Over the years Mlabbas has showcased some T-shirt designs that stirred outrage. Some were banned by the government, others were never published, and some weren't naughty enough and are still available, to people's displeasure.
1. Shu Hashish (c. 2013)
Artist: Mike V. Derderian aka Sardine
Naughty rating (by Jordanian Standards): 6/10
Current Status: Pulled from Catalog due to Anti Drug Agency request/threat.
The universally recognizable Marijuana leaf sells millions of merchandise worldwide, and has cemented its position in pop culture. But in Jordan, freedom of expression is not a guarantee when a government agent has a wild imagination, and Mlabbas was forced to cease printing any Marijuana related graphics.
2. Tamer Hosni (c. 2016)
Artist: Imad Shawa / T-shirt Hell inspired
Naughty rating (by Jordanian Standards): 9/10
Current Status: Was never sold or produced. only a sample was on display at the Slogan Soup controversial t-shirt exhibit
Although never an actual product at Mlabbas, this shirt appeared in an exhibition called "Slogan Soup" that took place at Mlabbas which featured black T-shirt with white text. The mention of Saddam Hussein on the shirt caused so much outrage, that people forgot it was Tamer Hosni was the icon being mocked!
3. Hot Ninja Coffee (c. 2015)
Artist: Imad Shawa / T-shirt Hell inspired
Naughty rating (by Jordanian Standards): 7/10
Current Status: Pulled from circulation in 2019 upon Request of Starbucks Coffee Co.
This t-shirt was as popular as it was offensive. Complaints were lodged regularly by patrons who did not appreciate the veiled look of the central character. Some saw it offensive towards niqab. But the shirt survived for several years. Ironically it was Starbucks' legal representatives in the Middle East that filed a formal legal complaint. Mlabbas complied and the design is no longer available.
4. Jesus is Palestinian (c. 2005)
Artist: Imad Shawa
Naughty rating (by Jordanian Standards): 5/10
Current Status: Still Available on Demand
This slogan-shirt was popular with many pro-Palestine activists, from all walks of life. It served as a controversial conversation starter. Its not an accurate statement, yet brings up topics that world often neglects with regards to the modern day occupation. But mot of all it's a potent irritant to the "haters".
5. Dali Drugs (c. 2013)
Artist: Mike V. Derderian aka Sardine
Naughty rating (by Jordanian Standards): 4/10
Current Status: Pulled from Catalog due to Anti Drug Agency request/threat
Although protected under Jordan's free speech rules, Mlabbas decided it wasn't worth fighting the Anti Drug Agency on this one.
6. Swaqa Prison Football Team (c. 2005)
Artist: Imad Shawa
Naughty rating (by Jordanian Standards): 2/10
Current Status: Still Available on Demand
Back in 2011 at the Mlabbas booth in CityMall, undercover security agents caused quite a stir and interrogated kiosk staff regarding the rights to use a "government establishment" (Swaqa Prison) as a joke on a t-shirt. To which we replied: file a formal request and we will comply. Still waiting :) although truth be told this shirt has not been printed in many years.
7. Shakhakh (c. 2010)
Artist: Imad Shawa
Naughty rating (by Jordanian Standards): 2/10
Current Status: Still Available on Demand
This cute design was only objected to by old grandmas at the mall.
8. Khuth (c. 2011)
Artist: Hamed Sinno
Naughty rating (by Jordanian Standards): 8/10
Current Status: Still Available on Demand
This design was found sprayed on walls in Beirut. We received word that Mashrou3 Leila front man Hamed Sinno was the designer and we got permission to reprint it.
9. Who Says Mansaf Can't be sexy Khuth (c. 2011)
Artist: Imad Shawa
Naughty rating (by Jordanian Standards): 6/10
Current Status: Available upon request.
This chauvinist and cheap design was a modest hit back in 2011 and 2012. It obviously pre-dated the #metoo movement, and is no longer in demand.
10. Ba3boos (c. 2019)
Artist: Karma Shawa
Naughty rating (by Jordanian Standards): 9/10
Current Status: Available through Khara Apparel upon request
This retro drawing of the common Arab hand gesture, which indicates "Go F#@k Yourself", is part of the naughty t-shirt brand Khara Apparel. It will probably never be a part of the official Mlabbas tshirt offering.
