A shoe was thrown by a protester at China's premier Wen Jiabao Monday during a speech at Cambridge University. The shoe missed Jiabao, and the protester was escorted out of the auditorium.
Unlike when a shoe was thrown at George Bush last year, the Chinese Premier didn't even have to duck. Jiabao has been followed by protesters during his entire 3 day visit to the U.K., demonstrating over Chinese policy in Tibet.
Implications - Consumers in contemporary society are constantly looking for new ways to express themselves. Products that do this are appealing to those who want to make a statement and differentiate themselves from other shoppers. Companies could create more self-expressive items in order to attract more attention to their brand.
Protesting With Footwear
Tibet Activists Throws Shoe At China Premier In The UK
Trend Themes
1. Self-expressive Footwear - Footwear products that offer a way for consumers to express themselves and make a statement are becoming increasingly popular.
2. Political Protest Products - Products that offer a way for people to show support for political causes or protest against governments are gaining traction.
3. Activism-inspired Fashion - Fashion brands are tapping into the activism trend, creating clothing and accessories that allow consumers to show their support for social and political causes.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear Industry - The footwear industry can capitalize on the trend of self-expression by creating shoe designs that allow consumers to make a statement.
2. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry can take advantage of the trend of activism to create clothing and accessories that allow consumers to show their support for social and political causes.
3. Marketing Industry - The marketing industry can help brands create campaigns and product designs that tap into the trend of self-expression and activism to attract more attention to their brand.