The t-shirt, one of the world’s universal garments, originated from the Victorian Dress Reform movement’s ‘combinations’ underwear. It officially became outerwear in 1913 when assigned to the US Naval uniform regulations. The uptake of sport as a leisure activity in the early 20th century gave it increased exposure and it became a teenage staple in the 1950s, influenced by screen icons James Dean and Marlon Brando. It was, however, the printed slogan that gave the t-shirt the ubiquity it has in the 21st century.

Beginning with the first college football tees printed for the University of Southern California in 1932, the concept was soon adopted as an advertising medium and in the 1960s was developed into a pop art canvas by boutique designers. It became a way of displaying an allegiance to a subculture in music and politics, a concept later appropriated by high street retailers as a fashion statement.

This t-shirt is a souvenir of David Bowie's Serious Moonlight world tour. It was Bowie's longest and most successful concert tour, running from May to December 1983 and visiting 15 countries.