Microsoft Enters the Clothing Business
Redmond, Wash.–based software giant Microsoft Corp. will try its hand at the apparel business with theDec. 15 launch of Softwear by Microsoft, a line of unisex T-shirts and tops featuring “Geek Chic” imagery from the 1980s, when personal computing was born.
The shirts are being produced in conjunction with rapper Common and Microsoft’s ad agency, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, which was responsible for the company’s recent “I’m a PC” campaign.
According to Microsoft, the shirts will “tap the nostalgia of when PCs were just starting to change our lives.”
Designs include mug shots of a young Bill Gates, early computer graphics, MS-DOS system text and original Microsoft logos.
“The ’80s are strong right now. They produced a lot of fun fashion and funky styles and a lot of magnificent ideas,” said Common in a promotional video about the line.
The collection will be sold in specialty stores such as Urban Outfitters. —Robert McAllister
