It's been another weird week in retail. The Sims move into a new fashion house, New Balance knows exactly who it is (and is proud of it), and Ariana Grande filed arguably the spiciest trademark yet.
This, and more, in this week's retail therapy.
The Sims gets a luxury makeover
Moschino this week announced a partnership with Maxis, a studio of Electronic Arts, to feature The Sims in Jeremy Scott's latest capsule collection launch (obvious partnership, right?). The collection will be inspired by the popular life simulation game and will be available at Moschino boutiques worldwide and its website April 13.
With video games and e-sports gaining popularity, maybe creating a collection influenced by one isn't so crazy after all.
Last year, Gucci teamed up with avatar creator Genies to roll out an exclusive line of Gucci apparel (that was also exclusively animated).
The future of luxury is here — and it's pixelated.
New Balance knows exactly who it is (and is proud of it)
The shoe retailer is arguably a pro when it comes to using social media in a humorous way to engage with fans, so we can't say we were surprised when we saw its latest ad on Twitter.
"Worn by supermodels in London and dads in Ohio."
This @newbalance advertisement is just *chef's kiss* pic.twitter.com/A5Ds7wifCN
— Alyssa Vingan Klein (@alyssavingan) April 8, 2019
And honestly, we applaud the retailer. It's not often we find someone so proud of the things others may view as a negative. Maybe we should all take a note from New Balance.
Balenciaga definitely did. The luxury brand unveiled an $895 pair of sneakers that resemble Keens, you know, those horrible outdoor shoes that belong nowhere near a fashion house. However, this isn't the first time Balenciaga excitedly dropped something that should have never seen the light of day. The company also released an armless dress, and well, people have some thoughts.
Unfortunately, we don't expect this to be the brand's last absurd drop.
Tf is going on here pic.twitter.com/HI0GuTdikz
— ????Nnena (@PoisonIvy_VM) April 12, 2019
Ariana Grande adds to the list of ridiculous patents and trademarks filed
The pop singer last week filed a trademark under the name "Ariana Grande Thank U, Next," Women's Wear Daily reported. The trademark was for a number of beauty products including fragrances, body lotions, bath gels, body scrubs, body mists and more. Because apparently 2019 is the year of ridiculous trademarks and patents (re: Amazon securing a patent for package pickup on public buses).
You bet I'll be picking up any fragrances!!!
— 6landii ???????????????? (@landiiskiez) April 11, 2019
But Grande is no beauty freshman. She already sells Cloud, Ari and Sweet Like Candy lines at Ulta stores. If we learned anything from these previous lines, and her Cloud Macchiato Starbucks drink, this new collection is sure to be just as whimsical.
KFC's bid for influencer status
The fast-food chain is as much known for its fried chicken as it is for its crazy social media antics. In February, KFC unveiled a Colonel Sanders bearskin-like rug in time for Valentine's Day and more recently rolled out a gravy-scented candle and fried chicken bucket-inspired hot tub.
So for a company that uses social media to engage with its customers in absurd ways, it only makes sense to have an influencer represent it.
"Basically, I am an international mogul turned virtual person who wants to inspire the world with my amazing life," Virtual Influencer Colonel said in his mock media kit, according to Mobile Marketer.
The "virtual influencer" will showcase Dr. Pepper, TurboTax and Old Spice on Instagram until April 22, which by our count, is about 10 days too long.
