Think different Denim Jacket (black, XXL, c. 1998)

“Think different” was the slogan used by Apple in advertising 1997–2002, and is still used in some circumstances as of 2024. The “Think different” concept was created by advertising agency TBWA\Chiat\Day while working with Apple and Steve Jobs. “Think different” was used in its original concept in a TV commercial and in print/digital advertisements, and the “Think different” slogan was used as part of many TV commercials, print/digital ads, and on product packaging.

The Think different concept started with a “manifesto” that began famously with “Here’s to the crazy ones.”

Here’s to the crazy ones.
The misfits.
The rebels.
The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them, disagree with them,
glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them.
Because they change things.
They push the human race forward.
While some may see them as the crazy ones,
we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think
they can change the world, are the ones who do.
Think different.

Apple’s print and digital “Think different” ads did not feature Apple devices, just the Apple logo and the words “Think different.” One of the creative team who worked on the campaign described the print concept: “The rainbow-colored logo served as stark contrast to the black and white photography, and, to me, it seemed to make the ‘Think different’ statement all the more bold.”

This black denim jacket was made by Canadian manufacturer International Denim. The style has been described in other sources as a “varsity” style jacket. Its main body is made from high-quality black denim, with the cuffs and bottom band made from black rib knit elastic fabric.

Overall, the jacket is in excellent condition. The back of the jacket is embroidered in white with the words “Think different.” in Apple’s Garamond logotype that was used in the Think Different ad campaign. Apple’s classic six-color logo is embroidered and centered above the logotype.

The tag on the inside of the jacket includes the following information:

ID Sport by International Denim
100% Cotton
Made in Canada
CA05976 RN42206

Sources: Wikipedia, Forbes

Limited Edition Canada International Collection Sport Loop (44mm, 2021)

The International Collection Sport Loop was released at the time of the Summer Olympics played in 2021 (referred to as the 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 delay). The bands came in 22 designs “representing nations across the globe, each with a downloadable matching watch face.”

The bands used the Sport Loop design, described by Apple as, “Soft, breathable, and lightweight, it features a hook-and-loop fastener for quick and easy adjustment. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”

The packaging for each band was highly customized and featured the Apple Watch logo on the box exterior in metallic gold (presumably a reference to Olympic gold medals). The interior packaging used the design of the sport band (as opposed to the generic design used in other Sport Loop designs) and included an App Clip Code (Apple’s custom circular QR Code design) that led directly to a downloadable Watch face that matched the band.

According to an Apple Newsroom release from June 29, 2021:

“To celebrate the indescribable drive and competitive spirit of all athletes and fans, Apple is launching the International Collection bands for Apple Watch, featuring 22 limited-edition Sport Loop bands with colorful designs that represent those nations across the globe. Each band also features a matching downloadable Stripes watch face showcasing color combinations that customers around the world can use to personalize their Apple Watch and boldly show their country support.

The soft, breathable, and lightweight International Collection Sport Loop bands are available representing the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the US.”

The colorful designs used a variety of designs including one-color bands, one- and two-color facing bands, and some bands were split vertically with two colors (a first for Apple Watch band designs). All bands used a contrasting edge color, and many bands featured contrasting plastic connectors/closure colors. Bands matched the flags of each country and featured two to five colors each.

These are my descriptions of each of the band designs:

  • Australia—2-sided bright green and yellow band; bright green edges; bright green plastic connectors/closure.
  • Belgium—yellow gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
  • Brazil—bright green band; yellow edges; dark blue plastic connectors/closure.
  • Canada—vertical striped white and red band; white and red edges; white plastic connectors, white closure.
  • China—red band; yellow-gold edges; red plastic connectors, yellow-gold closure.
  • Denmark—red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
  • France—white band; blue and red edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
  • Germany—2-sided black and yellow-gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
  • Greece—vertical striped white and blue band; blue and white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
  • Italy—bright blue band; white edges; green plastic connectors, red closure.
  • Jamaica—2-sided bright green and black band; yellow edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
  • Japan—white band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
  • Mexico—white band; green and blue edges; white plastic connectors, green closure.
  • Netherlands—bright orange band; white edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
  • New Zealand—black band; white edges; black plastic connectors, white closure.
  • Russia—2-sided blue and red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
  • South Africa—2-sided red and blue band; green edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
  • South Korea—white band; black edges; blue plastic connectors, red closure.
  • Spain—2-sided yellow-gold and red band; red edges; red plastic connectors/closure.
  • Sweden—2-sided yellow and medium-blue band; medium-blue edges; medium-blue plastic connectors/closure.
  • United States—vertical striped white and blue band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
  • Great Britain—2-sided red and blue band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.

This example is a 44 mm Sport Loop representing Canada.

Sources: Apple (Newsroom, developer)