What is the Milady Maker NFT Collection?

Milady Maker is a collection of 10,000 profile picture (PFP) NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain, currently holding a market capitalization of approximately 62,800 ETH (about $200 million) at a 6.28 ETH floor price. The collection stands out for its neochibi aesthetic, which draws inspiration from the street-style tribes of early 2000s Tokyo. Each Milady generates randomized accessories, divided into five style themes inspired by Tokyo fashion subcultures.

Each Milady features randomized accessories, giving it a distinct flair that blends playful, anime-inspired visuals with cultural nostalgia. Additionally, each Milady receives a 'Drip Score,' which rates its overall style based on how well its elements fit together.

Originally launched by Remilia, an online collective headed by Charlotte Fang, Milady Maker was initially envisioned as a gateway to a customized Minecraft server. Over time, it has grown far beyond that, expanding into Milady VRtube avatars, Milady raves, merchandise and more.

Milady Drip Scores Explained

The Drip Score is a hallmark of Milady Maker NFTs, evaluating how well a Milady’s traits work together to create a cohesive, visually appealing aesthetic. Unlike traditional NFT rankings that prioritize trait rarity, the Drip Score focuses on stylistic harmony. Miladys are graded from "D" to "SS," with "SS" being the pinnacle of design and aesthetic value.

What Makes Up a Drip Score?

The score accounts for factors like accessory synergy, thematic consistency, and overall visual cohesion:

• Accessory Synergy: Traits that complement each other (like matching hats, necklaces, and hair styles) can boost a Milady’s Drip Score. For example, consistent Y2K vibes with pastel tones or Harajuku-inspired accessories stand out.
• Thematic Consistency: A unified theme, such as a punk, pastel, or high-fashion look, enhances the score by creating a polished aesthetic.
• Grading System: Drip grades provide a quick visual cue, ranging from "D" for lower cohesion to "SS" for exceptional style.

Milady #5825: An SS Example

Milady #5825, currently priced at 77 ETH (around $250,000), is a perfect representation of Milady Maker’s top-tier design with its "SS" Drip Score. This NFT achieves a harmonious blend of rare traits, showcasing exceptional aesthetic cohesion.

Here’s what makes up its standout design:

• Background: Sunset (15%, floor 7.5 ETH)
• Core: Harajuku-gyaru (5%, floor 10 ETH)
• Hair: Tuft Brown (4%, floor 15 ETH)
• Hat: Cake Hat (0.67%, floor 9.99 ETH)
• Necklace: Milady Beads (2%, floor 12 ETH)

The cohesive appeal lies in how the playful Cake Hat and Harajuku-gyaru core align seamlessly with the Tuft Brown hair and Teardrops Tattoo face decoration. These elements embody the collection’s signature neochibi aesthetic, drawing from Y2K and Tokyo street-style influences.

With a Drip Score of 46, Milady #5825 ranks in the upper echelon of the collection, illustrating how its traits blend into a visually compelling and culturally nostalgic NFT.

Milady Maker NFT Founder

The Milady Maker project was spearheaded by Charlotte Fang, also known as Charlemagne or Charlie, who served as the CEO of Remilia. The collection's artwork was crafted by Sprite Bonkler, a digital artist known for their distinct, childlike take on anime aesthetics.

Together, Fang and Bonkler shaped Milady into a recognizable part of the NFT landscape, blending Japanese street culture with digital collectibles. However, Fang's controversial persona became a central focus of media attention and scrutiny, impacting the perception and valuation of the project.

Milady Controversy

Milady Maker has faced a series of controversies, mostly tied to the actions of founder Charlotte Fang:

• Kaliacc Allegations: Fang was alleged to have ties with Kaliacc, a now-defunct group rumored to have white supremacist connections. Though evidence was limited, these accusations tarnished the project's image, especially among the NFT community that values inclusivity.
• Miya Persona: Fang admitted to being behind the "Miya" persona, which was linked to hateful online content. Fang described it as satirical performance art, but the backlash forced Fang to step down from the project to manage reputational damage.
• Spin-off Collection Incident: A spin-off collection called Milady, That B.I.T.C.H mistakenly included references to a Nazi concentration camp, which Fang insisted was an accidental outcome of automated generation. This incident amplified distrust and portrayed the project as careless.

These controversies have added a complex, notorious layer to Milady's lore. While some see these as misunderstood artistic provocations, others view them as a sign of deeper issues. 

Ultimately, the project's success hinges on its ability to move past these incidents, rebuild trust, and retain its anti-establishment appeal while aligning with broader ethical expectations.

Milady NFT Price History

Milady Maker’s price journey reflects a dynamic mix of controversy, community enthusiasm, and broader NFT market trends. The collection has experienced sharp price fluctuations, underscoring its unique ethos and sometimes polarizing reputation.

• Initial Minting: Launched in August 2021 at a mint price of 0.05 ETH, Milady Maker initially struggled to gain traction. It took over a year for all 10,000 NFTs to be minted, finally selling out by March 2022.
• Media Influence: The collection has seen dramatic price surges due to external factors. For instance, in May 2023, a tweet by Elon Musk sparked a 50% spike in the floor price within 24 hours, demonstrating the impact of high-profile mentions.
• Strategic Investment: In June 2024, Milady Maker secured a $5 million investment from DWF Labs to support the development of its community-driven memecoin, LADYS, signaling confidence in the project’s long-term potential.

Today (as of November 2024), the Milady Maker floor price is approximately 6.28 ETH (around $20,000). This represents a 125x multiple from its initial mint price, positioning it as one of the most successful NFT collections in terms of market performance and sustained value growth.

Milady Memecoin (LADYS)

The Milady Memecoin (LADYS) was launched in May 2023 as a community-driven project tied to the Milady Maker NFT collection. It wasn’t created by the original Milady team but instead gained traction through grassroots support. 

The coin was distributed through an airdrop, primarily targeting holders of Milady NFTs and select wallets within the broader crypto community. As of today, LADYS has a market cap of around $110 million, making it one of the largest memes on Ethereum.

Bottom Line

Milady Maker is the archetypal example of how cultural narratives and community engagement can drive the success of an NFT collection, even amidst controversy. 

Its unique aesthetic, Drip Score innovation, and grassroots ecosystem (including the LADYS memecoin) highlight the power of blending art, culture, and financial experimentation. 

While polarizing, Milady’s rise from a slow start to a market leader underscores the growing importance of storytelling and community in shaping the NFT culture.