Support for LAist comes from
We Explain L.A.
Stay Connected
Livestream event happening now: AirTalk LIVE: COVID Doctors Retrospective Larry Mantle and the AirTalk COVID doctors reflect on 3 years of living through a pandemic.

Share This

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

The Day the T-Shirt Died: Hells Angels Sue Silver Lake Clothing Company

hells_angel.jpg
Photo by Tattoo_Lover via the LAist Featured Photos pool
Support your source for local news!
Today, put a dollar value on the trustworthy reporting you rely on all year long. The local news you read here every day is crafted for you, but right now, we need your help to keep it going. In these uncertain times, your support is even more important. We can't hold those in power accountable and uplift voices from the community without your partnership. Thank you.

Apparently, motorcycle gangs don't like it when their names are appropriated to sell cutesy t-shirts to hipster girls. Weird, huh? But it's true. According to CBS News, the Hells Angels motorcycle gang is suing Silver Lake-based clothing company Wildfox Couture over a t-shirt made by the company that reads: "My Boyfriend's A Hells Angel."

The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement:

Wildfox Couture is accused of "exploiting the fame" of the renowned motorcycle gang, according to attorney Fritz Clapp...."Even the club itself does not put 'Hells Angels' on shirts they sell to the general public," said Clapp.

Clapp goes on to say that the goal of the suit is to have the shirts taken off the market altogether.

Support for LAist comes from

Frankly, we don't see what the big deal is. After all, judging by a description of Wildfox on the company's website, their worldview lines right up with the Hells Angels, a group whose name, for some, is synonymous with violence and rage:

Childhood friends Emily Faulstich and Kimberley Gordon are the creative force behind Wildfox. Inspired by sleepovers, beautiful books, fairies, dreams, vintage t-shirts and their friendship, the young designers gave birth to a brand based on love and having fun!

You can't make this shit up.

Most Read