Macy's Kids Department Display – Spring 2010
While you have probably noticed that Peace Signs adorn absolutely everything in kids apparel, accessories, and merchandise this year, you may not know that 2010 is the 50th anniversary of the introduction to the Peace Sign to the U.S. In 1960, the peace sign button was imported into the United States by a student who traveled to England to meet with British peace groups as a delegate from the Student Peach Union (SPU). The student brought them back to Chicago where he convinced SPU to use it as its symbol. Peace Sign buttons were then sold by the thousands on college campuses and became internationally adapted by anti-war protesters by the end of the 60′s.
So, it stands to reason that exactly 50 years later, Peace Signs would be back in the mainstream. And, it also stands to reason that 60′s styles of clothing would also be trending. I’m sure you’ve seen versions of “hippie clothing”, “gypsy clothing”, and “bohemian clothing” on babies, kids, teens, and people of all ages.
I recently went on a trip to Chicago, scouting out the spring shopping – of course! I live in an area with relatively little good shopping, so I like to go to a bigger city to experience and feel the trends. Perhaps just to confirm what I already knew — there is no bigger trend in kids clothing than Peace signs (and not just for girls!). I thought maybe Justice just lacked creativity — given about 50% of everything on their website right now has a peace sign on it.
But it’s not just Justice. Peace signs are everywhere. You’ll find peace sign baby clothes, peace sign shirts, peace sign dresses, peace sign bathing suits, peace sign beach towels, peace sign jewelry, peace sign bags and purses peace sign accessories, and peace signs on shoes — you name it! This trend already started last summer, and while we saw some of it the Fall/Winter collections, this spring the peace sign has hit “mega trend” popularity status. From a designer’s and manufacturer’s perspective, it must be a trend sent from heaven — since I’m sure its just so easy to throw a colorful Peace sign screen print on summer tee’s, tank tops, knit shorts, etc.
So, while I too am enjoying some of the Peace Sign merchandise out there, one or two items in my kids wardrobes are plenty. But, it concerns me from an environmental perspective (this being Earth Day week and all), that these sort of fast fashion trends, capitalized on by the mass manufacturers who seem to lack creativity for anything else, are perhaps filling our landfills faster than anything!
Have you noticed that Peace Signs have replaced the Disney and Nickelodean themed T-shirts — I’m seeing very little iCarly, High School Musical, Jonas Brothers, Sponge Bob, Hanna Montana etc. This was a trend we previously wrote about. Where are all those zillions of Hanna Montana and High School Musical shirts now? Does anyone want to wear them anymore? I’m thinking not. I bet they have very little value at garage sales, and will soon find their way into our landfills.
For not going all the way there, I applaud the likes of Gymboree, Hanna Andersson, mini Boden, the Gap, and others. While you can find an occasional Peace Sign, you can also find inspired designs and lines for the times, yet respectful of our history. For example, check out “Woodstock” by Gap – now in their Spring line up.
What do you think? How “into” Peace Signs are your kids? And, here’s a question…what do you predict will be the next ‘fast fashion’, mega-trend that can easily be silk-screened on zillions of garments? I’m seriously worried that for lack of anything else, it will just be the next big Disney or Nickelodean teen superstar.
LoobaLee Tip! To search for peace sign kids clothes for sale on LoobaLee, try our Extended Search http://www.loobalee.com/Visitor/ExpandedSearch.aspx and search by “Theme” = “Prints – Geometric / Symbol”.
Likewise, to sell a peace sign adorned item of kids clothing, accessories, or footwear on LoobaLee list your item with a Theme of “Prints – Geometrics / Symbol”.
We love the peace so much that we used it in our latest food allergy awareness clothing designs.
I nearly took a shirt back to the store the other day when I failed to notice a peace symbol on it prior to purchasing it. Many of my military friends perceive all the peace rallies as unsupportive, and I want to support our troops and what they are doing overseas. I don’t have any peace-sign clothing for my kids, because the slogan has become too politically charged. Obama ran his campaign on the notion of peace, and I don’t think children can fully understand the cost of peace… nor can most adults for that matter.
Interesting! Btw… readers can check out http://www.allergyapparel.com if you’re looking for fun, unique clothing for your allergy-prone kids!
Hi, thank you for posting this perspective. I’m sure there are manufacturers promoting the Peace sign for its current popularity vs. really considering and valuing its true and original meaning.
Personally, I am not a fan of this trend at all. It can get a little too political…and this is children’s clothing we’re talking about. I am a military spouse stationed overseas with my spouse. The very same people who adopted this and brought it to the U.S. are those who spit in the faces of returning Vietnam soldiers (which sounds like urban legend and fearmongering but really isn’t). The funny thing is that we’re stationed in Japan, right now, and the military “malls” (exchanges) are full of peace sign clothing and this is our primary place to buy clothing, right now, unless we want to go out in town and buy more expensive Japanese clothing. I had to hunt through racks and racks of clothes to find some clothes WITHOUT peace signs…which tells me they aren’t selling well here for good reason. Some might not find issue with it and simply think it means peace. Others remember the origin of the sign (originally for British Nuclear Disarmament, but originating in the States with anti-war protesters) and won’t let their kids wear it. I just don’t care for the origins of this symbol and won’t wear clothing myself with that symbol. My kids don’t care and are too young to know what it means, but my husband knows and grumbles when he sees it. I’m not much of a fan of any gimmicks on children’s clothing. My son wore a Toy Story t-shirt, had an older boy make fun of him, and now he won’t wear it anymore or any other clothing he has with Toy Story characters on it. It’s frustrating! I’d prefer to see clothing with no opinion that calls attention to the child, not their favorite TV shows or parents’ political views.
All that said, I think the kids’ bohemian clothing is really cute! I just bought a really adorable bohemian shirt for my daughter today. Just no political-themed shirts until she’s 16 and knows EVERYTHING… ; )
Hi,
Thank you so much for your taking time to leave your thoughts on this… I really appreciate your point of view. I personally don’t prefer children’s clothing that makes political or opinionated statements, and peace signs are along those lines. I asked my young girls what they about peace signs, and they have no idea about the background and sensitivities… to them it is just a symbol, meaning “peace” at the most. I hope you’ll support and shop on LoobaLee.com, we try really hard to maintain quality listings on the site. Many of the off-color, political, and/or low quality brands (e.g. those that are only advertising characters or media brands) are not allowed to be posted for sale. Thanks again for your comments! ~Suzanne