Bootleg Malcolm X Portrait Tee 1992

The wave of Malcolm X merchandise that followed Spike Lee's 1992 film created a cottage industry of both licensed and unlicensed gear. The street-produced tees — often featuring photographic reproductions of historical Malcolm X imagery not used in the film's official merchandise — represented a grassroots reclamation of the icon. The "X" cap worn by Lee himself created a fashion moment that extended far beyond the film. Pre-film street market tees from 1990-91 featuring historical photographs are the rarest. Value: $200–$800.