Mirror has become the sanctuary of my thoughts; a space where I gather the fragments of my mind, weave them into articles, and share them with you.
The significance of this platform has grown immensely for me, prompting my decision to release this article here.
Mismir - The Reverie is the culmination of nearly 25 years of reflection and passion, a testament to the journey that has shaped my soul. In this article, I delve into the essence of Mismir, the piece of art ( you may refer to it as something different ) I endeavor to create, tracing its evolution from inception to the dreams it embodies for the future.
Through this article, I invite you to immerse yourself in the why behind Mismir and glimpse the vision propelling its evolution. It transcends mere fashion; it's a journey of breaking barriers, fostering connections, and embracing boundless possibilities. This article embodies the essence of Mismir's soul. Questions, reflections, or simply a desire to connect—whatever it may be, I'm here to listen and share.
Enjoy! Thank you!🌹
25 years in the making.
I still vividly recall the day when I was just 15 years old—a young, immature kid—scribbling away in my notebook, jotting down all my ideas. Among them was the seed of an idea for a streetwear brand. However, I didn't immediately act upon it. I didn't feel ready. This readiness wasn't solely about knowing how to create graphics or design T-shirts ( I knew that I could find a way to make things work ); I had always excelled in storytelling, thanks to my imagination and unique perspective. No, the readiness I lacked was life experience. I didn't want to create just another brand selling printed T-shirts; I wanted something genuine. And so, I decided I needed more time—time to gain knowledge and life experience, to truly bring to life the brand I had always envisioned… Or at least, this is what I believed I needed...
For five years, with a year-long hiatus (not entirely, but one where I didn't dedicate much attention to creating but rather to enjoying life), I worked tirelessly to create something meaningful—for myself and others. However, nothing seemed to work out. I embarked on my journey in “entrepreneurship” as I entered high school, realizing early on that the “traditional life” path wasn't for me. Over those five years, I delved into various ventures. I started with dropshipping, then ventured into launching a watch business with a partner from the UK, followed by another business in Tanzania with the same partner, among other “ventures”. Unfortunately, none of these endeavors panned out as I had hoped. Despite initially viewing these experiences as failures, they ultimately provided me with invaluable lessons. After years of grappling with these setbacks, compounded by the disappointment of consistently low sales and feeling disheartened by the lack of success, I began to doubt whether this path was truly meant for me. Despite my aversion to the traditional life, I couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps entrepreneurship wasn't my calling either. I felt defeated, unable to envision a worse fate than conforming to societal norms. As I reflected on those years, I had an epiphany—one that changed my perspective entirely. I realized that throughout those years, I had been pursuing ventures not out of passion, but out of a desire for quick financial gain. In essence, I had been living a “traditional life” without even realizing it. With this realization came a decision: I vowed to prioritize passion over profit in my creative pursuits. Thus, I ventured into the world of music, albeit briefly, as I quickly realized the challenges of supporting myself as a rookie producer. I knew I needed to find another path to sustain myself.
After days of contemplation, I found myself revisiting my old notebook, filled with notes about ideas I had once dreamed of bringing to life. As I skimmed through its pages, my eyes fell upon the entry about the streetwear brand. Reading those words, envisioning the possibilities, I felt a surge of emotion—a stirring in my heart, an inexplicable rush of feeling that brought tears to my eyes. In that moment, I knew without a doubt: that this was my passion, my calling. Years ago, I had set aside what I loved, but now, I felt more prepared than ever to pursue my true passion. Perhaps I didn't need any additional experience or knowledge, aside from learning how and why to follow my heart. After all, it had led me here—to this moment, where I'm able to share my story with you.
