A hoodie priced at $180 that features the phrase “2008 Global Financial Crisis” has sold out online, reflecting a growing interest in ironic and provocative fashion among younger generations. The black hoodie, described as “hurt and mangled” with “extreme distressing,” is part of the collection from the streetwear brand Praying, founded in 2019 by friends Alex Haddad and Skylar Newman.
The hoodie marks the beginning and end of the Great Recession with the years 2007 and 2009 noted on the sleeves. This period was characterized by the bursting of the US housing bubble, which led to significant financial losses for homeowners and investors alike. The aftermath saw unemployment rates soar to nearly 10% and a prolonged economic downturn.
For many in Generation Z, the 2008 financial crisis is a historical event learned through textbooks rather than personal experience. Yet, this demographic appears to embrace dark humor and meme culture, transforming serious subjects into fashion statements. The hoodie has garnered attention from notable figures, including Robert Dillingham, a player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who was recently spotted wearing the garment. Born in 2005, Dillingham was just three years old at the time of the crisis, highlighting the generational gap in personal connection to the event.
Since its inception, Praying has gained popularity among celebrities, with stars like Megan Thee Stallion and Olivia Rodrigo wearing their designs. In an interview with Vogue Hong Kong, Haddad explained their approach to fashion: “When these phrases are stripped of their original context and meaning, and printed on clothing and products on a large scale, they are transformed into a provocative message.”
The brand’s offerings extend beyond the hoodie, including a jersey and a $72 “dirty tee,” all of which are currently sold out. This trend of using humor to address historical events is not new; as time passes, cultural references often become more abstract, allowing younger generations to reinterpret them through a contemporary lens. For instance, jokes related to the events of September 11, 2001 have become more commonplace among younger audiences.
Social media engagement surrounding the hoodie has been significant. Following a post by the Minnesota Timberwolves featuring Dillingham, numerous users expressed interest in purchasing the item. One user even shared a still from the film “The Big Short,” which portrays the financial crisis, suggesting a nostalgic connection to the topic among older viewers.
As the conversation around this hoodie continues, it underscores a broader cultural trend where fashion serves as a medium for commentary on past events, often through a lens of humor. Whether it resonates as a reminder of economic hardship or as an ironic statement, the hoodie has clearly struck a chord with consumers looking to blend style with meaning.
