Here’s the Original “King of Jeans” Sign Being Installed in 1994

Photo courtesy of Steve Calabrese.

I remember when this sign went up – “what a disgrace” was how most felt but it somehow grew to be accepted and now loved.” – comment on Philadelphia magazine’s Facebook page.

Since news of its removal, people have been reacting with everything from genuine sorrow to pointed apathy. But whatever their feelings, people have been responding, something which has surprised Steve Calabrese of Uneeda Sign, the local sign manufacturer who helped make the original and collaborated with artist Angel from Angel’s Fine Art Studio to make the most recent “King of Jeans” sign.

Calabrese was kind enough to provide us with a few photos that he took of the original’s installation in the summer of 1994. Perhaps some old memories will stir up for you as it did for another Facebook user?: “And whenever anyone would look at this sign directly, Depeche Mode would play softly in the background…”