Thus, Mismir came to life after several months of diligent work and meticulous planning to actualize the vision. From the moment Mismir was launched, I aspired to create a brand that resonated with people—a brand built on principles of connection, expression, and empowerment. Establishing connections and enabling expression came relatively “easily” though not fully in the form I envisioned, but realizing the empowerment aspect—particularly the idea of supporting people to pursue their passions and earn from their creativity; make their dreams a reality—proved to be challenging. I struggled to find a way to authenticate ownership of garments and accurately identify members of the brand's Society, which will eventually receive those benefits. Although anyone was welcomed to be a part of Mismir’s community, only a select few were granted membership in the Society. (You only needed to purchase a garment to receive a code granting access). Moreover, I faced difficulties finding a way to seamlessly sell garments along with their stories on Mismir’s website, while ensuring that dreamers received automatic and perpetual royalties from the primary and even secondary sales ( if they existed ). Despite my efforts, I couldn't find a solution, leaving me feeling frustrated and restless. However, everything changed when I stumbled upon NFTs. Little did I know that a moment of curiosity would not only transform Mismir's trajectory but also profoundly impact my own life. The original Mismir was shuttered, paving the way for a rebirth. Finally, I felt as though I had completed the puzzle—I had unearthed all the pieces necessary to bring forth the Mismir I had always envisioned.
Mismir revolves around connection, expression, and empowerment, deeply entrenched in the values of love, kindness, and empathy. It aspires to redefine horizons and assist people in manifesting their dreams, following their hearts, and ultimately inspiring others to do the same. Since its inception in my mind, Mismir has been a brand crafted with, for, and about people. It embodies the essence of a people's brand, and now, through technology, this vision of mine can become more tangible.
Before delving into my vision for the future of Mismir, and by extension, what I foresee to be the future of fashion, let me briefly explain to you what the aforementioned represents, without burdening you with excessive detail about them.
Connection – I've always been a people person; I thrive in the company of others and deeply understand the transformative power of genuine connection. I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact it can have, as well as the consequences of superficial relationships. I firmly believe that genuine connections can only be forged through interactions infused with love, kindness, and empathy – values that form the cornerstone of Mismir. Creating a community where authentic connection and support take precedence over self-serving interests is one of my core aspirations with Mismir, and it is perhaps one of the things that can foster and nurture a better world and society.
Expression – I've long felt that I have a wealth of thoughts and perspectives to share with the world. Yet, too often, these voices of mine are stifled, drowned out by the “noise” of louder narratives. I know I'm not alone in this experience; many individuals find their voices silenced in a world that values conformity over individuality. That's why I'm committed to amplifying our voices, to making them heard loud and clear. Each garment brought to life by Mismir will not only carry my voice but also the collective voices of our community. We deserve to be seen, heard and listened to, and together, we will make it happen.
Empowerment – My mission is to empower people to pursue their passions wholeheartedly. I understand that many people are unable to dedicate themselves fully to what they love, whether due to financial constraints, obligations, a lack of resources, or simply because they are caught in the foolish and harmful game of chasing money. I've faced similar challenges myself and recognize the importance of having support to pursue one's dreams. Even a small gesture, such as encouragement or financial assistance ( something simple ), can reignite one's belief in oneself and one's abilities and rekindle in one's heart the flame that has been quenched by other “purposes” or elements. Through Mismir, I aim to empower people by sharing their stories, immortalizing them on garments, and offering them the opportunity to earn royalties from each sale indefinitely. I hope that this not only demonstrates the possibility of earning from one's passions but also provides a tangible means of support to help individuals embark on their desired journeys. I'm not concerned if they forget about Mismir's support along the way; what matters is the positive impact we can make. In today's society, where the pursuit of money often overshadows everything else, I believe that valuing one's passions can lead to greater fulfillment and prosperity, both tangible and intangible. This, in essence, is why empowerment lies at the core of Mismir. While I understand that not everyone may share my vision, I know that even a few people embracing change can spark meaningful transformation.
These are the three foundational elements that lie at the core of Mismir: connection, expression, and empowerment. To truly manifest these ideals in the manner I envision, they must be infused with the virtues of love, kindness, and empathy—qualities often lacking in today's world. Every connection forged, whether between the brand and individuals, among people themselves, or within one's own self, will be steeped in these values. Our expressions, and how we amplify our voices, will be imbued with these same traits, resonating deeply with and touching the souls of others. Empowerment, too, will be driven by nothing but love, kindness, and empathy. Without these essential values, our endeavors would falter; they are the very essence of what makes our efforts genuine and meaningful. Genuine support is the cornerstone of enabling individuals to thrive, and without it, true success remains out of reach.
