Will China Censor Taylor Swift’s ‘1989’ Clothing Line?

Taylor Swift will bring to China her line of branded clothing and merchandise that features the slogan: “T.S. 1989"—a move that could alert censors.
Will China Censor Taylor Swift’s ‘1989’ Clothing Line?
Larry Ong
Journalist
|Updated:

Taylor Swift might have unwittingly stumbled into politically fraught territory in China with her latest business venture: the singer-songwriter intends to bring to the country her line of branded clothing and merchandise that features the slogan: “T.S. 1989.”

The clothing line has a targeted August launch, in cooperation with the e-commerce giant JD.com. Images available so far indicate that the Chinese line will carry “1989” emblazoned on T-shirts, dresses, and accessories—whether the initials will precede the year is unclear.

Promotional material for Taylor Swift's "1989" clothing line in China. (Screenshot via Heritage66 Company/weibo.com )
Promotional material for Taylor Swift's "1989" clothing line in China. Screenshot via Heritage66 Company/weibo.com
Larry Ong
Larry Ong
Journalist
Larry Ong is a New York-based journalist with Epoch Times. He writes about China and Hong Kong. He is also a graduate of the National University of Singapore, where he read history.