American Fear Clothing

• Posted: November 15, 2006
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• Author: Chris Murphy
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• Filed under: Design, Illustration, Products
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• Tags: No tags set for this entry.

More than likely you have one in your closet; a cherished article of clothing from a concert sometime back in the 80's or even before. Now it's just collecting dust; you keep it as a reminder of better times where a streak of rebellion might have sparked some life (or mind) altering experience. Whichever the case, you can't get rid of it and you can't bring yourself to wear it, so it collects dust -- and moths and eventually gets relegated to the donations pile for the United Way monthly pickups. Still too vague? Then try this one:

You still see it when you walk down the street or ride the bus in the morning or even in the occasional photo in Time magazine - you know, those guys (and the occasional “ladies”) with the burnt-out 80’s rocker-wannabe-torn-denim-jeans and the bleached, thrashed rock-frock ala WhiteSnake. That’s not even really their most noticeable aspect. I bet you don’t even really look the dude in the eye, instead you’re probably looking at the bloody flaming skull rearing off his faded t-shirt like some death’s head from hell. I present to you the proverbial rock t-shit.

They’re still out there, multiplying in mass quantities in some Mexican sweatshop or being imported from another one in Borneo . They’re debatably hideous, but you have to admit there’s a certain allure to the imagery of exaggerated rebellion against life, love, and the American way. Most of them are pretty butt ugly but I came across a site about a year ago that seems to take it in a new direction; one of artistry and design. American Fear Clothing has a great selection of tees, hoodies, tanks, and baby tees redone with style.

The style of the illustrations veer away from much of the blood and guts and snakes protruding from bleached skulls and instead favors more symmetry and subtle symbolism in a monochromatic rendering. The guy who silk-screened the first of these shirts must have crapped himself good and decided to keep a few for himself to make up for it.

Break out your inner rocker and order yourself a few prints if you get a chance.

Technorati : Design, Fashion, Illustration

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