Benoit Pagotto, the visionary behind RTFKT's NFT innovations, has passed away at 41, leaving a significant mark on the intersection of digital art and mainstream fashion. The news emerged in mid-October following confirmations from industry figures including co-founder Steven Vasilev on X platform and Philippe Rodriguez, a former Avolta Partners founding partner who had orchestrated RTFKT's landmark 2021 acquisition by Nike.
The sudden death of Pagotto marks a turning point for the NFT community, which had pinned hopes on RTFKT as a bridge between digital culture and traditional corporations.