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Wikipedia's streetwear collaboration

Weâve all been there. Last minute frantic additions, madly editing and re-editing our essays, cramming to make that last deadline. And I imagine you, much like me, have lent on one source more than most for those extra facts and soundbite bits of knowledge.
It is of course Wikipedia, an online encyclopaedia thatâs continually edited by volunteers from around the world. It offers free information for everyone and exists primarily through donations. It has also become the latest, albeit unlikely, organisation to produce a fashion collaboration.
Wikipedia worked with Advisory Board Crystals, a fashion label based in Los Angeles, on the collaboration which donates 100% of the proceeds to the Wikimedia Foundation, the charity organisation which hosts the non-profit online encyclopaedia.
Described as âour first iteration of the physical representation of Wikipediaâ, the collaboration consists of one long-sleeved, white tee. Although currently sold out on ABCâs website, it retails for $85 which is around ÂŁ65. The image on the back of the tee is that of the puzzle globe logo designed in 2003 by Paul Stansifer, who was 17 years old when he won a design competition hosted by the site. The words INTERNET MASTER are emblazoned in red around the logo.
Wikipedia does already have an existing online store that sells branded merchandise from clothing to books, bags and mugs. But this is their first foray into more covetable designs. The collaboration channels the rising trend for streetwear, more specifically for graphic sweatshirts and tees, which has seen brands like Supreme, Vetements and Virgil Ablohâs Off-White grow in popularity over the last few years.
The companyâs vision statement from co-founder Jimmy Wales is âImagine a world in which everyone freely shares in all knowledgeâ. This freedom is something that the Wikimedia Foundation wants to retain and which this collaboration aims to support. It just helps that you can now look good while doing good too.
Visit ABCâs website to find out more.
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