Topix.net – By Nicole Maestri.
The image of a human skull over two bones crossed together, once the purview of punk rockers and Goth lovers, has gone mainstream. Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” with Johnny Depp’s swaggering portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow, hit theaters in 2003, renewing an interest in pirates, and their skull and crossbones symbol.
But the trend took off afresh this year as the sequel, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” sizzled at the box office, racking up more than $1 billion in ticket sales worldwide.
“The whole thing about using a skull and crossbones is it immediately sends out the bad-boy signal,” said Hal Rubenstein, fashion director of In Style magazine. “There’s a certain amount of fun in being bad.”
Saks Inc. is selling a $264 pair of Rock & Republic skinny jeans with skulls embroidered on their back pockets, while Barneys New York has a $220 silk skull-print scarf.
Disney itself has seen strong demand for its “Pirates” gear, which ranges from cotton pajamas for youngsters to elaborate rings sold at upscale retailer Fred Segal.
Offering high-end pieces gives the merchandise a certain cachet, said Donna Sheridan, vice president of Disney apparel. Mid-tier and mass merchants then typically mimic the trend and offer similar products in their stores.
“What’s great about this trend is that it’s at every single level, and it has a reach across all consumers,” she said.
The skull and crossbones fashion statement could stay afloat well into next year, when “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” hits theaters in May and has the cast venturing to the Far East.
“I think the twist on this is going to be an Asian influence,” Disney’s Sheridan said. “And then gold is a big trend for next year. Gold in jewelry — that is where we will place our emphasis.”
