In one of the most unexpected collaborations of the season, Proton VPN, the world-leading privacy-focused VPN service, has teamed up with cult streetwear label Aries to create a world-first accessory: the VPN Blanket. This limited-edition drop blends physical comfort with digital security—something that speaks directly to today’s globally connected generation.
The innovative design features embedded NFC technology sewn directly into the blanket’s woven tag. With a simple tap, users are instantly directed to an exclusive URL granting one free month of Proton VPN, providing secure access to content from more than 120 countries. Perfect for students binging their latest series or expats following their favourite sports team back home, the blanket turns a cozy moment into a gateway to unrestricted global entertainment.
Connecting Cultures Through Comfort
The collaboration was created with university students and expats in mind—groups who often rely on digital tools to stay connected to home. Proton VPN’s recent findings highlight this emotional need:
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88% of expats say accessing content from home reduces feelings of isolation.
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82% of international students in the UK report experiencing homesickness.
With these insights, the VPN Blanket becomes more than a quirky accessory; it’s a practical and emotional touchpoint bridging distances through familiar content.
A Design Rooted in Belonging
The visual direction was crafted by Sofia Prantera, founder and Creative Director of Aries—and an expat herself. Originally from Italy, Prantera drew from her own experiences of feeling culturally displaced.
“I wanted to design something that captures the feeling of connection — that mix of longing and warmth you get when you find reminders of where you’re from,” Prantera explains. “The design is patchworked like a quilt, filled with references and images that echo the sense of otherness you feel when moving abroad, but also celebrating the beauty of multiculturalism.”
Her approach transforms the blanket into a piece of emotional storytelling—one that resonates with anyone navigating life far from home.
A Limited-Edition Drop
Students were invited to the Aries flagship store on Saturday the 6th for early access, and now the Aries x Proton VPN Blanket is officially available in limited stock at https://www.ariesarise.com
Retail price: £195.
Morgane Leonardi, VPN Expert at Proton, describes the collaboration as the merging of two worlds:
“Teaming up with Aries lets us combine cutting-edge security with everyday comfort. The Proton VPN Blanket turns a simple, cozy moment into instant access to TV shows, movies and sports that keep people feeling at home. Proton VPN is a comforting bridge that protects your connection, erases borders and keeps you close to the moments that matter, even from miles away.”
Where to Learn More
To explore Proton VPN or download it across any platform, visit:
https://protonvpn.com/
Further insights from Proton VPN’s full expat survey can be found here:
https://protonvpn.com/blog/expat-vpn-survey