Redefining horizons stands as one of Mismir's mantras, a goal intertwined with the aspirations outlined above. Its impact may not be immediately visible but will be profoundly felt, gradually transforming into lived experiences. Yet, the journey of redefining horizons starts with broadening them—a process that goes beyond the individual realm to encompass a collective endeavor. It starts with an open mind, a readiness to delve into, understand, and embrace perspectives different from our own.
Community plays a pivotal role in this journey. By fostering communities grounded in mutual respect and understanding, we lay the foundation for collective empowerment. This empowerment isn't solely about uplifting one another; it involves recognizing and celebrating our diverse strengths and perspectives—our individuality. The beauty of this process lies in its reciprocity. As we accept and embrace each other, we naturally gravitate towards unity, weaving together a tapestry enriched with the myriad threads of human experience.
Through mutual acceptance and support, our capacity for empowerment expands exponentially. Collective empowerment becomes a formidable force, not only broadening our horizons as individuals but also as a collective entity. As each of us contributes our unique insights, we collectively shift our worldview, unveiling new possibilities. This isn't merely a matter of altering perspectives; it's about reshaping our collective understanding of what lies within the realm of possibility. Over time, the journey of broadening horizons leads to a redefinition of horizons.
This is the essence of redefining horizons; it underscores why this journey can only be achieved through the values and elements previously outlined. Without love, kindness, and empathy, and devoid of connection, expression, and empowerment, such transformation remains elusive. These components are interwoven, forming the fabric of our journey toward redefining horizons—a journey that begins with the simplest yet most profound act: opening our minds and hearts to one another.
"Dream. Weave. Inspire." is one of Mismir’s taglines, intricately bonded with the empowerment aspect. This tagline embodies the essence of Mismir's mission:
People, including myself, possess dreams, stories waiting to be told. Mismir takes these narratives and weaves them into its garments, allowing the story to resonate across the globe. People are inspired by the message and achievements conveyed through these stories.
Dreams evolve into reality, and reality, in turn, becomes a source of inspiration. The ordinary dreamer transforms into an extraordinary inspiration.
These elements embody the essence of the brand, serving as its foundational pillars. Yet, amidst these pillars, one remains paramount, albeit indirectly addressed: people. For me, Mismir transcends the realm of fashion; it's not merely about garments. Instead, it harnesses the power of fashion and the medium of garments to cultivate communities, weave narratives, and effect positive change in the world by amplifying our voices and stories. From its inception, Mismir has never been solely about clothing; it's been a piece of art—an ongoing masterpiece in the making. As the founder of Mismir, I provide the canvas upon which we collectively paint with our voices and stories. With time, as we progress and flourish, we will reflect on our journey, connecting the dots to reveal the beautiful tapestry we've crafted together. Mismir is art, and as with most pieces of art, its mission is to empower and inspire every dreamer in the world.
Yet, despite my perspective on Mismir's essence, it still “activates” within the realm of fashion. Therefore, whether I prefer it or not, I must stretch the boundaries of what can be achieved with fashion to ensure our vision comes to fruition. Decades ago, the loom revolutionized the fashion landscape, altering how garments were crafted, worn, and perceived. Similarly, I believe we stand on the cusp of another revolution or I would even say evolution, where technology will once again reshape the fashion industry. The future of one of the most essential entities in our lives lies in the harmonious marriage between technology and design. This is the path Mismir will tread, embodying the future I envision and leveraging technology to realize our dreams.
In a world where terms like blockchain, NFTs, POAPs, NFC and Digital Fashion may initially spark skepticism, it's not because they inherently harbor negativity, but rather because understanding takes time and patience. Yet, nestled within these seemingly enigmatic concepts lies a profound potential waiting to be unearthed. Instead of delving into intricate explanations, allow me to paint a picture of my dreams, my aspirations, for the future of Mismir – a future illuminated by the transformative power of these technologies.
