The “Edgy” singers of the 90’s appealed to the 16-24 age demographic. Now, nearly 20 years have passed and those “teenagers”, like every other person on the planet, looks back at that age with nostalgia.
Using “Edgy” singers from the 90’s, hits the age and financial demographic of the 36-44 range, where people are either still single and looking for flashy clothes to attract a mate, or have the financial abilities to purchase designer clothes.
This is just smart marketing, nothing more, nothing less.
Mr. Warner was never “edgy”. He was a coked out popstar playing at being edgy.
There were real industrial musicians in the 1970s and 1980s. Warner and the guy from Nine In Nails aped them all.
Meanwhile Jim Thirwell/Foetus is still out there.
This is just smart marketing, nothing more, nothing less.
************
When I get to see Jesus in some ads and on mag covers.....then I’ll call it smart marketing. Fair is fair. If they can have a goth, we can have Christ.
If you’re going to ask me what he’ll sell, well, morality, goodness, mercy and LOVE.
There is a difference between smart marketing and desperate pleas for attention, or, trying to get the biggest possible bang for the money you spent on VOGUE ads. Smart marketing means marketing that sells.
In terms of men’s clothes, I’d say Armani was the last line that really dominated the category of suits, for instance. Though I didn’t like ‘em, many men did and do, and the line was marketed brilliantly. And you know what? elegance, fit, and finish were the hallmarks: clothes which (like that YSL dress) just felt perfect. And Armani suits and lines (the ‘look’) never fell out of fashion, which is to say they still sell and have carved a category for themselves in concrete. (like so many matching shoes. Hey, Fuggedaboudit!)
Manson’s face and associated Laurent line is a study in imperfection, awkwardness, outlandishness, and discomfort. It is the opposite of timelessness, or true style, and destined to return to the dumpster.
I think there is something to be said for retiring a name when the inheritors don’t have the class, moxie, talent, or strength of will to hold to core values.