United Colors of Benneton

If there is one retailer that connects with the world on an emotional level, it is the United Colors of Benetton. It is owned by the Benetton Group, which consists of the four Benetton siblings. The company started its roots in Italy, where Luciano Benetton began making colorful sweaters and sold them on the streets. With the huge success of these sweaters, Benetton asked his siblings to join him and in 1966, the group opened their first clothing store.

With a rich influence of Italian heritage, the United Colors of Benetton sold casual clothes that were fresh and innovative. They went on to sell beauty products, perfumes and baby items, and connected with consumers on a global level. But it’s not just the quality and innovative styles that the United Colors of Benetton offered to buyers; it’s their highly controversial and striking marketing campaigns.

What sets this fashion apparel line apart from others is that it relies on free speech and expressing the social differences that lie within us. The United Colors of Benetton had many billboards that featured depictions of good versus evil and the hardcore reality of war, death and diversity. They used their clothes as a way to express these images and ideas, connecting with the individuals rather than the customer. In fact, the term “united” that is used in their brand-name is based on the idea that their clothing was designed to be worn by all the skin tones in the world, thus “uniting” people.
 
Although the United Colors of Benetton has been subject to criticism, many consumers have found an inner peace with the idea of expressing controversial issues in a non-threatening way. In addition, this fashion line is a proud sponsor of sports teams and continues to grow in cultural creativity.