SHOE THROWER BEATS THE BUSH

What happens when fashion hits politcs? I mean literally hits it. Well, ask George Bush who last year was attacked with a shoe while on a farewell tour of Iraq. Of course, as you know, the shoe missed him and the thrower, TV journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi, was badly beaten. He was yesterday sentenced to three years in prison. But put it in perspective - Bush is going to hell. For forever.

Anyway. The point over here on FiP is the shoe. Model 271 from Baydan Shoes in Istanbul has registred an sales increase of 500% since the incident. Owner Ramazan Baydan designed the shoe in 1999, but it didn't take off until it nearly hit Mr Bush. Now it's flying off the shelves...

"Baydan has received orders for 300,000 pairs of the shoes since the attack, more than four times the number his company sold each year since the model was introduced in 1999. The company plans to employ 100 more staff to meet demand, he said. Model 271 is exported to markets including Iraq, Iran, Syria and Egypt. Customers in Iraq ordered 120,000 pairs this week and some Iraqis offered to set up distribution companies for the shoe", said a Baydan statement.

Also, read this Guardian article by Jon Henley for additional information, or go to Baydan's website, which proudly advertises the Bye Bye Bush shoe.