The son of Factory Records founder Tony Wilson has slammed a new designer range of fashion, scented candles and homewares inspired by the Manchester music label, saying "the sell out is now complete".
Oliver Wilson took to Facebook to vent about the new Factory Records designer range on sale at Selfridges online and in stores, with the iconic Unknown Pleasures artwork on denim jackets priced at £580, hoodies for £520 and a range of scented natural wax candles with images of Joy Division and New Order record covers for £45.
There's also a £700 black polyurethane Factory Records foot stool and £115 cushions with iconic record sleeve imagery associated with the Manchester music trailblazers.
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Oliver said in his post: "£500 hoodies, Joy Division woven cushions and Factory records natural-wax candles... wonder what my dad would have thought if he could have seen this when he started it back in 1979.
"Since he left I've seen a lot when it comes to ripping the legacy off.... but these prices are on another level. The sell out is now totally complete.
"Factory was never about setting barriers or creating any kind of exclusivity, these items run against the core values they pretend to represent. A contradiction just like anyone who wears them."
He added: "My old man would have laughed and I'm sure I will too, but you'll have to excuse me for a moment.. feeling nauseous."
Warner Records are now the owners of the Factory Records brand.
The new designer collection range has been launched in a collaboration between the record label with Selfridges stores to tie in with the major new Factory Records exhibition, Use Hearing Protection, taking place at Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry.
The Factory Records fashions are currently leading the Selfridges website, with shoppers encouraged to "discover exclusive collections inspired by Manchester's Factory Records as we explore the cultural legacy of the brand".
Designers including Marc Jacques Burton, Raf Simons and Medicom have collaborated on the range.
Selfridges and Warner Records have both declined to comment.
When asked for further comment by the MEN, Oliver added: "Once you get over the shock of the prices my dad would have loved this - Factory was inspired by the work of the Situationalist International and now Factory has been fully subsumed by 'the spectacle' I think he'd love it, job done.
"He always wanted to show capitalists up and the fact Factory is still doing that is great."
The Factory Records fashions fast became a topic of discussion on New Order and Joy Division Facebook fan group pages, with many fans stunned at the prices being asked for the new range.
One fan said: "Jesus those prices are insane", while another added: "Who would actually buy a hoodie for £525?"
Others pointed to Tony Wilson's legendary comment about the legacy of Factory Records and the Hacienda: "We made history, not money".
