CryptoSlate spoke with Andrew Stefanov and the Cozies team regarding the launch of the recent NFT collection. Cozies is an NFT collection focused around “Hygge,” the Danish concept that roughly translates to “creating warmth, comfort, and contentment” or “coziness” in English.
The Cozies team is led by NFT director and Asia Blockchain Conference founder Andrew Fai who told CryptoSlate that the team is on a “mission to bring forward a Comfort identity movement.” As cultures evolve, so do the sub-cultures within. It's clear to see that there has been a growth in diverse methods of self-expression in the broader NFT community. Some 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 ecosystem.
New users bring new preferences, dislikes, and niche cultures. Cozies’ goal is to appeal to those interested or intrigued by NFTs but leaning toward alternative aesthetics 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 emergence in more diverse culture as the space expands.
What is the motivation behind Cozies?
Cozies was initially conceived as a comfortable alternative to the current “degen” mentality so prevalent within Web3. As much as the NFT space has given us, it is very exhausting 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 comfort (and the Danish cozy culture of “Hygge”) overlapped with various technological practices and research on well-being. Our goal was to create this decentralized culture that perpetuates its citizens’ well-being using thoughtful art and community gamification.
How will Cozies help diversify the culture of Web3?
Our primary goal is to establish a strong, Comfort identity – being content with who you are, what you own, and where you are heading. The Cozies artwork is deeply rooted in these values, and we aim to bring it to life through powerful storytelling and a unique and dynamic community experience inspired by RPG gaming and soul-bound token (SBT) development.
Through this, Cozies will become the cozy and peaceful corner of Web3 and a gentle reminder to become more mindful of one’s own well-being and enjoy both real and digital experiences.
What is the previous experience of the Cozies founders?
The dedicated team behind Cozies is a global, diverse, and passionate group that places advancing human well-being and the experimental arts as the central mission of our project. Our team is ready for execution with previous experience in developing immersive digital experiences and operating in globally renowned companies. You can find more information about the team on the Cozies website
Our founder Andrew is widely recognized as a thought leader within the NFT space and respected as a knowledge networker connecting opportunities and talent for Crypto 100 and Fortune 500 companies since 2017. He previously founded the Asia Blockchain Conference, the largest event of its kind in Greater Asia. ABS played host in the past to highlights such as the controversial Twist in Taipei debate between “Dr. Doom” academic Nouriel Roubini and BitMEX’s President 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 addition, movements, character, and flow of time. It's independence and self-expression in everyday life. We're deeply inspired by the rise of streetwear in Asian city culture and comfortable casual wear that can look awesome.
Cozies is also set in the relatively near future, 2040, to be exact. It's a sci-fi-inspired simulation 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 amazing to see how much the community resonated with the concept. I think it's because comfort is such a universal yet unspoken phenomenon. Yet a much-needed one.
We've also faced challenges 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. At 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 people, 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 comfortable and joyful. It inspires people to come together as equals, and enjoy warm moments and meaningful experiences. “A shelter in the middle of everyday 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 appreciate what they already have and understand that your own journey is unique but important. With the help of a community that truly cares, unique artwork, research-backed practices, and amazing fashion, we want to become a reminder to savor life and be grateful for it all.
What can you tell us about future plans?
Our primary goal is to scale out and start rolling out, step by step, our vision of a “decentralized culture”. We're deeply 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 features, it can realize such a vision.
Using soulbound tokens (SBTs) and our “transmit-collection”, community members will be able to track their experience, commitments, and affiliations, thus creating a secure, fun and immersive identity system and social fabric.
On top of that, we will work with our holders to build the IP, and move into fashion.
What is the best way for those interested to learn more about you and Cozies?
We're always active on Discord, https://discord.gg/Cozies
You can also follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/coziesofficial
And check out our website: https://cozies.io/
The idea of DeStation Protocol was conceived by Andrew Fai, a pioneer blockchain advocate.
