A shoe was thrown by a protester at China's premier Wen Jiabao Monday during a speech at Cambridge University. The shoe missed Jiabao, and the protester was escorted out of the auditorium.
Unlike when a shoe was thrown at George Bush last year, the Chinese Premier didn't even have to duck. Jiabao has been followed by protesters during his entire 3 day visit to the U.K., demonstrating over Chinese policy in Tibet.
Implications - Consumers in contemporary society are constantly looking for new ways to express themselves. Products that do this are appealing to those who want to make a statement and differentiate themselves from other shoppers. Companies could create more self-expressive items in order to attract more attention to their brand.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Self-expressive Footwear
- Footwear products that offer a way for consumers to express themselves and make a statement are becoming increasingly popular.
- Political Protest Products
- Products that offer a way for people to show support for political causes or protest against governments are gaining traction.
- Activism-inspired Fashion
- Fashion brands are tapping into the activism trend, creating clothing and accessories that allow consumers to show their support for social and political causes.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Footwear Industry
- The footwear industry can capitalize on the trend of self-expression by creating shoe designs that allow consumers to make a statement.
- Fashion Industry
- The fashion industry can take advantage of the trend of activism to create clothing and accessories that allow consumers to show their support for social and political causes.
- Marketing Industry
- The marketing industry can help brands create campaigns and product designs that tap into the trend of self-expression and activism to attract more attention to their brand.
