Honey bee rain boot from Chooka
In the past few years I have noticed what I like to call the ‘owl phenomenon.’ Whether it is fashion, jewelry, stationary, kitchen gadgets, china figurines, tote bags and host of other items, owls are showing up everywhere. Keeping in characteristic with all trends that come and go, a new creature is slowly seeping into the scene. Can you guess what it is?
It seems to me ever since colony collapse hit in late 2006 and the public became more aware than ever of how bees affect our daily life in the form of what foods are available for us to eat, bee paraphernalia has become more prevalent; and even more so in the past couple of months. I have found things such as a honey bee rain boots, dresses, bathing suits, plates, jewelry, thank you cards, kitchen items and host of other items. Bees are hotter now than ever. C’mon, who can’t help but pick up this stuff when they see it in stores, nerdy or not. My friends and family can’t seem to help themselves either and my bee paraphernalia collection is growing substantially. No complaints there!
Honey bee flatware set by Wallace.
Not only are honey bee products becoming all the rage but so are companies that support bee research. I have mentioned Häagen Dazs in the past, but let’s not forget Whole Foods, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie (a woman’s best friend), Dundee Brewing and of course Burt’s Bees Company.
Throw a honey bee themed party! Take note from Bakarella.
What I really hope is that this trend does not stay a trend. A trend fades and new things take its place, pushing it out of vogue. Honey bees should never be just a fad. They are and will always be an integral part of our food and ecosystem whether those purchasing bee related products realize it or not. The growth of bee products on the market helps to spread the awareness of this vital creature and provide purchasers who already know about honey bees the outlet to share more about our favorite pollinators. As for me, I will proudly sport my little black honey bee dress and educate anyone who is interested in honey bees. After all, bees are sexier than ever right now.
