The 1992 LA Riots transpired in April and May. They were the result of the beating of black motorist Rodney King by four white Los Angeles Police officers the year before. The outcome left more than 50 people dead and 2,000 injured.
In 2019, contemporary brand URLA decides to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the 1992 LA Riots with a t-shirt design. The graphic takes inspiration from rock band AC/DC and the aesthetic is inspired by a typical touring concert tee. The words 'GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN' are printed underneath.
Fashion labels have increasingly begun taking political stances and using their status to instill social change or send positive messages.
Photo Credits: URLA/ Sai Johnson
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Social Justice Fashion
- There's an opportunity for fashion labels to take a political stance and use their status to instill social change or send positive messages.
- Tribute-paying Apparel
- The trend of tribute-paying T-shirt designs that commemorate social movements can become a new form of activism through fashion.
- Nostalgic Graphic Tees
- Nostalgia-based graphic tees can be used to pay tribute and raise awareness for historical events, while tapping into consumer sentimentality.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fashion Industry
- Fashion labels have the opportunity to use their status as a platform for activism and positive social change through the production and sale of tribute-paying apparel.
- Printing Industry
- As tribute-paying merchandise gains popularity, printing companies can specialize in producing high-quality, commemorative designs for various social movements.
- Memorabilia Industry
- The trend of tribute-paying designs can expand the market for memorabilia companies by producing commemorative designs for historical or cultural events.
