Recently, Stanford’s Lululemon collaboration has gone viral.
One collaboration piece, and the comments section exploded with students from HYPSM and top 30s.
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Harvard netizen said: We only have the Trader Joe's collaboration tote 😢
A Yale netizen commented: So pretty! Yale only has a collaboration with Champion.
A UC Berkeley netizen was envious: Berkeley's collaboration is so ugly you can't even look at it.
Here’s what Berkeley's collaboration looks like, basically expensive and generic 👇
USC and UCLA chimed in: We have Lululemon collaborations too!
Lululemon as Campus Wear: Who Wouldn't Be Tempted?
Lululemon collaborations are not just at Stanford; many North American universities have them.
As a Canadian specialty, Lululemon also has a collaboration with UBC, which was so popular that the clothes were stripped right off the mannequins ❓
Even after lining up for two hours you might not get one, and whether they look good is debatable, but the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo still expressed genuine envy after seeing it.
But still, not all UBC students can get their hands on them 😅
The situation in the US is a bit better. UC Irvine already got theirs last year. Although the selection is limited and the price is a bit high, who wouldn’t love Lululemon as campus wear?
The University of Michigan not only has Lululemon apparel but also backpacks, all about showing school pride.
NYU's collaboration pieces are truly stunning, looking both cute and sweet.
UCLA has them too 👇
But these collaborations really know how to make money, generally marked up about $30 over the original price.
For USC's collaboration, a tag showing $118 was covered by a $160 sticker. An alum said: Thanks to the university for remembering to give me a piece of cloth to keep warm while robbing me 😅
Netizens suggested: Maybe check out the nearby T.J. Maxx or Ross, where prices might surprise you. Or just pop into a tent and ask a homeless person.
Pricey, but indeed pretty. After all, USC never cheats outsiders.
GU’s collaboration, $100 yoga pants, really no thanks.
Georgia Tech’s collaboration, all about being expensive, same stuff as at the outlet.
Netizens be like: LOL, this is so GT.
It’s not just GT that’s expensive and generic; other schools aren’t much better, to the point where seeing the price tag is a turn-off.
University of Chicago's collaboration: Looking at the design: worth buying. Looking at the price: okay but not necessary 😅
College Collaboration Merchandise: Must-Haves for the New Semester
Starbucks Campus Mugs
Starbucks collaboration campus mugs have long been internet-famous. The following schools have released collaboration versions:
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Northeastern University
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University of Washington
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Rutgers University
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University of Georgia
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The University of Arizona
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Purdue University
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Notre Dame
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Georgetown University
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University of Florida
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University of Colorado
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Penn State
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The University of Mississippi
University of Washington's purple mug is absolutely stunning 👇
BOA Collaboration Bank Cards
BOA's collaboration bank cards with universities are also amazing.
Northeastern's collaboration credit card, with a husky head and black card design, is simply too cool.
UC Berkeley also has a BOA collaboration card, featuring campus scenery 👇
Bookstore Collaborations
Major bookstore partners: Nike, Champion, and Columbia. Now Lululemon has joined the army of money-grabbers.
NYU's collaboration with Nike has great aesthetic sense, a must-have for the new semester.
Champion's collaboration with Stanford, all about that American college style OOTD.
USC's collaboration with Hype and Vice, the sexy outfits are truly stunning 🤤
University of Toronto and streetwear brand OVO also released a collaboration; I really can't keep my wallet closed 👇
During back-to-school season, no one leaves the bookstore empty-handed; there's always something that catches your eye.
The Stanley thermos that every white girl has, now in a collaboration with UWO 👇
I mean, UWO really knows how to rake in money; who wouldn't be tempted by this taro purple?
And they even have a Lululemon collaboration, to the point where neighboring Waterloo would cry out loud.
The Deeper Meaning and Value Behind Collaborations
The origin of college collaborations can be traced back to the 1930s, when the University of Michigan and Champion released a collaboration hoodie, mainly used to keep athletes warm during breaks or practice. This was called 'Collegiate Apparel,' which is now what we call 'campus wear.'
The popularity of campus wear is inseparable from the tradition of intercollegiate sports competitions in North America.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has over 1,100 member institutions in North America, and annual events like basketball and football games are among the most anticipated activities.
Students wear campus apparel to watch games and cheer for their alma mater's team. These hoodies or T-shirts with school logos are not only symbols of belonging and pride, but also represent the spirit of sportsmanship.
Sportswear brands have always been the first choice for university collaborations, such as Nike, Columbia, Under Armour, Lululemon, etc. These brands also benefit, not only gaining a loyal following but also profiting handsomely.
Therefore, collaborations are a win-win for both schools and brands.
Fantastic Collaborations at Chinese Universities
Chinese universities also have many collaboration merchandise, with Tsinghua and Peking University really knowing how to play.
Tsinghua x Sanrio collaboration merch 👇
Tsinghua collaboration mooncakes 👇
Tsinghua x Warrior collaboration canvas shoes 👇
Tsinghua x Academy of Arts & Design collaboration snowboard 👇
Tsinghua collaboration JK uniform 👇
Tsinghua x Luckin Coffee 👇
Super gorgeous Peking University x Space Bear collaboration coffee mug 👇
Peking University x Li-Ning collaboration down jacket 👇
Peking University collaboration Pop Mart 👇
Heytea x Genshin Impact's 10-school collaboration pop-up event 👇
All kinds of fantastic collaborations, covering eating, drinking, and having fun.
In comparison, it feels like these North American university collaborations really don't compare 😅
As university collaborations become popular, there are many rumors and pointing fingers online.
For example, mocking them for being ugly and expensive, ripping people off while dissing the universities, or passive-aggressively saying that non-students don't deserve to buy collaborations, and so on. New collaborations come and go, but the trolls stirring the pot are ever-present.
Nowadays, collaborations are no longer just about selling school spirit; their ability to break out of the niche actually reflects the public's interest in higher education.
As for whether collaborations are exclusive to students of that school, we're all consumers, why be so hard on each other? Whether you're an alum or not, if you like it, just go for it!
