Amid changing cultural contexts, Colour Fred Perry Shirts have remained true to their original 1950 design, which is, of course, the work of three-time Wimbledon champ Fred Perry. Yet, the brand has proved very adaptable, transitioning from sportswear to streetwear with ease and retaining its status as a subcultural signifier. Simply put, the classic design and iconic Laurel Wreath never go out of style. This holds true in the digital age, which seems to become more digital all the time. To represent its enduring brand in a time when more of our activity than ever – work, communication, and creativity – takes place online, Fred Perry has partnered with Gorillaz, the world’s biggest cartoon band.

Since their 2001 debut album, the British crew of cartoon bandmates has captured minds and ears across the globe. The band is the project of musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, but it has four cartoon members. From left to right, drummer Russell Hobbs wears the Original M12 Fred Perry Shirt in Maroon/White/Ice. 2-D, the band’s spiky-haired frontman, wears the Original M3 Fred Perry Shirt in White. Noodle, the guitarist, wears the Original M12 Fred Perry Shirt in Brighton Blue/Ice/French Navy, and bassist Murdoc Niccals wears the Original M12 Fred Perry Shirt in Tartan Green/Ice/Red.

Fred Perry chose the groundbreaking cartoon band to model the M3 and M12 shirts because they share “a sense of independent thought and spirit with the British brand, and a need to do things differently.” For his part, drummer Russell Brand recalled borrowing a Fred Perry shirt from a famous tennis player: “My first Fred Perry shirt wasn’t actually mine, it belonged to Arthur Ashe. Like a cross between Barack Obama and Denzel Washington… he was an artist…” Interviews with the band members are forthcoming, but for now, you can continue to follow the campaign, which includes a playlist from each band member.

M3 and M12 Fred Perry shirts are available globally, both in stores and online.