Sep 27 2006
By Alison Dayani
BIRMINGHAM'S iconic Bull is undergoing a Trinny and Susannah-style makeover by appearing in trendy denim jeans.
But the Bull Ring Bull is not suddenly becoming fashion conscious. It is being used to try to raise millions of pounds for sick children.
Bully will be getting dressed up to coincide with Jeans for Genes Day on October 6, when people across the region pay to wear jeans to work or school.
Digbeth designer Maurice Whittingham is responsible for making the icon's trousers and said it is the largest pair he has ever had to make.
"The bull has a 200in waist, which is hard enough, but there are also four legs instead of two," said Maurice, who owns Urban Clothing, based at the Custard Factory.
"It is a really interesting thing to do, especially as I am a local boy.
"I think it is a great idea because the Bull is so iconic to so many people. There are always shoppers taking pictures of him, so with his jeans on for a day, there should be even more crowds."
The Bull's jeans will have even more "bling" as graffiti-style artists Hedz will also be spraying them with urban chic.
Jeans for Genes Day raises cash for research into genetic disorders that affect one in every 33 children in the UK.
The charity hopes to raise at least £4 million this year, which will be distributed across ten charities for families affected by genetic disorders.
Lisa Pettifer, Genes For Jeans spokeswoman, said: "The charity thought it would be a fun way of raising awareness about us as the Bull is such an iconic figure. "He's so well loved by vi sitors to the Bull Ring and he's quite a challenge."
