Retailer Urban Outfitters is under media scrutiny for created these Kent University crewneck sweaters that commemorate the Army National Guardsmen firing at several students in 1970 for protesting against the Vietnam War. The sweater's blood-stained design pushes the envelope on a sensitive issue.
The Army National Guardsmen's fire created quite the stir in the 70s when a total of nine students were injured and four students were killed. This Urban Outfitters sweater commemorates the tragic incident with a watery blood-stained rose color complete with blood splatters, dripping blood and even a few bullet holes. Whether the sweater's design is tasteful or not is up for debate but the sweater does some good by reminding consumers of the unfortunate incident that should not be forgotten.
Bloody Collegiate Sweaters
This Kent University Crewneck Commemorates the Vietnam War Protests
Trend Themes
1. Controversial Fashion - The rise of provocative designs in fashionable clothing with contentious themes that push the boundaries of society.
2. Activist Nostalgia - Nostalgia for past activism in contemporary fashion as a way to memorialize and draw attention to historical social and political issues.
3. Disruptive Brand Marketing - Incorporating disruptive brand marking that pushes the boundaries of moral and ethical standards of society as a way of creating brand visibility and engagement.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry can capitalize on the trend of controversial designs that bring attention to historical social and political issues.
2. Marketing - The marketing industry can use disruptive brand marketing as a way of creating brand visibility and engagement.
3. Activism - The activism industry can leverage the trend of activist nostalgia and incorporate past activism into modern-day social and political issues.