‘Sopranos’
clothing hinders taste, series
By Jack Schneider
On-line Forty-Niner
Have
you ever heard anyone say that they wanted
to dress just like Tony Soprano? Perhaps
Tony has one of the most decked out wardrobe
— think about it.
The slacks and silk shirts actor James Gandolfini
wears on the show can soon be purchased
at department stores during Father’s
Day.
HBO is currently behind the promotion of
Zanzara International, the brand name of
“The Sopranos” clothing. With recent turmoil
between actors and networks, the clothing
line could not come at a worse time. Fans
of “The Sopranos” may be displeased with
HBO, having been anything but friendly to
Gandolfini.
Gandolfini asked the network for a raise,
despite having two seasons left before the
end of his contract.
Believing that HBO violated his contract,
Gandolfini pressed charges, the show’s final
season has been postponed and that anticipation
of watching cable TV’s most famous mafia
family has diminished. So, what to do about
the clothing? HBO should get rid of it!
It is the fifth and final season of “The
Sopranos,” and things can only get more
ugly with Gandolfini and the show. Apparently
the origin of the product line has cast
a dry spell on the show, and frankly I am
not pleased with the clothing line itself.
It seems ridiculous to promote this clothing
when what should be emphasized with the
executives at HBO is that it is the final
season of the show!
Expect to see a $40 silk shirt at Macy’s
or silk and wool shirts as high as $80.
Someone must have a really tainted idea
of marketing when a popular show that is
on its last season will promote a product
line that does nothing to further the value
of the series.
I believe that clueless dads who have never
seen the show will show their White Anglo
Saxon Protestant families will have a vague
idea how much a good father they can be
by wearing the clothing of a mobster.
Do not be fooled by the clothing on sitcoms,
especially with TV product promotion. The
clothing line is just partial promotion
and gives a senseless look on what’s hot.
Once the season ends and the clothing begins,
it’s only a matter of time that Zanzara
International will lose its luster.
I leave this week’s column with one question.
Is dressing like Tony Soprano really worth
the look?
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