ACT UP, in partnership with NYC-based boutique retailer Opening Ceremony, is selling a version of its 80s staple shirt “Silence=Death” at trendy shops — or “shoppes,” because they’re so trendy — like Barneys Co-Op. For $50. A portion of the proceeds go toward ACT UP. Another portion go to Barneys Co-Op, so they have the cash to continue selling reissued nostalgia.
Andrew Triska
Oh, great. This is going to go the way of Che Guevara: first a symbol of a legitimate freedom fight, then a fashion statement for rich hipsters.
Andrew Triska
Oh, great. This is going to go the way of Che Guevara: first a symbol of a legitimate battle, then a fashion statement for rich hipsters to wear long after it’s safe to do so.
Russell
Why must it be $50? I’ve been trying to track down one of these shirts of ages (I was a baby when they were first hip) not for hipster faux-nostalgia value but because I think this message and battle still need to be voiced and fought. I get that it’s important to donate money (or time?) to ACTUP, and I’m glad that Barney’s is supporting its community, but…wait, why am I angry? I’ll just make my own.
DavyJones
@Russell: “I’ll just make my own.”
Exactly… Who buys shirts this simplistic, when you can make one in 5 minutes for $6.
As stated earlier; this obviously is aimed at ‘rich hipsters’ who don’t mind spending $50 on a t-shirt if it makes them look hip and cool.
Steve
The reason for the price is that this is a fund-raiser for the organization. Other organizations sometimes sell $10 chicken dinners for $100 or more. At least with a shirt, you get a souvenir.