Nom de Guerre have apparently teamed up with Fruit of The Loom for a special range of T-Shirts. While the graphics are interesting, and standard presentation seems to be well and good, what’s the motivation behind this apparent collaboration? Often collaborating occurs on a basis of propelling one, let’s say, less cool brand with a cool one in order to propel their cred, likely paying them a rate for the collaboration to occur (ie. put their name on their product), and/or for production, etc.
I’ve read that NDG will be using a “high quality” version of the mass manufacturer’s shirts, however I found a previous model sold at an online store:
• 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester
• Body– Front print in black
• Neck– Cut and sew 1x1 ribbed neck with back neck taping.
• Sleeves– short sleeves.
Sounds pretty standard, except for the 50% polyester part which would lean more toward the negative side as polyester is associated as generally cheap fabric.
Some see the collaboration as praiseworthy, exalting the classic T-Shirt company. Though even for its venerable position in the industry this reaction seems extreme, especially considering their questionable labor practices, and the fact that they have never tried to posture themselves a specific heritage brand with any real following, unlike previous NDG collaborators Red Wing, for example. Really, Fruit of the Loom have no singularly defined product at all, they are a mass manufacturer! The same could have been said with regards to American Apparel had they not built their brand around good labor practice (which is also questionable), sexy girls, and updating very outdated standards for blanks set by companies like Fruit of the Loom.
Unless I am schooled by further development and information, my initial reaction will remain: I find the whole thing a bit ridiculous.
