ODDS
From Tribute Text, a free reading archive edited by Tribute Brand
ODDS are zero-waste sweaters designed inside Tribute Brand Generator, a computer algorithm generating blueprints for one-of-a-kind unique sweaters
ODDS are derived from the code of the generative art project Chromie Squiggle, and are both digital and physical objects; a one-of-a-kind physical sweater and digital skin for virtual environments, connected through Tribute Touch NFC tech embedded into each sweater.
ODDS logo
History
ODDS is rooted in the generative art movement, which embraces the idea of humans and machines working together. An important medium within this genre is the use of generative algorithms as part of the creative process. This introduces randomized variation, resulting in almost infinite unique outcomes. Generative art recently gained renewed momentum and recognition. Erick Calderon, founder of generative art platform Art Blocks, is one of the driving forces behind this revival. His critically acclaimed Chromie Squiggles were the first to launch on the platform and are revolutionary because the generative process happens entirely on the blockchain. The collection is now considered one of the most influential artworks in the space.
Tribute Brand Generator
Tribute Brand used the original Chromie Squiggle algorithm to build the Tribute Brand Generator, translating the code into digital blueprints that can be used to produce knitted sweaters.
The visual characteristics of the Chromie Squiggle inform the unique combination of yarn, stitch, and colors of the sweater. Leading in this process is the type of Squiggle: Normal, Bold, Pipe, Slinky, Ribbed or Fuzzy.
As both the Squiggles and sweaters are randomly generated through computer code, each of them is unique. This also means there are statistically rarer variants called ‘hyper’.
Black or white label
Whether currently owned or newly generated — the sweaters have either a white label for original Squiggles or a black label for ODDS exclusives.
Zero waste
Tribute Brand collaborated with the Waste Yarn Project, which repurposes leftover yarns to create incredibly soft 100% zero-waste knitwear. The artisans take about twelve hours to craft each sweater by hand. No additional yarns or dyes are involved, which gives the sweaters a toned-down look. While the original artwork is known for its sensory overload, ODDS are colorful yet wearable.
Editions
The sweaters can only be ordered in limited quantities (just 999 unique ODDS will ever be made), during limited times, and are produced strictly on-demand.
Digital sweater
The digital blueprints created by the Generator are virtual sweaters, stored on the blockchain.
ODDS holders can wear a blueprint as digital skin in virtual spaces or in the real world through augmented reality.
Tribute Touch
The Tribute Touch label on the sweater connects users to the Tribute App where they can find their digital assets. When wearing the physical sweater, the Tribute App lets the user change its appearance. The blueprint also serves as a digital ID, enabling authentication of owned ODDS. It also enables transparent product information and traceability. Users can track the origins of their sweaters, making production more ethical but also making sweaters easier to recycle.
Finally, the blueprint preserves the unique variables of the holders’ generative design, meaning the holder has exclusive reproduction rights.
In Media
From the article called ‘Chasing rainbows’ written by Hannah van Well ‘ODDS unlocks a completely new approach to exclusivity, as anyone can own a one-of-a-kind sweater that’s still recognizable as part of a collection with a signature aesthetic. What’s extra cool is that the Generator includes you in the creation process. You can generate unique sweaters all night long, instead of being limited to a few seasonal colors that everyone and their mom is wearing. While generative fashion may be hyper-niche today, it seems primed to find its way into the luxury fashion industry that’s obsessed with exclusivity and personalization. Tribute Brand only recently opened the Generator for the first edition, but ODDS already gained cult status amongst those in the know. Some might say sustainable fashion is like chasing rainbows, yet Tribute Brand proves that it’s not only possible but extremely desirable.’