In Mismir’s future, the marriage of technology and fashion emerges as a pivotal chapter, one that I embrace with open arms. Within this narrative, the trinity formed from the blockchain, NFTs, and POAPs intertwine seamlessly. My choice to embrace blockchain technology stems from a profound belief in inclusivity – a belief that every individual should have a “say” in shaping Mismir's story. Through the transparency and security afforded by blockchain, I aim to offer not just a product, but a profound sense of ownership and empowerment to those who become part of Mismir’s narrative.
Yet, to bring this vision to life in a tangible form, I turn to NFTs. They are not just digital tokens; they are keys to a world where every collector becomes a co-creator, a custodian of Mismir's ethos. Each NFT represents not just a transaction, but an invitation to partake in an artistic odyssey, to infuse one's essence into the very fabric of our brand. While the allure of NFTs as symbols of artistic expression is undeniable, their true power lies in the democratization of ownership, and in the amplification of voices that might otherwise go unheard. Since my mind conceived the OG Mismir, one unwavering conviction has guided my vision – the belief in empowerment. I yearned to be a catalyst for others, to embolden them to chase their passions and live out their dreams. And now, with the advent of NFTs, that dream has become a tangible reality. "Stitching Stories," a beacon of hope and innovation within the heart of Mismir, where through NFTs, community members will not only share their narratives but also be able to earn perpetual royalties from the garments inspired by their tales. It's a paradigm shift made possible by the marriage of fashion and tech, a testament to the transformative power of our digital era.
But beyond the noble pursuit of empowerment lies a glimpse into the future – a future where garments are sold as NFTs, where digital-first becomes the norm. It's a future marked by sustainability, both for individuals and our planet as a whole. This is the path Mismir is blazing, a bold journey toward a brighter, more equitable tomorrow. Though the road ahead may seem daunting, the promise of NFTs as vehicles of change cannot be ignored. It's a future we must embrace, for the benefit of all. These are the reasons why NFTs have found a home within Mismir, not just as tokens, but as beacons of possibility, lighting the way toward a more empowered, sustainable future.
In the vibrant tapestry of Mismir’s future, POAPs emerge as digital stamps of connection – small yet potent tokens of friendship and shared values. I choose to embrace the term "digital stamps" for its simplicity, for its ability to encapsulate the essence of what these tokens represent: a bridge between hearts, a catalyst for genuine human connection.
With each POAP collected or distributed, a thread of unity is woven, binding individuals together in a tapestry of shared ideals. It's my fervent hope that these digital stamps become vessels for the values Mismir holds dear – love, kindness, empathy – spreading their essence far and wide with each distribution. While POAPs may play additional roles in Mismir's future, I believe in taking measured steps, ensuring that each promise made is a promise kept. So, for now, let us focus on the magic of POAPs, on the potential they hold to nurture communities grounded in authenticity and compassion.
Digital fashion isn't just a fleeting trend for Mismir – it's the beating heart of its journey, from inception to its conclusion. Imagine this: a world where garments are born in the digital realm, where imagination knows no bounds, and creativity flows freely. In the universe I envision, the traditional constraints of fabric and form dissolve into nothingness, replaced by the boundless possibilities of the digital canvas.
Why confine ourselves to the limitations of the physical world when the digital realm offers us infinite potential? That's the question at the core of my vision for digital fashion. It's about liberation, about breaking free from the shackles of tradition and embracing a future where anything is possible. And the beauty of it all? These creations aren't just figments of imagination – they're tangible, wearable works of art, brought to life through the magic of XR technology and digital tailoring.
Through the transformative power of AR and VR technologies, you can touch, feel, and engage with these virtual creations in ways previously unimaginable. While these technologies are still in their infancy in the realm of digital fashion, with time, they will seamlessly merge the digital and physical realms, blurring the lines between what is real and what is virtual.
