# Tear-Away Beards James Harden Footlocker Commercial Puts Funny Spin on Rip-Off Clothing By Katherinev123 | Published 2012-08-17 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/james-harden-footlocker References: [mashable](http://mashable.com/2012/08/16/james-harden-foot-locker-commercial/) & [espn.go](http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/dollars/post/_/id/1048/foot-locker-could-have-sports-commercial-of-year) If you were a kid growing up in the '90s, and you loved tear-away clothing, then this James Harden [Footlocker commercial](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foot-locker-takeover) will give you a laugh. Executed perfectly, the new ad features Olympic gold medalist and [NBA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nba-jingle-hoops) star James Harden, who shows viewers that in terms of "fresh" gear, you should always be well stocked. Also featured in the commercial is Russell Westbrook, Harden's [Oklahoma City Thunder](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-7-apparel) teammate, who is shown hanging out with Harden at a party when he accidentally spills mustard on Harden's T-shirt. Rather than making a fuss, however, Harden says, "With gear this fresh, I always have more than one," and proceeds to rip off his tee to reveal the exact same shirt underneath. Then, Westbrook squirts some mustard on Harden's beard -- watch the ad here to see what he does in response! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/commercials) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Tear-away Clothing:** The fun nostalgia of tear-away clothing presents an opportunity for brands to create innovative and customizable clothing that appeals to a wide range of consumers. - **Humor in Advertising:** The successful execution of humor in advertising can resonate with audiences and create a genuine connection between consumers and brands, providing an opportunity for disruptive innovation in advertising strategies. - **Athlete Endorsement Deals:** Athlete endorsement deals continue to be a successful marketing strategy for brands looking to establish a connection with consumers through the popular and influential figure of professional athletes. ### Who This Affects Most - **Sportswear and Apparel:** Sportswear and apparel companies have an opportunity to incorporate the nostalgia of past fashion trends, such as tear-away clothing, into innovative and stylish designs to appeal to modern consumers. - **Advertising and Marketing:** The successful execution of humor in advertising and the use of athlete endorsement deals presents opportunities for innovation in advertising and marketing strategies for companies in a broad range of industries. - **Sports and Entertainment:** The use of professional athletes in advertising as well as the incorporation of humor into campaigns provides opportunities for sports and entertainment companies to connect with audiences and establish a loyal fanbase. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Playful Hockey Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beard-in-a-box.md) - [Exclusive Basketball Star Wines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jharden-wine.md) - [Athlete-Starring Footwear Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speed-shopping.md) - [Raptors Basketball Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gradey-dick.md) - [Basketball Culture-Inspired Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/let-them-talk.md) - [Sporty Dynamic Futuristic Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vol-9.md) - [Humorous Menswear Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mens-wearhouse.md) - [Humorous Star-Studded Chip Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/call-of-the-mustaches.md) - [Reimagined Holiday Spots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nba-jingle-hoops.md)