Heinz releases fashion range featuring real ketchup stains

Heinz has launched a range of second-hand, pre-ketchup stained clothes if you fancy making a bit of a statement about your love for recycled fashion or, indeed, the tomato-based condiment. 

The ketchup maker has joined forces with resale platform thredUP to launch its Heinz Vintage Drip collection in the United States. 

The range features 157 pieces, all of which are preloved and ‘intentionally designed to be inclusive across size and gender’, with a size range from XXS to XXL - proceeds from sales will also go towards non-profit organisation Rise Against Hunger, which aims to tackle global hunger.

You can check out the collection here:

While it might look like you’ve just lazily dropped some tomato ketchup down your nice clean t-shirt, Heinz insists the daubings are ‘a statement’ not a stain. I’ll have to remember that one for next time I make a mess of my clobber. 

Alyssa Cicero, brand manager for brand communications at Heinz, said the range is about ‘sustainably celebrating’ what a splash of ketchup can ‘add to apparel’. Fair enough - turns out me and my messy eating has been fashionable all the years. Who knew, eh?

Cicero explained: “While Heinz is recognised globally for its iconic glass bottle, keystone and slow-pouring ketchup, we saw an opportunity to view the stain we've been leaving on clothes as another iconic brand symbol and change the narrative from a stain to a statement.

Heinz

“This collection is about sustainably celebrating the character Heinz ketchup stains add to apparel, inviting our fans to embrace a new iconic symbol."

​​While Erin Wallace, VP of integrated marketing at thredUP, said the collection will ‘celebrate reuse’. 

She said: “We believe every piece of clothing deserves a second life - even summer barbecue casualties. 

“We're thrilled to partner with an iconic brand like Heinz to create the first-ever line of ketchup-stained secondhand clothes, celebrating reuse. 

Heinz

“This collection offers a unique way for fashion risk-takers and food lovers alike to participate in the circular economy, while doing good for people and the planet.

“We hope it makes a splash… err… drip!”

The first drop of the items went on sale in the US on 30 August, but if you missed out, fear not, as you’ve got a second chance on 13 September.

Alternatively, you could just chuck a few quid to Rise Against Hunger and take a bit less care next time you're tucking into your chips.

If you have a story you want to tell, send it to UNILAD via [email protected]