In an unexpected fusion of digital security and lifestyle comfort, the privacy-focused service Proton VPN has partnered with cult streetwear label Aries to launch a groundbreaking product: the VPN Blanket. Priced at £195, this limited-edition item is being marketed directly at university students and expats grappling with homesickness.
A Physical Comfort for Digital Freedom
The collaboration centres on a uniquely designed blanket that integrates Near Field Communication (NFC) technology into its woven tag. By simply tapping the tag with a smartphone, users are granted a free one-month subscription to Proton VPN. This access allows them to bypass geographical restrictions, enabling viewing of content from over 120 countries. For instance, a user in the UK could seamlessly access the US library of Netflix, or vice versa.
The initiative is backed by research from Proton VPN, which found that 82% of foreign students in the UK report feeling homesick. Furthermore, 88% of expats stated that accessing media and content from their home country significantly reduces feelings of isolation.
Design Inspired by Longing and Multiculturalism
Sofia Prantera, the Founder and Creative Director of Aries, who is originally from Italy, led the blanket's striking visual design. She described it as a patchwork of quotations, images, and references that echo the 'feeling of otherness' experienced when moving abroad.
'The design nods quietly to multiculturalism, and how beautiful it is when cultures coexist, overlap and learn from one another,' Prantera explained. 'The VPN Blanket isn't just about tech; it's about feeling close to the places and people you miss.'
Bridging Two Worlds
Morgane Leonardi, a VPN Expert at Proton, emphasised how the partnership merges distinct realms. 'Teaming up with Aries lets us bring together two seemingly opposite worlds: cutting-edge security and everyday comfort,' Leonardi said. 'The Proton VPN Blanket turns a simple, cozy moment into instant and unrestricted access to TV shows, movies and sports that keep people feeling at home.'
Leonardi framed the VPN service itself as a 'comforting bridge' that protects connections, erases digital borders, and helps users stay close to meaningful cultural touchstones, regardless of physical distance.
What is a VPN?
For the uninitiated, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a suite of technologies designed to protect online privacy. It works by hiding a user's real IP address and encrypting their internet traffic. This allows for private browsing, helps avoid tracking by advertisers, and enables users to bypass censorship or access websites that may be blocked in their country of residence.
The Aries x Proton VPN blanket is available to purchase now directly from the brands.
