Children's one-size-fits-all suspenders featuring California Raisins character by Applause, 1987

The California Raisins were a fictional rhythm and blues animated musical group created in 1986 to promote California raisins. The characters became a pop culture phenomenon in the late 1980s, appearing in commercials, television specials, and spawning a massive merchandising campaign. Applause, a major toy and novelty manufacturer, was one of the primary licensed producers of California Raisins merchandise during the peak years of 1987-1990. These suspenders represent the height of the merchandising craze when the characters appeared on virtually every type of product imaginable. California Raisins merchandise appeals strongly to collectors of 1980s pop culture memorabilia and nostalgia enthusiasts. These items are particularly valued by those who grew up during the era and remember the iconic advertising campaign, as well as collectors of vintage children's accessories and cartoon character collectibles. The quirky nature of the California Raisins brand and its brief but intense cultural impact make new-old-stock items with original tags especially desirable to collectors of ephemeral pop culture artifacts.