Disney unveils ‘Joy Division-inspired’ Mickey Mouse T-shirt

The official Disney website has revealed that it has begun selling a T-shirt “inspired” by Joy Division.

The memorabilia takes as its inspiration the cover for the band’s ‘Unknown Pleasures’ album. The image, that of a pulsar originally taken from the Cambridge Encyclopedia Of Astronomy, was chosen by the band with help from graphic designer Peter Saville.

Rather than distance themselves from the original inspiration, Disney’s promotional material for the product actively celebrates the connection, stating: “Inspired by the iconic sleeve of Joy Division’s ‘Unknown Pleasures’ album, this Waves Mickey Mouse Tee incorporates Mickey’s image within the graphic of the pulse of a star. That’s appropriate given few stars have made bigger waves than Mickey!”

The new, family-friendly T-Shirt is priced at $24.99 and can be purchased from the Disney store.

This is not the first time Joy Division imagery has been used for seemingly incongruous commercial purposes. A website appearing to stock Joy Division’ trainers appeared in 2007, and Ian Curtis’ likeness was used as part of Converse’s ‘Connectivity’ campaign in 2008.