All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt

T-shirt honoring Brian Deneke

Memorial T-shirts have been around for quite a while. According to Slate, they began as tributes to those who were slain on the streets, especially in urban environments. This is one of the few grass roots reinterpretations I've found on traditional mourning clothing.

I've been searching Cafe Press for recent examples, yet it seems that they're primarily created for people who have either died as a result of gang violence, or in the line of duty. The only variation was this:


I'm hoping someone will create T shirts designed for the rest of us someday soon! If I find a good example I'll be sure to post it here.

Mourning Revived

French designer Gisele Ganne is reviving the Victorian trend of wearing grief on your sleeve. Literally.


I find these elegant, humorous, and a bit frightening.

Mourning Headbands

Clothing has long been a signifier of grief. For women in the Victorian era, black represented full mourning, while lavenders grays or white trim represented half-mourning. Veils and headbands in particular seem to be the most iconic mourning clothing, framing (and in some cases hiding) the face. Here are some modern interpretations:


Brit singer Lily Allen was photographed in what some speculated was a mourning garland headband. Whatever it is, I love its whimsical shape, which seems to undercut the gravitas of traditional mourning.


This felted wool Black Roses Mourning Headband with vintage soutache buttons from delightworthym is retro lovely.


And this veil from Altered Events on Etsy is costumely, bordering on playful.