Why Food Brands Are Having a Fashion Moment

By The Malketeer

From Cans to Catwalks

In an era where consumer attention is increasingly fragmented, food and drink brands are stepping out of the kitchen and onto the runway.

The unlikely marriage of sustenance and style is not just a fleeting trend, but a strategic move that’s redefining brand engagement.

Let’s unpack why these collaborations are more than just a flash in the pan.

The Appetite for the Unexpected

When Pringles partnered with Crocs earlier this year, it wasn’t just about creating quirky footwear. It was a masterclass in attention-grabbing marketing.

The limited-edition run sold out almost immediately, proving that consumers have a hearty appetite for the unexpected.

This collaboration didn’t just push boundaries; it obliterated them, creating a buzz that traditional advertising could only dream of achieving.

Nostalgia: The Secret Ingredient

Urban Outfitters’ partnership with Del Monte isn’t just about slapping a logo on a t-shirt.

It’s a carefully crafted recipe that blends nostalgia with contemporary fashion.

By featuring the iconic Del Monte logo, they’re not just selling clothes; they’re selling memories.

It’s a powerful reminder that in marketing, emotion often trumps logic.

The Gen Z Connection

Lipton Ice Tea’s collaboration with streetwear brand Cruel Pancake is a textbook example of how heritage brands can stay relevant.

By tapping into 90s nostalgia and partnering with a creator-founded brand, Lipton isn’t just selling tea; it’s buying cultural currency.

The resale of these items on platforms like Vinted shows that they’ve created more than products – they’ve created desirability.

Beyond the Billboard: Earning Attention

In today’s saturated media landscape, paid attention is becoming less effective.

Pepsi Lipton’s Global Digital Marketing Director, Victoire Binet, hit the nail on the head when she said, “Today, success is not about how much attention you can buy, but how much attention you can earn.”

These fashion collaborations are earning that attention by meeting consumers in their cultural spaces, rather than interrupting them.

The Recipe for Success

So, what’s the secret sauce for a successful fashion collaboration?

According to industry experts, it’s a blend of creativity, authenticity, and patience.

Richard Pink of Pink Key Licensing emphasises the importance of fun and creativity, while Binet stresses the need for strategic patience in finding the right partner.

The Future of Brand Engagement

As we look to the future, it’s clear that these fashion collaborations are more than just a trend – they’re a new frontier in brand engagement.

They offer a way to reinforce brand values, reach new audiences, and create emotional connections in ways that traditional marketing simply can’t match.

As marketers, we need to think beyond our traditional channels.

The success of these food and fashion collaborations shows that sometimes, the most effective way to reach a consumer’s heart might just be through their wardrobe.

So the next time you’re strategising your brand’s next move, ask yourself: what unexpected runway could your brand be walking down?

Imagine the buzz a collaboration between an iconic Malaysian beverage brand, Boh Tea, and a local streetwear designer could create – blending the nostalgia of a popular beverage drink with contemporary fashion possibilities!