Remember back when United Colors of Benetton ads were controversial, eyebrow-raising, and just kinda awesome?  Remember back when Benetton was a relevant name in the clothing industry?

This was pre-internet, before our laptops told us exactly what to wear and where to buy it. You had to work for it. For many non-big city Americans in the 80’s and 90’s, the only exposure to interracial open-mindedness they ever got was from walking by the Benetton window display at the mall. Sad, but better than nothing.

Benetton delivered a vision of tolerance. Even if that tolerance was mainly for really well dressed people. United Colors. Black, White, Asian, Native Americans all dressed awesome and just …hanging out? It’s easier to create that sort of cultural/fashion mash-up in 2011 because of the access we all have. But back then, that angle was hard.

Yeah, well, they’re back. Benetton  just released this “Unhate” ad campaign that definitely harkens back to those days when their ads opted for shocking pictures that didn’t actually contain any clothing.  They seem to be reclaiming the throne they created as a company that sells stuff, yes, but also has a message.  Seems this time around, all they need is Love.

And kissing.

The ads feature world leaders smooching.  Of course, It’s already caused some controversy…they’ve taken down a picture of the Pope kissing an Imam. God forbid. But we’re writing about it here, so they still win with that loss. There’s all sorts of stuff to explore on the website, including a kiss wall where you can upload your own pics.

So let’s check it out … and take a moment to tip our marketing hats to a company that deserves credit for creating a slightly more tolerant world, even if it was all just to sell more red sweaters.