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.