Digital tailoring, a process where creators dress a person into a digital garment, unlocking a realm of self-expression previously confined to the physical world. As our virtual lives become increasingly intertwined with our everyday existence, fueled by the desire for deeper immersion and connection, the demand for such use cases will only continue to grow. It's a future where social media becomes a playground for creativity, where every post is an opportunity to showcase our unique digital identities.
Serving as the bridge between the digital and physical realms, NFC technology has the potential to infuse garments with entirely novel dimensions of meaning. It will seamlessly merge the various technologies I've previously discussed into a single, tangible garment. I foresee garments evolving into dynamic platforms within the fashion landscape. Within these platforms, the seeds of the aforementioned technologies will flourish, enriching the fashion experience even further. In my perspective, NFC technology is not just crucial; it is indispensable to the future of fashion. Its significance goes beyond merely linking a physical garment to a digital certificate of authenticity. NFC has the transformative power to reshape not only the fashion industry but also the relationships between brands and consumers, between consumers and their garments, and ultimately, between consumers and their own sense of identity.
Thus, due to the profound potential often overlooked within this technology, it will be a core element of Mismir, found in the majority of the pieces we bring to life.
Reflecting on Mismir’s future, these technological marvels stand as pillars of innovation and progress. While some may view them as mere fleeting words, for me, they are the very essence of possibility, the key to unlocking the full potential of my vision. AI, for example, has been my steadfast friend on this journey and played an essential role in building the foundation of this brand. Looking forward, AI will continue to play an essential role in finding new ways to enrich Mimsir’s collective narrative.
For me, the decision to embrace the marriage between fashion and technology was never about chasing trends or following the crowd – it was about harnessing their transformative power to breathe life into the pillars of connection, expression, and empowerment that lie at the heart of Mismir. Without them, my vision would remain but a distant dream, forever out of reach. It is only through this fusion that the magic I envision will unfold, touching hearts and minds in ways we never thought possible.
As I pause to ponder the path that has brought me to this very moment—not just the moment of existence itself, but even the moment of writing these words—I am struck by the profound truth that Mismir goes beyond being fashion or art. It is, in essence, the tangible manifestation of my deepest dreams, passions, and convictions. Though the “tangible” journey of Mismir began a mere few years ago, its roots run far deeper, intertwining with the fabric of my existence over the span of 25 years. Each thread of experience, each fragment of imagination, weaves seamlessly into the tapestry of this brand, perpetually evolving and expanding with every passing moment.
With Mismir as my canvas, my aim transcends mere creation – it's about redefining the horizons, not just for myself, but for all who dare to tread its path. This isn't about garments; it's about breaking free from the confines of “conventionality” and embracing the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. People over product – it's more than a mantra; it's the beating heart of my soul, the guiding principle that infuses every thread of Mismir's being. In prioritizing meaningful connections, authentic expressions, and collective empowerment, we lay the groundwork for a future where every voice isn't just heard but truly listened to. Through the harmonious fusion of fashion and technology, we carve a path toward a world where inclusivity reigns supreme, where diversity is celebrated, and where the echoes of individuality resound louder than ever before.
For me, Mismir isn't just a brand – it's a movement; a beacon of hope for dreamers, believers, and those who dare to defy the status quo. It's a celebration of passion, perseverance, and purpose; a testament to the unbeatable spirit that drives us to reach for the stars. So here's to the dreamers, the believers, and the authors of their own stories; to those who dare to rewrite the rules and redefine what's possible. Here's to a future where our shared humanity is celebrated, cherished, and nurtured.
Though it's been a quarter-century in the making, this journey is far from over. It's a saga that's only just begun, and I extend a heartfelt invitation to each one of you to join me as we embark on the next chapter together.
Together, let's continue to write our story, chase our dreams, and build a world where passion knows no bounds and purpose knows no limits.
You can follow Mismir’s journey on social media as well: @mismirclo on all Web 2 platforms, @mismir on Web 3 platforms ( Only Lens for now ) - Twitter ( X ), Lens
Thank you!
Eduard🌹
