Attention all shoplifters
On November 18, Banksy posted a photo on Instagram with the caption: “Attention all shoplifters. Please go to Guess on Regent’s Street. They’ve helped themselves to my artwork without asking, how can it be wrong for you to do the same to their clothes?”
But Guess said the collection was created legally through a partnership with Brandalised, “an urban graffiti licensing company whose mission is to offer Banksy fans affordable graffiti collectibles”.
Soon after Banksy’s post, Guess closed the Regent Street store and covered up the window display, BBC News reported.
Guess first advertised its Banksy-inspired capsule collection in October
At the time, chief creative officer Paul Marciano said, “The graffiti of Banksy has had a phenomenal influence that resonates throughout popular culture. This new capsule collection with Brandalised is a way for fashion to show its gratitude.”
The collection is priced between US$41 and US$279 and includes Banksy’s Thug for Life Bunny and Livin’ The Dream Mickey Mouse, which first appeared on a billboard in Sunset Boulevard.
The collection features T-shirts, dresses, jackets and socks bearing iconic Banksy motifs.
It’s unclear if Banksy approved Brandalised’s deal with Guess. If he did, some have speculated that his shoplifting call could be part of a guerilla marketing campaign, per the BBC.
Guess, Brandalised and Banksy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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