Pantone, the global authority on color and the company behind the Pantone Matching System color space, wants to stick it to Vladimir Putin and his anti-gay regime by organizing the world's largest LGBT flag during the 2018 World Cup, which will be held in Russia. The campaign is the work of the Miami Ad School.
Russia's strict anti-gay laws were condemned by much of the international community leading up to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, with many saying that international sporting events of the stature of the Olympics shouldn't be held in countries with such open anti-homosexual agendas.
Russia's laws impose fines and criminal charges on gay words and references, but Pantone says it will find a creative way around this to express its support for the global LGBT community. It will do this by painting the seven colors of the rainbow on the roofs of buildings in Sochi, to create a massive rainbow flag that will be visible from planes flying overhead.
After all, while words referencing or supporting homosexuality can be punished in Russia, colors cannot.
Rooftop LGBT Collages
Pantone Will Create a Massive LGBT Flag in Russia During the 2018 World Cup
Trend Themes
1. Massive LGBT Flag - Creating a massive LGBT flag using rooftops presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in visual protest and activism.
2. Anti-gay Agenda - The condemnation of anti-gay agendas in countries hosting major international events highlights a trend towards greater social awareness and activism.
3. Creative Expression - Finding alternative forms of creative expression, such as using colors as symbols, is an emerging trend in circumventing restrictions imposed by conservative governments.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising - The advertising industry can tap into the trend of using visual displays and public art installations as powerful tools for social activism.
2. Fashion - The fashion industry has the opportunity to incorporate the rainbow flag as a symbol of inclusivity and support for the LGBT community in their designs and collections.
3. Tourism - The tourism industry can promote destinations that are safe and welcoming for the LGBT community, taking a stand against discrimination and promoting inclusivity.