People wear U.S. colors in show of national support
By Daily Bruin Staff
Oct. 2, 2001 9:00 p.m.
By Esther Pasternak
Daily Bruin ContributorÂ
Without saying a word, clothing can deliver the loudest
message.
In the wake of Sept. 11, people are letting their wardrobes
express the emotions that words cannot always convey.
The fashion industry has quickly responded to the shift in
fashion trends, bringing out the red, white and blue.
Within the past three weeks since the attack, Macy’s has
noticed a surge in the sale of Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren Polo
Jeans, which have American logos. The company plans on reordering
its merchandise to meet the heightened demand.
An assistant buyer for Macy’s stated that several of their
other vendors, including Calvin Klein, are trying to get in on the
trend and make clothing with the American flag and its colors.
Rampage’s Web site has recently put up a U.S.A. section
under the editor’s picks with items such as red coats and
blue jeans with star prints.
More general items that have become popular are American flag
bandanas and shirts, “I love NY” shirts, and even flag
tube dresses.
Many UCLA students also use clothing as an appropriate way to
express their sympathy for the victims. Toby Dock, a fourth-year
English student, wore America’s colors the Friday after the
tragedy in respect of the events.
“Since then I have worn a shirt with New York City and the
Statue of Liberty on it and have gotten responses from others about
how it’s very appropriate at this time,” Dock said.
Many students believe patriotic clothing sends a clear message
of America’s unity.
“It is a sign of defiance showing that when Americans are
attacked, Americans come together and that as a community we
don’t fall apart,” said Brad Mahler, a fourth-year
history student.
UCLA’s Ackerman Union also has sections with various
patriotic products. In addition to red, white and blue T-shirts,
they also carry purses, mirrors, pins and key chains with these
prominent colors.
In another section of Ackerman’s A level, T-shirts and
pins designed specifically for the tragedy are available with the
proceeds going to the American Red Cross.
Although students agree that clothing’s patriotic messages
are positive, some are concerned that the fashion industry could
take advantage of the situation.
“At first I used to feel a real surge of pride when I saw
people wearing patriotic clothes, although now I just suspect
it’s a marketing ploy by the stores to cash in on the
tragedy,” Dock said.
In addition to purchasing clothing, many people are opting to
make an even deeper personal connection with the tragedy by making
homemade clothing.
Rabbi David Vorspan of Shir Ami Synagogue in Woodland Hills wore
a red, white and blue prayer shawl and matching skullcap, which his
wife made, during the Jewish High Holiday services less than a week
after the events.
“Exhibiting patriotism through dress helps one to not only
show allegiance to the group, it also helps us share the
grief,” Vorspan said. “People told me after services
that it helped them to see me wearing the red, white and blue
because it showed I join them in their sense of loss as well as
their love of the country.”
Creative fashion expressions that use America’s colors as
the base represents what so many people love about America ““
simultaneous diversity and unity.
