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Do You Know the Origins of the Iconic ‘Jazz’ Print?

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Tony Maples Photography

 

You probably remember seeing this purple and teal print adorning paper cups in the ’90s. In a recent post, Star Trek star turned Facebook personality George Takei reblogged a video from Nameless.tv that reveals the origin of this instantly recognizable pattern.

In 1991, Gina Ekiss created the lighthearted design for the company Sweetheart (which later became Solo). She used her two favorite colors at the time and named the print “Jazz.” It was marketed as a fun paper plate and cup pattern for any occasion.

Even though the print has spread and can be seen all over the place, from t-shirts to internet memes, Ekiss only received a set salary for the design in the early ’90s when she drew it. “When she left, Sweetheart told Ekiss that Jazz was their top-grossing stock design in history,” the Facebook video says.

What’s made the pattern live on for so long? An in-depth story on the Jazz print written for News-Leader reads, “People seemed to associate the cup’s design, which now seems somewhat dated, with growing up in the 1990’s.” The sense of nostalgia lead to fan sites like this Facebook group aptly called Solo Jazz.

@therealnsteezyy #jazzsolocup style #e36 running our #fenderflares #becauseracecar #bimmer #stance #bmw #m3 #hardmotorsport

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Don't just meme about it, be about it. #becausetheinternet #jazzsolocup #ericatclaws

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