The peace sign marks its 50th anniversary this year. As a fashion trend, it's back, being discovered by a new generation.

In the '60s and '70s, the peace sign was the emblem of the anti-Vietnam War movement. It was created in 1958 by a British graphic designer, Gerald Holom, for an anti-bomb rally. Holom has said he was creating a stylized rendition of himself in despair, holding his hands pointed out and down.

Interestingly, the peace sign has never been trademarked, so anyone is free to use it.

On a recent Honolulu shopping expedition, we found peace signs to be ubiquitous. Macy's has lots of Lucky Brand jewelry with the peace sign. Local designer Toby Portner (www.polkadotreehouse.com) sews a tiny metallic peace emblem into each of her garments. (Appropriate, as many of her clothes have a decidedly '60s vibe.) Juicy Couture has a too-cute track suit that comes in a fabulous orange-red or green with the peace sign and a sprinkling of rhinestones.

At Pearlridge Center's Icing by Claire's store, manager Ronie Carvalho said everything with the peace sign is blowing off the shelves and they are awaiting a new shipment of iPod cases, hats and key chains with the popular sign.

One style note: When wearing the peace sign, no need to scream it. A single peace-signed garment or accessory will send the message loud and clear.