# Blasphemous Branding Religious references push the buttons of consumer shock. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jan 23, 2011, updated Feb 1, 2011 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/blasphemous-branding ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Blasphemous Branding trend? **Blasphemous Branding:** When it comes to shock value, some brands are upping the ante with campaigns and branded merchandise focused on religious themes. This level of shockvertising may border on offensive for some, but in a market populated by desensitized consumers, typical attempts at creating shock just don’t cut it. The brand must disturb, even to the point of upset, to make a point—and religion undeniably provides an avenue. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 24 to Nov 2, 2010 - Published: Jan 23, 2011 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Blasphemous Branding trend ### Religious Shockvertising Major brands and campaigns are using religious references to create shock value and to appeal to desensitized consumers. ### Unconventional Branding Approach Brands are shedding traditional branding approaches to appeal to non-traditional audiences. ### Haute Occult Campaigns Haute fashion is increasingly using occult and taboo imagery to create memorable and edgy marketing campaigns. ## What the Blasphemous Branding trend means for industry ### For Fashion Industry Haute fashion is increasingly using controversial and taboo imagery to create edgy marketing campaigns. ### For Advertising Industry Ad campaigns are turning to the use of religious, taboo, and controversial imagery to appeal to desensitized consumers and create memorable campaigns. ### For Religious Institutions Religious institutions are needing to adapt to changing demographics and appeal to non-traditional audiences. ## Trend signals for Blasphemous Branding Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 74%, activity 76%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 74% - Activity: 76% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Blasphemous Branding trend 6 featured examples from Mar 24 to Nov 2, 2010. - [Anti-Religious Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blasphemous-campaign-by-muckmouth): 'Blasphemous' Campaign by Muckmouth (Category: Social Good) Implication: Opportunity for advertising agencies to create disruptive campaigns that challenge societal norms. - [Cultish Lingerie Lookbooks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lake-and-stars-lookbook): The Lake & Stars Lookbook Makes it a Ritual to Wear Pretty Panties (Category: Naughty) Implication: Brands can use unique marketing strategies and incorporate symbolic or ritualistic elements to build deeper connections with customers and generate buzz. - [Haute Occult Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lakes-stars-ritualize): Tom Hines Photographs for the Lake & Stars Ritualize Campaign (Category: Naughty) Implication: Opportunity for lingerie and clothing brands to experiment with unconventional and provocative marketing campaigns. - [Religious Gamer Recreations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-over): Kordian Lewandowskiego's 'Game Over' is Inspired by La Pieta (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunity for the art industry to embrace the convergence of religious and gaming themes, creating new and appealing artworks. - [Haute Couture Religious Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virgin-mary-louis-vuitton-statue): The Virgin Mary Louis Vuitton Statue Mixes Fashion and Religion (Category: Social Good) Implication: Artists and sculptors can explore the fusion of fashion and religion, creating avant-garde pieces that challenge conventional notions of religious art. - [Unconventional Religious Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/one-community-church): The One Community Church Adopts Non-Religious Exterior (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Religious organizations can take advantage of innovative branding techniques to attract new and diverse followers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)