It is very clear that DDHQ is working super hard on getting new merchandise in their store for all of us to buy and enjoy! When I look at the merchandise that has been included within the last six months or so, it definitely has a feel of celebrating the 40th anniversary as many of the designs are ones used in the past or are direct repeats. I do not oppose this idea, not in the least. After all, maybe people were not around when various designs came out the first time or did not have the money to afford them then. Heck, sometimes, people’s taste change over time. What you did not love, initially, could be something you love now. It happens.
The most recent examples of these repeats are shown in this picture:
Obviously, the bottom products are ones from the Big Thing era of the late 1980s. I think a lot of people would probably love merchandise from that time period, especially since a lot of current fans (like myself) did not nearly appreciate Big Thing as much as I should have. The top design, on the other hand, from what I know was around during the reunion of the early 2000s. I remember seeing fans wearing t-shirts like that during the 2004 fan convention, for example. Here’s my question. How popular was that image then? I only saw it on one person, one time. In fairness, though, I was not around a lot of other fans, at that time, outside of that convention. Maybe, it was super popular and I just didn’t know.
Of course, I also wonder if lots of people like it now. I don’t have a clue. I didn’t see a lot of people screaming about it, in excitement, on social media when DDHQ first posted but…I admit that I have not been on there as much. It is clearly an image that grabbed my attention as I am sure would most people, especially non-fans. Part of me is entertained by the clear embrace of female Duranies being sexually attracted to the band. It reminds me of the line from Bedroom Toys of “if you can’t destroy it, might as well enjoy it.” Sometimes, it is good just to embrace the stereotype to take power away from it. On the other hand, I have to wonder how comfortable people are to wear it. Now, I love wearing my Duran shirts. I would wear one each day, if I felt like I could get away with it. That said, I don’t think I would wear that one out in public or on zoom, for that most part. It would make me uncomfortable, not so much for the sex reference but I wouldn’t want people to think of me as a Duranie, just because the guys are attractive. I hate that stereotype. Maybe, I am being too serious or looking at this the wrong way.
So, fellow Duranies, what say you? What do you think? Do you like the non-Big Thing design? Do you find it funny? Clever? Or do you see it more like I do? Would you wear it or use the beach towel?
-A
Interesting. Jason and I had a similar discussion. While I think the design was probably done in a cheeky sort of manner back during the days of the reunion (and here’s something for you – I didn’t KNOW it had been done for the reunion. I had assumed it was older than that.), I think it screams something entirely different today.
For me, this isn’t even about being comfortable wearing or using an article of clothing like that…because that’s entirely out the window. The design may have been okay back when it was conceptualized, but for today? Come on, DDHQ.
I wish the band and their team would recognize that: A. This is offensive and B. Duranies like myself aren’t still hanging around thinking I’m going to get my chance with a member of the band. It’s been 40 years, people. I’m over it.
I feel as though we’ve been here doing this push back and forth with DDHQ about our “role” since the reunion. As a fan, it feels as though the team wants to box us into this corner of being those now-adult teenage fans who have followed the band around for decades now, tongues still wagging, all the while hoping and praying in desperation that we would finally get our moment with them. While this may read a bit harshly, it feels as though our main purpose is to continue driving that narrative. They very much need us to occupy and own that space, and I really don’t get it.
-R
Big Thing will always be special to me because it was not only my first DD concert but first concert. I don’t like the cover set especially, too generic. Were these sold at the concerts? When I got to the show I originally didn’t buy anything but did buy a program after the show, though the cover is mostly whit and missing The design. The second design I don’t like because it perpetuates the myth that Duran Duran was a teen idol band and nothing more. I’ve never seen either designs on shirts people were wearing.
Overall, the graphic square (album artwork, whatever) concept on a white shirt just seems so lazy to me. That goes for the Big Thing image and the Ohh Duran image. They could (and have) come up with something more creative. Surely there was something else from the Big Thing era they could re-release?
I don’t like the Ohh Duran, for all the reasons you said. I’d feel uncomfortable wearing it. I have several DD shirts and wear them all the time; I have no problem wearing merch out and about. I guess they think this is cheeky and irreverent. Sigh.
You bring up a good point that I did not even consider. What is the quality of the designs, in general? Like you, that also makes them a no for me. -A