After calling 475 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan home for the last six years, reps for P.Diddy’s clothing line Sean John announced this week that their flagship store will be closing due to what they feel is business disruption due to scaffolding.

Only about a year ago Diddy’s representatives filed a lawsuit over scaffolding around the building that was erected in 2006. Sign blockage and customer disruption because of said scaffolding were the reasons given for a drop in revenue the company had been experiencing over the last few years. In spite of a well publicized recession that caused almost every retailer to experience some kind of decline over the past few years, Sean John reps are insisting that construction is to blame. A Sean John spokesperson says, because of “inadequate selling space.” the only retail store they have would in fact shut down. The rep assured WWD that the label is looking for spaces in New York and L.A. to open new stores. {NY Mag}

As shopaholics we can’t help but thing brand loyalists would still shop with or without scaffolding. On one hand, 3 to 4 years of  scaffolding does seem excessive. On the other, it’s a bit of a stretch to think that Sean John was one of the only clothing retailers who wasn’t affected in any way by economic conditions.

Come December 30th, the store will close permanently as the company decides where to relocate. We wish them luck!

The public message from the fashion police is part of a growing push against the butt-baring fad. A student let campaign in Virginia and outright bans in Flint, Michigan and Riviera Beach, Florida {CNN} have sought to crack down on below the waist pants. Even President Obama remarked recently: “Some people might not want to see your underwear. I’m one of them.” {Newser}

Russell Simmons, founder of urban fashion brand Phat Farm, and Sean John vice-president Jeffrey Tweedy have both weighed in against the campaign. While Simmons has no problem with Adams personally, he comments that the campaign is a waste of time designed to do nothing but stifle creativity and individuality. “There is no connection to saggy pants and the ability to succeed. Just look at what buttoned-up America has done to the rest of the world and each other. Why canâ€t kids be different?”

Tweedy is opposed to the focus on African-American men and purported link to prison culture. “Many different people are involved with this trend. Itâ€s not just black kids. You can go to Washington Square Park and see skaters wearing tight Leviâ€s in a similar way.”

The way we dress is a mark of our presentation and it is a sore sight to stare at the rear of someones behind in nothing but underpants. News stations like CBS, NBC, ABC and the WB have all covered the growing political controversy, as some feel the fashion trend is a means of expression for our youth. When interviewed, many kids stated that they feel targeted and stereotyped for wearing their pants low, and it has no merit. While we agree that sagging pants may be an eyesore, if Ed Hardy and Crocs can escape campaigns against what many argue is unattractive style, is it fair that sagging pants get attacked?

Tell us what you think? Ban the sag? Or freedom of expression?