Crypto Gloss

CloneX

CloneX is a collection of 19,000 3D avatar PFP NFTs created through a collaboration between RTFKT Studios (the digital fashion/sneaker brand) and legendary Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami — launched in December 2021 and known for high-quality 3D character design, Murakami’s distinctive aesthetic woven through the rarest pieces, and RTFKT’s position as the bridge between luxury sneaker culture, digital fashion, and NFTs, backed by Nike’s acquisition of RTFKT in December 2021.

The Collection

Attribute Detail
Supply 19,000 NFTs
Blockchain Ethereum
Launch December 2021
Creators RTFKT Studios + Takashi Murakami
Format 3D avatar PFPs

Each CloneX features:

  • Character types: Human, Robot, Demon, Angel, Murakami Drip (rare Murakami collaboration), Undead, Alien
  • 3D quality: Far higher fidelity than typical flat PFP illustration
  • Murakami pieces: The Murakami Drip variants are among the most valuable in the collection — they feature Murakami’s signature flowers, Mr. DOB, and mushroom motifs

RTFKT Studios

RTFKT (pronounced “artifact”) was:

  • A digital fashion and sneaker brand founded in 2020
  • Known for creating digital sneakers sold as NFTs
  • Merged physical/digital luxury culture before the term “phygital” was mainstream
  • Acquired by Nike in December 2021 — one of the most significant mainstream fashion acquisitions of a crypto-native company

Nike’s acquisition coincided with the CloneX launch — CloneX was positioned as the metaverse-ready avatar for Nike’s digital future.

Takashi Murakami

Murakami’s involvement elevated CloneX beyond typical NFT PFP:

  • Internationally recognized contemporary artist (comparable to Koons, Hirst in the mainstream art world)
  • His signature: “Superflat” aesthetic — vibrant, anime-influenced, pop art
  • Murakami-specific variants in CloneX became high-value collector items
  • Murakami’s mainstream art credibility brought serious collectors to the NFT space

Digital Fashion Utility

RTFKT developed real utility for CloneX beyond just PFP:

  • Wearables and drops: CloneX holders received exclusive RTFKT product drops
  • Physical/digital pairs: Some drops included both physical and digital items
  • Pod redemptions: Season-based redemptions for CloneX holders
  • Metaverse avatars: CloneX are 3D ready for use in metaverse environments

History

  • 2020–2021 — RTFKT establishes itself selling digital sneakers as NFTs
  • December 2021 — CloneX launches; 19,000 3D avatars; immediate blue-chip reception
  • December 2021 — Nike acquires RTFKT; CloneX becomes Nike-adjacent IP
  • 2022 — CloneX reaches significant floor prices; Murakami variants among most valuable; RTFKT continues pod drops
  • 2022–2023 — Bear market impacts floor; Nike’s RTFKT strategy evolves; CloneX community remains active
  • 2024 — RTFKT and Nike relationship continues; CloneX remains a recognized blue chip despite lower activity levels

Common Misconceptions

  • “Nike owns CloneX.” — Nike acquired RTFKT (the studio that created CloneX) but the NFTs themselves are owned by individual holders. Nike/RTFKT’s influence on CloneX is via the team’s future development decisions.
  • “CloneX is just a 3D BAYC.” — While both are PFP collections, CloneX has distinct characteristics: Murakami collaboration, digital fashion/sneaker culture foundation, and Nike/RTFKT backing rather than a community DAO model.

Social Media Sentiment

  • X/Twitter: CloneX is respected as a high-production-quality NFT collection; the Nike/RTFKT story is a frequently cited example of mainstream brand adoption.
  • Fashion and streetwear community: RTFKT’s crossover from sneaker culture to NFTs is well-known; CloneX is referenced as the NFT most tied to physical luxury fashion.
  • r/NFT: CloneX is consistently cited alongside BAYC and Azuki as one of the top-tier PFP collections.

Last updated: 2026-04

Related Terms

See Also

  • RTFKT — the studio that created CloneX; the digital fashion brand and its Nike acquisition are inseparable from CloneX’s identity
  • Azuki — the other Japanese-aesthetic blue-chip PFP of the same era; frequently compared to CloneX for anime-adjacent aesthetics
  • Generative Art — a contrasting NFT approach; CloneX’s curated, collaborative model is different from algorithmic generative art

Sources