Pre-Presidential Coolness

Time Gives Us A Peek at Obama In ‘The College Years'

Time magazine has named President elect Barack Obama their ‘Person of the Year’ for 2008. Back in 1980 when he was a freshman at Occidental College in Los Angeles, a fresh photographer named Lisa Jack snapped these cool, laid-back images.

The pres-to-be sure rocks a Panama hat. Guess what’s going to be a hip fashion trend in 2009?

The shoot was done in black and white and captures a relaxed, fun-loving Obama. Jack says, “You can see he is just posing, initially, but as the shoot goes on, he starts to come out. He was very charismatic even then,” according to TIME.

Panama Hat Fashion Trend
Opportunity for fashion brands to capitalize on the popularity of Panama hats inspired by Barack Obama's cool and laid-back style.
Black and White Photography
Potential for photographers and visual artists to explore the aesthetic of black and white photography influenced by the timeless quality of Obama's college year images.
Charismatic Personal Branding
Chance for personal branding experts to help individuals cultivate their charismatic image following Obama's example of being charismatic even during his college days.

Who This Affects Most

Fashion
Fashion industry can leverage the popularity of Panama hats inspired by Barack Obama's style.
Photography
Photography industry can explore the aesthetic of black and white photography influenced by Obama's college year images.
Personal Branding
Personal branding industry can assist individuals in developing a charismatic personal brand following Obama's example.
SCORE
2.7 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 64%
Activity 8%
Freshness 8%

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