Fashion Designer’s Nonsensical Anne Frank Interpretation May Sell T-Shirts
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
It may have only been a blip in the ironic T-shirt-clad world of hipsterdom, but if culture-tracking websites like Jezebel and Vice see it fit to run images of aleXsandro Palombo’s latest clothing designs, well, who are we to argue?
The provocative, arguably iconoclastic, Italian designer and illustrator recently posted a set of politically charged T-shirt designs on his Humor Chic art blog. While North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il holding a multi-colored phallus-shaped lollipop might be cheeky, a grinning Anne Frank wearing combat lingerie and brandishing an AK-47 is slightly confusing.
Maybe this is just the latest in the Jewish revenge fantasy meme that’s brought us movies like “Defiance” and “Inglourious Basterds.” Palombo seems to suggest that this militaristic super-heroine Frank, were she real, could vanquish all of our societal ills — “mediocrity,” “absence of identity,” “aesthetic obsession” — including anti-Semitism.
First, she has to sell some t-shirts.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
