Brand Candy

everything sweet, sticky & good about brands and brand design (and sometimes things that aren't)

[mybrandcandy]

McDonald’s latest ads are just a bunch of pixels. And they’re brilliant

McDonald’s France continues its years long tradition of a delightfully minimalist approach to advertising the Golden Arches.

When your brand recognition is at a whole ‘notha level. Kudos, Micky D’s.

[mybrandcandy]

Tiffany is trolling everyone with these impractical 'everyday objects' that cost thousands of dollars

Tiffany is selling silver balls of yarn and porcelain eggs for thousands of dollars.

You know that person for whom you never know what to buy? Gotcha.

[mybrandcandy]

The LaCroix of cannabis? The marijuana market bets on beverages

Cannabis startups envision a not-too-distant future in which consumers seek alternative refreshments during happy hour.

The first impression, i.e. packaging, is everything. While Mood33 might be the better product (or at least the most potent and first to market), Recess sure looks the part. 

[mybrandcandy]

IHOP Says 'IHOb' — And The Internet Says, What?

The company wrote, "There's so many obtions, what could it b?!" — and one Twitter user replied, "Can you not blease?"

How to breathe life into a 60-year-old brand? Threaten to change something and withhold the details. Bositively brilliant BR, iHob! 

[mybrandcandy]

Luxury brands reimagined as everyday staples by graphic designer Peddy Mergui

Ever wondered what it would be like to find Louis Vuitton own-brand salami down the supermarket? How about a carton of Versace-branded eggs?

Here we go again...

A graphic commentary on high-end labels and consumerism and quality...and people don’t care. I’ll bet every one of these items would fly off the shelves. (A Dolce and Gabbana cookie would look cute with my Bulgari tea, tho. IJS)

[mybrandcandy]

The USPS is launching scratch-and-sniff stamps!

Smells like innovation.

Not really sure who these are for… doesn’t the USPS know that kids don’t mail letters? Cute, though.

From Fast Co Design

[mybrandcandy]

A Fashion Designer Has Created a Disney Princess-Inspired Gown Collection

And we want them all

A Charmed Life(style)

When your core consumer grows up, most brands can only hope the sentiment, usefulness and nostalgia get passed to a future generation, children or grandchildren. But every once in a while, the brand can grow with the consumer, into the next stages of life and interests. All little princesses around the world can rejoice: Disney wants you to be the belles of the balls!

[mybrandcandy]

The Future Of Branding Is Debranding

Branded content camouflages what companies have been trying to do since time immemorial: Sell you stuff. Here's a better idea.

Too. Much. Noise. It’s time to debrand. Show me how what you’ve got works with what I’ve already got. I’m no longer interested in having the most toys; the win goes to the player with the most integrated and effective playthings. 

[mybrandcandy]

This Burger King Just Pulled An Epic Halloween Prank On McDonald's

Poking fun at its biggest rival

Battle of the Burger Brands, Halloween-style!

Burger King -1, McDonald’s -0

[mybrandcandy]

Damaged brand: New Trump hotels will no longer bear his name

When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong.

Separating the brand from the bad behavior -- will it work? Stay tuned...

[mybrandcandy]

Touch Me, Tease Me

Apple’s first Brooklyn location opens this weekend, and well, we’re not at all surprised by one element of the ambience. The displays of accessories, usually walls of stacked product in other Apple outlets, are now “touch-friendly,” with no outer packaging or wrap, basically invitations for customers to touch, bend, even sniff (?) items. This new UX-oriented retail environment just screams of the maker, handcrafted, dare we say “hipster” persona of the borough, and we can’t wait to see how it goes over. But first, we hit the new, closer Genius Bar!

Read more about the so-called “endowment effect” here.

[mybrandcandy]

Liquor-in-My-Bag Swag, Please

All the useless branded swag ever received over the years at liquor launches and happy hour tastings could have been saved, for just ONE of these. The Vinni Bag transports your secret sauce -- be it 100 proof, aged and Italian, or French and rare -- with no worry of spill in your luggage. The inflatable cushioning will protect your fragile goods without adding unnecessary bulk or weight to your checked bag. At only $28, it’s a small investment for peace of mind. (C’mon wine & spirits companies, you know you can slap your name on these and pass them out gratis at the next Spring Break pool party!!) 

Learn more about the Vinni, here. 

[mybrandcandy]

Awww...Say It Ain’t So!

The powers that be in the NBA have decided to allow commercial patches on players' in-game jerseys, starting in the 2017-18 season. Good or bad for the league?

[mybrandcandy]

About Face

If you don’t think your appearance is part of your brand, think again. Can you guess the celebs in these seamless photoshop mashups? Digital master and  artist Gesichtermix created these portraits with a skilled mastery of photo manipulation. While some are downright eerie, others mix the best of certain celebs, creating rather attractive new beings! Check out the entire gallery here.

[mybrandcandy]

When there’s something bigger than your company.

That’s love, Microsoft.

[mybrandcandy]

Too Soon?

In the words of Chris Rock: “I’m not saying I agree, but I understand.” We want Amazon Prime to know that their execution of a colorful, spirited and meticulously detailed subway wrap campaign for their new streaming series “The Man in The High Castle” was not lost on us.  We get it. The premise of the series is that Germany won the war, and the Nazi regime ruled...hence the hails to Hitler that would undoubtedly christen everything we know (see North Korea for 21st century reference), even subway seats. New York professes an edginess unparalleled, yet, the ruffled feathers on this one prevailed (spoiler update: the campaign wraps were removed by Amazon, who also issued an apology.) One could surmise the events as flattery: the artwork and concept must have been frighteningly realistic to offend so many.

Read more here.

[mybrandcandy]

Less Is More

Called Minimalist Effect in a Maximalist Market, this visual project by design outfit Antrepo asks potential consumers which  designs they prefer: existing graphics, or stripped down versions. (We rather like the bare minimum, cuz we love color.) The resulting feedback was interesting, a struggle between simplicity and perception. (Our struggle was more about wondering who still eats Pringles???)

Read more at Dezeen.