presents music by Kenny Beats and animation by Drew Pulig, and “Camera Gun,” created by Berlin-based illustrator Fab.
For some of the NFT winners, their prize was the first piece of digital art in their collection. Others won beanies from Heron Preston, A.P.C. candles, sneakers from Vault by Vans, New Balance and Salomon, and apparel from brands like Brain Dead, Carhartt WIP, Pleasures and more.
Check out a recap of the HBX x Coinbase Pop-Up in the photos and video above and stay tuned to HYPEBEAST for more information on Coinbase’s NFT marketplace and the opening of HBX in New York City.