Palantir launches chore coat as corporate merchandise
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 8
Palantir launches chore coat as corporate merchandise
5 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 8
The logo-branded French workwear jacket drew criticism in a Guardian Australia column linking the $325bn company to surveillance, deportation technology and military contracts.
The article said Palantir's reputation had "contaminated" a traditional garment, citing local calls to cancel contracts and ban the business over its government and security work.
It also highlighted scrutiny of chief executive Alex Karp, co-founder Peter Thiel and Palantir's manifesto, while noting the company says it simply provides software used under customer instructions.
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How Palantir’s Premium Chore Coat Redefined Tech Branding and Ignited Political Backlash
Overview
In Spring 2026, Palantir launched a premium Lightweight Chore Coat inspired by 19th-century French labor wear and designed under the influence of CEO Alex Karp and CTO Shyam Sankar. This launch was part of a broader strategy to establish Palantir as a distinct lifestyle brand, moving beyond basic merchandise. The coat’s release sparked a 64% surge in store sales and sold out rapidly, enabling further apparel expansions. However, the choice of a working-class symbol by a company deeply involved in government surveillance and military contracts ignited significant backlash, raising ethical questions about co-opting labor iconography. Despite controversy, Palantir continues to use fashion to shape its identity and control its narrative.