Influence marketing: unexpected collaborations

Influencer marketing has become a must. Some collaborations between brands and influencers seem improbable, but they captivate attention. These unexpected partnerships show how surprising choices can generate a great deal of interest. Let’s discover these surprising collaborations and what they reveal about modern marketing.

Examples of unexpected collaborations

1. Crocs and Post Malone: When Streetwear Meets Comfort

Influencer marketing is often based on obvious choices, but sometimes the most unlikely partnerships capture attention in spectacular fashion. Take Crocs and Post Malone, for example.

Crocs is a brand known for its practical shoes, but often criticized for their appearance. In 2018, the brand decided to collaborate with rapper Post Malone, famous for his unique and bold style. The collaboration seemed unlikely, but it managed to capture the attention of the media and the public.

Post Malone created a limited edition of Crocs, with distinctive patterns and bright colors. This partnership blended the typical comfort of Crocs with the artist’s flair. Fans were thrilled by the novelty, and the limited-edition Crocs sold out quickly, proving that surprising choices can redefine a brand. This collaboration changed the perception of Crocs and showed how unexpected alliances can be effective in marketing.

2. KFC and Reba McEntire: A new vision of Colonel Sanders

KFC is often associated with its iconic Colonel Sanders. However, the chain took everyone by surprise when it announced that country music star Reba McEntire would play the Colonel in their ads. This bold choice not only brought a fresh touch to KFC’s image, but also broadened the brand’s audience. The ads featuring Reba attracted attention and showed how an unlikely collaboration can reinvigorate a brand.

3. Pepsi and Kendall Jenner: a controversy that has everyone talking

Pepsi chose fashion celebrity Kendall Jenner for an advertising campaign that quickly created a buzz. The ad showed Kendall taking part in a protest march and offering a can of Pepsi to a police officer. Although the campaign was criticized for its superficiality, it generated a huge buzz. It showed that even controversial collaborations can attract attention and generate viral discussion, while underlining the importance of cultural sensitivity.

4. IKEA and Virgil Abloh: High-end design meets accessibility

IKEA, known for its affordable furniture, has surprised the design world by collaborating with Virgil Abloh, creator of the Off-White fashion label and artistic director at Louis Vuitton Homme. Together, they launched a limited-edition collection of furniture and accessories. The partnership combined Virgil Abloh’s avant-garde style with IKEA’s accessibility, attracting a younger, fashion-conscious audience. The collection was a success and showed how an unlikely collaboration can reinvent a brand’s image.

5. Doritos and Lil Nas X: A taste for music and potato chips

Doritos chose Lil Nas X, famous for his hit “Old Town Road”, for a commercial aired during the Super Bowl. The ad featured Lil Nas X in a dance duel with actor Sam Elliott. The campaign combined the rapper’s energy with the playfulness of Doritos chips, creating a memorable commercial that captured the attention of music and snack fans alike. This partnership proved that unexpected collaborations can produce effective and entertaining advertising campaigns.

These examples show that improbable collaborations can make a big impact. They show how innovation and creativity can turn surprising alliances into striking successes in the world of influencer marketing.

Conclusion

Unexpected collaborations between brands and influencers demonstrate the power of creative marketing. By combining surprising elements, they attract attention. These partnerships can turn unlikely ideas into notable successes.

Collaborating with influencers enables us to reach new audiences and bring a personal, authentic touch to campaigns. Influencers have a real impact on their followers, helping to build credibility and engage consumers.

These examples show that in marketing, thinking differently can lead to impressive results. Brands must continue to explore these possibilities to stand out and capture interest in original ways.