Whoops. I just spilled a cup of coffee, Starbucks, of course, on my new white t-shirt. Darn the luck. In theory, I could wash it. Or I could charge $85 for it like designer Alexander Wang.
Yep, you read right. If the late Jackson Pollock can splatter random dollops of paint on a canvas and become an icon, then Wang should be able to create T-shirts with coffee stains on them, yes? Isn’t America delightful?
The headline on Today.com caught my eye: “Is a coffee-stained t-shirt worth $85?” … so I had to read on. Turns out Wang is one of a small handful of nubile designers teaming up with coffee behemoth Starbucks. The designers are coming together to celebrate the ubiquitous brand’s 40th birthday. When tasked with creating a limited-edition garment for the anniversary, Wang told InStyle magazine that his inspiration was “what everyone tries to avoid, spilled coffee on a T-shirt.” Wang’s stylish spill also featuresthe signature Starbucks’ mermaid subtly concealed within the fake stain. (I don’t see it, but I’m usually horrible at those Rorschach tests …)
For those interested, Wang’s “oops-my-bad!” handiwork can be purchased for a mere $85 at both StarbucksStore.com and at Nordstrom. A virtual STEAL, if you ask me.
Of course, as Today.com so dutiful pointed out, you could always save yourself some money and purchase a Venti Americano to hurl on yourself.