There's a new fashion statement in Mexico that's starting a controversy.

T-shirts with the image of Pablo Escobar, the notorious Colombian drug kingpin, are selling big in Mexico, according to Reuters.

Escobar had been dead for almost twenty years, but he has become a symbol many people can recognize in states battling a war of drugs.

The shirts are being produced by Escobar Henao and have been designed by Sebastian Marroquin, son of the late Escobar. But he's not looking to reinforce his father's image. Instead he hopes to use it as a means to stop someone else from continuing on with Escobar's lifestyle.

"It's a self-criticism to the history of my father, and an invitation for the youth to be conscious of the dangers of entering the world of drugs and trafficking. It is the first product that has used the image of Pablo Escobar as a vehicle of communication that looks to avoid his history being repeated and to create a social conscience," Escobar's son explained. "I'm absolutely aware of the irreparable damage that my father caused in society between the violence that he exerted and the trafficking of drugs."

The shirts feature designs utilizing various pictures of the drug kingpin that include Escobar's student ID and driver's license.

Marroquin says the shirts will not be sold in Colombia as a "sign of respect" for the people affected by the violence of his father, according to Colombia Reports. The drug kingpin T-shirts are available on the internet, but have sold big in Mexico. The prices range from $60 to $95.

Whether the shirts are meant to honor the man, his legacy, or to prevent the future from repeating itself, they're available now to create a notorious fashion statement. 

Tags: drug kingpin t-shirts pablo escobar