Is activism in fashion? A few weeks ago, the hashtag #saccageparis appeared on social networks to denounce the dirt and decadent urbanism of the capital. Now the hashtag is also available in ... t-shirt. Proudly displayed in the window of the Aboudabibazar store in the Marais (4th arrondissement), the red framed T-shirt on a white background clashes with you. At the origin of this textile, Patrick Aboukrat, president of the Marais Paris Committee bringing together some 200 traders. Exasperated for months by the changes in his neighborhood and the lack of consultation from the town hall, he decided last May to market the garment to make himself heard. “The goal is to talk to Mayor Ariel Weil. I'm not just a clothing store, I try to send a message with this product, ”explains the manager. Very quickly,the unisex t-shirt sold for 24 euros is a small success. “I made two productions for a total of 250 t-shirts and I'm going to launch a third because I still have requests. On Instagram, I am asked to find out if there are still any. I think it will last and go through time, at least until we get what we want. "
A t-shirt that has become an activist emblem
However, the shopkeeper asserts, the vocation of this T-shirt is not enrichment: “It is not a registered trademark, I am not in a commercial perspective, otherwise I would sell it for 50 euros.
"And to add:" The goal is to unite people from all political stripes.
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Moreover, the proceeds will be used to finance a press campaign. An action which aims in particular to support the mobilization of traders in the Marais. For several months, they have been increasing their actions on social networks or in gatherings like on July 6. According to them, the clientele to desert the district following the developments of the town hall of the 4th arrondissement. In question, the development of pedestrian streets to the detriment of traffic, the elimination of parking areas, bans on driving on Sundays and the closure of rue de Rivoli. At the same time, the head of the association with 200 members recalls that traders have suffered several slowdowns in activity: “There was the movement of yellow vests,strikes and confinements… ”In addition to its committed aspect, this T-shirt can boast of commercial and marketing success, proof that fashion has no limits. Custom t-shirts therefore seem to have a bright future ahead of them.