WikiLeaks Launches Fashion Label

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COULD WikiLeaks soon be better known as a fashion label? Whilst challenging Chanel and Prada for brand recognition doesn't appear to be on the cards, the online non-profit organisation - which publishes secrets and leaks that it deems in the public interest - plans to open stores in India as part of a global drive to raise awareness and funds.

"India is one of the countries where awareness about WikiLeaks is the highest and Julian [Assange, WikiLeaks founder] is excited about the proposition," Olafur Vignir Sigurvinsson, an Iceland-based WikiLeaks representative, told the Times of India. He added that the monetisation of the WikiLeaks brand would help raise funds for the company, which - like Wikipedia - currently survives on donations. "We are also looking for partners in India, who can manage the property and translate it into retail and e-retail platforms," Olafur added.

The organisation already retails selected products, including T-shirts bearing the slogans "Designated enemy of the state", "Leaks exposing injustice" and "By becoming continuous, war has ceased to exist". Whether selling T-shirts for up to $100 each will sit well with many who believe passionately in the company's "information free to all" ideology remains to be seen.

This is not Assange's first dalliance with fashion. In June, he was said to be preparing to take to the catwalk for fashion designer Ben Westwood - son of Vivienne and a staunch supporter of Assange - but he had to withdraw due to ill health.

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WikiLeaks Launches Fashion Label