We’ve all seen Michael Phelps wearing the 8 Gold medals he scored at the Beijing Olympic 2008 Games in China on the now iconic Sports Illustrated cover. And to prove the icon status of the cover, spoofs have already started popping up on the Internet.
Many bloggers have joked that Michael Phelps looked as if he were wearing a halter top on the cover. Maybe spreading the thick red ribbon of all 8 medals wasn’t the smartest art direction.
The talented artist at Pretty On The Outside ran with the idea and created alternative covers of the Sports Illustrated issue with Michael Phelps wearing Haut Couture fashion creations made from gold medals and their red ribbon. And the results are pretty hilarious!
For those who do not know, Michael Phelps’ pose is a tribute and homage to the iconic image of Mark Spitz wearing his 7 Gold medals back in 1972. Phelps currently holds the record of Sports Illustrated covers with 5. See them all in the gallery.
What's Driving This Trend
- Spoof Covers
- There is an opportunity for companies to create spoof versions of popular magazine covers, featuring celebrities or cultural events.
- Fashion Humor
- Humorous fashion items that use gold medals or Olympic symbols can be developed for the sportswear industry.
- Iconic Imagery
- Reviving iconic images from the past, such as Mark Spitz's 1972 pose, can be a disruptive marketing tool for brands or events.
Who This Affects Most
- Magazine Publishing
- Magazine publishers can leverage the popularity of spoof covers on social media platforms to drive growth and engagement with their brand.
- Fashion Design
- Fashion designers can explore opportunities to incorporate Olympic symbols or imagery into their designs.
- Sportswear
- Sportswear companies can collaborate with athletes to create humorous fashion items using gold medals and Olympic symbols.
