Barbie and Boss Beauties make a collaboration to the world of Web3 with a collection NFT 2023

The two brands have created a crossover collection of NFTs that feature different levels of rarity and real-world benefits.

Barbie maker Mattel has teamed up with women-led brand Boss Beauties in the Web3 initiative to introduce a line of on-chain virtual collectibles celebrating the many careers undertaken by the iconic toy figure since her first release in 1959.

The collection, Boss Beauties x Barbie, features NFTs designed in the distinctive Boss Beauties style that pay homage to Barbie's 250 careers.

But... What is an NFT?

An NFT, which stands for "Non-Fungible Token" in English, is a type of digital asset that uses blockchain technology. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are fungible and can be traded against each other, NFTs are unique and indivisible, giving them unique value.

NFTs are primarily used to represent ownership or authenticity of a digital object, such as artwork, video, music, virtual collectibles, games, and other digital assets. Each NFT has a unique code that distinguishes it from others, ensuring its uniqueness and ownership.

The underlying blockchain technology ensures verifiability and transparency of NFT ownership and transactions, providing trust and security for owners. Additionally, NFTs can embed additional data and metadata, such as the history, authorship, and provenance of the digital asset, adding value and context to the piece.

NFTs have gained popularity in the realm of digital art and digital collecting, as they allow creators and owners to sell, trade, and monetize their digital works in a more direct and transparent way. However, it is important to note that the NFT market is relatively new and constantly evolving, so it is advisable to fully research and understand it before participating in it.

What do we know about the Boss Beauties x Barbie 2023 NFTs?

This year's 2023 initial release of NFTs will include artists, astronauts, CEOs, doctors, vets, pilots, and more. The collectibles, which reside on Flow, the NFT-focused blockchain behind NBA Top Shot, will retail for $25 for a four-pack. They are not available for purchase using cryptocurrencies.

According to Mattel, this low price, along with an easy checkout process, will lower the barrier to entry to Web3 for Barbie fans. Boss Beauties has framed their mission as a way to onboard the next 1 million women and girls in the world of Web3.

"As Barbie continues her journey into the metaverse, we're proud to partner with Boss Beauties to empower women and collectors to explore the Web3 through our virtual collection," said Lisa McKnight, Global Head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel, in a statement. a statement.

Early access to the collection opens today. The official launch of the line will take place next week at Veecon, on May 18.

Inside the Boss Beauties x Barbie virtual collectible packs will be NFTs of various rarities, unlocking certain real-world and digital perks. Each pack will include two "common" cards and one "uncommon" card; the fourth card could be of any rarity level, including "super rare", "ultra rare", and "exclusive".

"Ultra Rare" NFTs, which make up just 0.67% of the supply, will unlock a set of limited-edition "Career of the Year" Barbie dolls; "Exclusive" NFTs, accounting for just 0.47% of the cards, will earn the holder a ticket to the immersive "World of Barbie" expo currently taking place in Los Angeles.

The collection will also feature undisclosed benefits, including additional physical goods available to holders and access to virtual Career Conversations with leading women in various career fields. Early Access purchasers will also receive a surprise virtual collectible with an exclusive career trait to be revealed in July, the same month Warner Bros.'s upcoming Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie will be released.

This isn't Mattel's first foray into Web3; the company previously launched a line of Cryptoys last summer, as well as a line of NFT Barbie created in collaboration with French fashion house Balmain. While it seems Mattel's appetite for integrating blockchain-based products with its brands hasn't waned since last year, its eagerness to associate those products with native Web3 terms might as well have: The Boss Beauties x Barbie collection is exclusively referred to as a series of virtual collectibles, not like NFTs.