When you look at merchandise at a concert, sporting event, or even on a college campus, the biggest challenges for fans are usually sizing and price point. Last year, F1 driver Franco Colapinto spoke out after being shown unofficial fan-made merchandise. He stressed that no one should have to sacrifice rent money or overspend just to support him.

This year, Franco and Renault took that idea further by launching the “Original Fakes Collection”—a set of official artwork designed for fans to create their own personalized, custom merch.

So what does this mean for the average consumer? Does it mean you can open your own merchandising store with these images? Not exactly. The collection is meant strictly for personal use. Still, it marks a significant step in legitimizing fan-made merchandise, which has already gained massive popularity in motorsports and beyond.

A great example outside of F1 is Kristin Juszczyk’s work with the NFL. She elevated customized apparel into high-fashion territory, with pieces worn by celebrities—including Taylor Swift, who famously sported a Kansas City Chiefs jacket featuring her now-fiancé Travis Kelce’s jersey number.

Does this signal a shift in how athletes approach merchandising? I hope so. Will we see a flood of similar initiatives in the near future? Probably not—but the hope is there. At the very least, it shows that athletes and organizations might finally start listening more closely to their fans. After all, most of us don’t just want the same old cookie-cutter merch—like endless pink gear marketed to women. What fans really want is size inclusivity, better cuts, and more stylish options that we’d be proud to wear.