A hoodie featuring the phrase “2008 Global Financial Crisis” has sold out online at a price of $180. The item, produced by the streetwear brand Praying, has garnered significant attention for its provocative messaging that resonates with younger consumers.
Founded in 2019 by friends Alex Haddad and Skylar Newman, Praying has developed a reputation for creating clothing that combines fashion with commentary on serious topics. The hoodie is designed with a distressed look, described as “hurt and mangled,” and highlights key dates, December 2007 and June 2009, marking the onset and conclusion of the Great Recession.
The Great Recession, triggered by the collapse of the housing bubble in the United States, had profound effects on the economy, resulting in unemployment rates peaking at 10%. While older generations experienced the crisis firsthand, many in Generation Z have only encountered it through educational settings. This demographic’s embrace of dark humor and meme culture has fostered a unique perspective on historical events, transforming them into fashionable statements.
Notably, NBA player Robert Dillingham has been spotted wearing the hoodie, despite being only three years old during the events of 2008. His appearance in the garment further illustrates the hoodie’s appeal among younger audiences, who often seek to connect with past events through contemporary culture.
Praying’s founders have articulated their creative vision, comparing their work to memes that strip phrases of their original context and reinterpret them into new, provocative messages. In a 2022 interview with Vogue Hong Kong, Haddad explained, “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 does not stop at hoodies; it has also released other apparel referencing the financial crisis, including a jersey and a $72 “dirty tee,” all of which are now sold out as well. This trend reflects a growing consumer fascination with items that serve as reminders of challenging historical moments, showcasing how time can morph somber events into cultural artifacts.
As societal attitudes shift, younger generations often approach serious topics with humor. The casualness of jokes surrounding events like the September 11, 2001 attacks illustrates this transformation, as Gen Z frequently engages with dark humor regarding historical tragedies.
On social media, the Timberwolves’ post featuring Dillingham in the hoodie elicited a flurry of comments from users eager to know where they could purchase the item. One user even referenced the film “The Big Short,” which dramatizes the events leading up to the financial crisis, showcasing the ongoing cultural relevance of the era.
Praying’s success with the “2008 Global Financial Crisis” hoodie exemplifies how fashion can intersect with commentary on economic history. As the brand continues to capture the interest of younger consumers, it reinforces the notion that clothing can serve as a medium for both expression and reflection on difficult subjects.
