Flaunt Magazine

It was early in January 2002 as I was mooching around Chicago airport waiting for a delayed flight, a few beers a greasy burger and now totally bored.

I thought I would spend some time in the obligatory gift shop, believe me there are not many interesting items to buy related to Chicago unless you were totally into the Bulls & Jordan which I was so after looking at numerous Bulls related items I started to browse the magazine rack.

Never liked Brad Pitt, guess I am jealous but something made me pick that magazine up with his face all over it, badges displayed on a jean jacket. I did the customary quick flick which at first took me to a Kahlua Black Russian ad (clever Kahlua worked out a flicker only goes to the thickest page) so they get a mention, but on 2nd flick bang I discover Banksy.

Pest Control, Banksy, Radar Rat Stencil for free simply cut it out yourself with instructions. I then rewound to the front cover as my hand was over the 3 free badges and the Radar Rat was one, my interest was pricked.

I started to read the article headlined London’s most notorious and covert street artist. Question 1 from Journalist to Banksy was….Tell me about the stencil you made for Flaunt? He answered It’s a life size of a Rodent, it’s drawn by Vermin, about vermin, and for Vermin, you are a fashion magazine right?

After laughing my Tits off I decided to invest $5.95 and my Banksy Journey began. Saving the read for the long Plane flight home thinking the badge and stencils would come in useful as something for the boys (I have 3 sons)

I got home and instead of parting with Flaunt and the badges to my boys tucked it away in a Drawer under my bed in my mind I had started my Banksy collection!

It’s now 18 years later so I thought I would dig it out and share it with you, wonderful isn’t it how Banksy is now one of our most famous and entertaining artists.

Vermin.

Oh How I don’t Love Brad Pitt!