2015 was the year shit really hit the fan: ISIS on the rise, war in many corners of the world, the resultant Europe refugee crisis, terrorist attacks on free speech in Paris, Donald Trump’s run for presidency. While we’re glad 2015 is over, its problems unfortunately carry over to 2016. Even if you’re not the kind of person who reads a newspaper every once in a while (in which case we kindly ask you what you are doing with your life), there’s no escape from the political and social difficulties the world community faces today. In a globalized and fully networked world, no one can claim to be an uninvolved bystander any longer – not even skateboarders and street wear dudes. It thus comes to nobody’s surprise that Fucking Awesome’s 2016 Spring collection is reminiscent of the political apparel typically worn by punks, protesters, conspiracy theorists and other dedicated troublemakers who seem to think wearing satirical T-shirts sufficiently constitutes social activism. Fucking Awesome has always been skateboarding’s limb of Satan, and this year’s kick-off is certainly not changing the brand’s uncompromising art direction.
Anyhow, FA’s graphics are not only provocative but also decidedly political this time around: one of our favorite prints is a homage to punk band Bad Religion whose iconic logo – a Cross behind a prohibition sign – is replacing the “O” in “No Religion” below the photo of a woman holding up a Cross amidst Star-Spangled Banners. Given the huge death toll religious zeal is responsible of, we can pretty much agree that it can go fuck itself, please and thank you.
Speaking of zeal: should you ever have wondered about Dill’s political stance, we think it’s safe to say he’s not a great fan of the GOP, as evidenced by the drawing of a toddler wearing a KKK robe on the “Young Republican” T-shirt. We can’t say whether Dill had in mind Donald Trump’s recent exercises in verbal abuse of minorities, but it certainly doesn’t seem that far-fetched.
Another bold move is FA’s “More War!” tee which is likely to attract scorn from more flowery individuals. If you had always felt that hippies were a bunch of self-righteous little potheads whining about every injustice in the world while taking hits from the bong on their couch and mumbling about world peace, this is the right T-shirt for you.
By now you may have guessed that FA’s Spring drop is slapping PC in the face. It’s not all political statements and stirring up a hornet’s nest, though. The new collection also has standout pieces like the Wake sweater and a wonderful silver satin varsity jacket (don’t tell your Mum). We’re also excited that the now-regular embossed logo makes a return on Nakel Smith’s pro model. The deck graphics, in fact, are strong this season: a little arty, FA’s spring boards are a nice contrast to the politically charged prints mentioned before.
Get your FA fix both in store and online, starting February 16.
