my alma mater (ucla) is also a brand
GAP. Nike. Lacoste. UCLA.
No, I’m not crazy. UCLA is more than just a school, but an actual BRAND on its own. As in, there are standalone stores (over 60!!!) in other countries (China, S. Korea, Japan) that sell the UCLA logo and campus aura, just like Hollister is sold like a surf town to teens in the US (p.s. Hollister, California is not a cool place… really. It’s not.).
While it’s been huge in Asia for a decade, it’s really taking off in the UK right now. I mean, anyone that can charge $90 for a pair of sweatpants must be doing something right?
And I’m super happy to know that UCLA pride is spreading around the globe, even if they have no clue where Westwood is, with one exception. The shirts below could be found in Ackerman Union. They’re blue and gold and normal.
But these items of clothing? Dear friends, a good Bruin would never be caught dead in the evil color of red. Ever. EVER!
There’s also this funny shirt.
Um… what? That’s coming close to taking two logos you silly silly people!
So while I’m happy to see some awesome new designs and pure creativity, I’m sad to see the red. But I think I’m ok with the purple and green and orange… that’s kinda weird and cool at the same time. Being a part of the crowd, but standing out at the same time? Think someone would shout at me to, “Take off that green and red UCLA shirt!” ?? I think I’d get a pass on that one.
Anyhow, if you want to buy any “UCLA brand” clothing, you’ll need to shop outside of the US. ASOS carries a few of the men’s items each season (and they ship to the US for free!), and you can find other shops by searching for “UCLA clothing” on the shopping tab on google.co.uk.
Trust me… I’m very tempted…
12 Comments
Janet
A red UCLA shirt?? WTF! Blasphemy!
Hmm, I guess I’ll be pretty cool if I wear some UCLA gear next time I’m in London! :)
tracey
that female version shirt towards the bottom .. someone dropped the ball ! you DO NOT mix CAL and UCLA on the same shirt (well there is one exception – its at the CAL student store) – that bear is NOT the right mascot for UCLA.
OY !
Michelle
HILARIOUS that they put “Cal” on a UCLA shirt. Maybe they don’t realize that is a completely different UC school? And W. Coast? So weird. I think it shows the often strange perspective that people have of California.
talda
wow, how could they cram two very different school logos onto one shirt? that is just…odd. and wrong.
but as an alumna of another big school [michigan] i know how weird it is to have your school essentially be a brand. our block m is everywhere. and let me tell you all the strained looks i’ve given people for saying i went to the “university of michigan state” …smh.
Rachel
wowzas…a true bruin never wears red. thats just ridic!
Kira @ hernewleaf
Haha, weird! And I always assumed that Hollister was named for the street in Santa Monica, but maybe I just made that up..
A. Marigold
No. That’s just wrong. Since I didn’t do my undergrad there I’m not a die-hard Bruin (go Anteaters!), but I have to agree: no red UCLA apparel.
tracey
i’m an anteater too !! class of 1997 social sciences =)
Kristin ~ Bien Living Design
I totally understand! It would be like seeing a blue & yellow Ohio State shirt – NOT COOL!! :)
Kristin ~ Bien Living Design
& I have to say that the “Cal” on the UCLA shirt is a big fail.
Karen Foster
New GFC follower from from the Spearmint Baby Alexa Blog Hop ~~
Stop by and visit me at ~Mommy’s Moments~
http://www.avonbykaren.blogspot.com
Karen
Coasting anon
Hollister always makes me giggle. We went skydiving there a few years ago. Definitely not the super awesome California town the brand wants teens to think it is.