Rummaging around eBay, Izzy found this very rare specimen from Jean-Paul Gaultier’s now-notorious 1993 fashion show inspired by Hasidic Jews. Needless to say, it caused quite a controversy, given that models walked down the runway in yarmulkes and sidelocks. (It also probably didn’t help that the audience was served sickly-sweet Manischewitz wine.) While the unconstructed jacket for sale doesn’t look Jewish in any way, the sewn-in label is quite the discussion piece. If Izzy reads them right, the Hebrew characters say “Zee-ahn Puh-ool Goh-teek.” Now THAT’S a label.
Gaultier’s collection might have been the first but it definitely wasn’t the last fashion show to reflect a Hebraic influence, as Izzy has discussed before. But no one else as gone as far as American Apparel—which, alas, is best described as a smutty Gap—in paying homage to the shmatte business (i.e., rag trade).
It’s even worse than that. The second letter of the “Gotiq” is (mistakenly) a final kaf, making it two words: Gakh Tiq. Zi’n P’ul Gakh Tiq. Sounds like a science fiction character.
To cleanse the (digital) palette, in an act of tikkun e-olam, these guys do it right: He’Brew, The Chosen Beer!
Comment by Kevin — March 15, 2008 @ 11:49 pm
You’d think they’d go to the trouble of picking Hebrew letters that actually spell out real words in either Hebrew or Yiddish.
Comment by Sarah — March 16, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
That is a wonderful looking label. I do not believe I have ever seen a label such as this. I only wish I knew some hebrew so that I would know what it is saying. Oh well, nice post keep up the good work!
Comment by Stephanie — September 20, 2008 @ 7:41 pm
Oh yes I agree that is one beautiful tag! I can not believe that it does not actually say something. Oh come on Sarah don’t you think that they would not pick pretty looking letters knowing actual jewish guys would wear this stuff. Pa-lease!
Comment by Leslie — September 21, 2008 @ 8:41 pm