Trendy Pigs & Slobbering Hogs

his basketball season marks the 25th anniversary of the Arkansas Razorbacks’ 1994 NCAA National Championship. That happened to be the first season of operation for the team’s Bud Walton Arena, and some folks believe the program has been cursed since the iconic “slobbering hog” logo was sanded off the court and replaced with the more modern racing razorback. People have a strange affinity for the vintage logo, comparing it to a priceless painting. A “Bring Back Slobbering Hog” petition to return the vintage mascot to its former midcourt glory has garnered more than 4,600 signatures. The fate of the saliva-dripping hog remains in question, but love and nostalgia for the old logo is beyond debate. To commemorate the anniversary, the team will wear throwback uniforms for a game this season. And vintage Slobbering Hog merchandise has been newly reissued.

Southern Trend Clothing in Fayetteville is one of the few retail outlets licensed to sell the limited availability hog garb. The custom printing, design and clothing company has been around for more than a decade. Their Fayetteville brick and mortar store attracts local fans and tourists alike. The two owners, Tom Pagnozzi and Clint Brannon, both played baseball for the University of Arkansas, so their fandom is deeply rooted. Along with Razorback apparel (both slobbering and racing), they also design and sell other state-specific apparel and have expanded to 15 southern states. In addition, they have developed their own logo, the Southern Trend pig.

The “trendy pig” has a legacy all its own. After the owners designed the proud pig, they were approached by a local charity to create a customized fundraising t-shirt. Since then, the pig has helped a growing number of nonprofits raise money with cause-related custom t-shirt designs. To date, Southern Trend has helped raise more than $75,000 for local organizations.
When owner and artist Clint Brannon isn’t designing Southern Trend merchandise, he is painting. You can actually find one of his “Hog Leaning on A” acrylic paintings in Bud Walton Arena. His love and passion for art and Arkansas has been a motivating force behind the brand.

“T-shirts are our bread and butter,” says owner Tom, although the store also sells hats, keychains, mugs, stickers, Tyler candles and more. “You can come into the store and get something for everyone, from a 6-month-old to your 90-year-old grandmother.”
And if your grandmother happens to be an old-school Razorback fan, Southern Trend has just the gift.