Happy Bastille Day!

Do you consider yourself to be a Francophile? Since I've lived in France twice, I definitely consider myself a Francophile, or in other words, someone with an appreciation for the French culture, language, people, and history. The word is formed from the prefix "Franco" (meaning French) and the Greek suffix "phile" (meaning lover of). Use of word was first recorded in 1887, according to Merriam-Webster.

Bastille Day ("le 14 Juillet" in French) commemorates a key turning point of the French Revolution, the storming of the Bastille in 1789, and has been celebrated as a national holiday since 1880. According to Britannica, "From the beginning, speeches, military parades, and fireworks, along with public revelry, were part of the celebration. The slogan "Vive le 14 juillet!" ("Long live the 14th of July!") has continued to be associated with the day." And the oldest and largest military parade in Europe is held on that date each year on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, featuring troops, tanks, and fighter jet flyovers with red, white, and blue smoke.

According to travel expert Rick Steves, "The Storming of the Bastille transformed more than just France. It inspired many other nations to demand liberty — to rise from medieval oppression to modern democracy. Anyone with a sense of history can recognize the enormous debt the world owes to those brave Parisians who stormed the Bastille to fight for a government of the people. It's a cultural rallying point, symbolizing freedom of all kinds. If you're in France on Bastille Day, join the proud locals in their sheer joy of personal liberty. Indeed, wherever you are on July 14th, lift a glass to freedom and declare, 'Vive la France!'"

And now, let's pivot to marketing and check out five famous French brands.

AIR FRANCE

According to Wikipedia, "Air France is the flag carrier of France, and is headquartered in Tremblay-en-France. The airline is a subsidiary of the Air France–KLM Group and one of the founding members of the SkyTeam airline alliance. As of 2013, Air France served 29 destinations in France and operates worldwide scheduled passenger and cargo services to 201 destinations in 78 countries. The airline maintains its global and domestic hub at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Tracing its origins back to the 1910s, Air France was formed on August 30th, 1933 through the merger of five existing airlines in France...During World War II, Air France moved its operations to Casablanca, Morocco...Air France recruited its first female flight attendants in 1946...From 1976 to 2003, Air France became one of only two airlines (British Airways being the other) to regularly operate supersonic services (daily trans-atlantic Concorde service).

Upon its formation, Air France adopted the seahorse logo of its predecessor Air Orient, known as the hippocampe ailé (sometimes derisively called "la crevette" or shrimp by its employees), as its insignia. Prior to the Air France-KLM merger in 2003, the hippocampe ailé was used on the nose section of aircraft next to the Groupe Air France title; after the merger, the Air France-KLM logo was substituted at the nose area, and the hippocampe ailé was relocated to engine nacelles (containers that cover and protect airplane engines). The acronym "AF" has also featured prominently on the airline's flag and its signage. On January 7th, 2009, Air France officially changed its logo to a red stripe."

MICHELIN

Michelin is a French multinational tire manufacturer based in France known for its tires for automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. According to Forbes, "The company has been the world's largest tire manufacturer by annual revenue since 2021."

According to the brand's website, "In 1900, there were fewer than 3,000 cars on the roads of France. To increase the demand for cars, and accordingly car tires, the car tire manufacturers and brothers Édouard and André Michelin published a guide for French motorists, the Guide Michelin. Nearly 35,000 copies of this first, free edition were distributed. It provided information to motorists such as maps, tire repair and replacement instructions, car mechanics listings, hotels, and petrol stations throughout France. The founders thought the Guide might encourage car owners to drive more, which would increase tire wear and in turn boost replacement sales...The Michelin roadmaps were reproduced in England for the Allied invasion during World War II. In 1940, the Germans also reproduced the 1938 edition of Michelin maps for their invasion...The Michelin Guide ended printed copies in 2021 in most markets. After 121 years, Michelin transitioned to digital publication and released a proprietary app. This allowed Michelin to distribute the guide to a larger audience at no charge."

According to the brand's website, "Back in the late 19th century, in the early days of the company, the Michelin brothers were exhibiting their products at a fair in Lyon when one of them noticed that if you added arms and legs to the pile of tires they were showcasing, it would look like a man. A few years later, with the contribution of a caricaturist, the Michelin Man was born...In those days, in old movies, tires were white, so the character naturally adopted that color, which he has kept to this day. Also, the main tire market back then wasn't for cars, but for bicycle wheels, so he was created as an assemblage of thin rings, unlike the ones we're familiar with today. He immediately became Michelin's brand ambassador. This friendly mascot who inspired trust and emphasized the comfort provided by Michelin tires, was a big success."

And as a further brand extension, according to Wikipedia, "While the Michelin Guide was originally created as a guide for French motorists and has been published since 1900, it later developed into an international reference for dining and travel. Michelin inspectors (reviewers) visit restaurants anonymously and award one, two, or three stars - and inspectors' meals and expenses are paid for by Michelin, never by a restaurant being reviewed:

(1) One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants using top quality ingredients, where dishes with distinct flavours are prepared to a consistently high standard.

(2) Two MICHELIN Stars are awarded when the personality and talent of the chef are evident in their expertly-crafted dishes; their food is refined and inspired.

(3) Three MICHELIN Stars is the highest award, given for the superlative cooking of chefs at the peak of their profession; their cooking is elevated to an art form and some of their dishes are destined to become classics."

PERRIER

According to the brand's website, "Perrier natural mineral water originates in Vergèze, France. Beneath the surface, deep within the secret depths of the Garrigues massif and the vast Vistrenque plain, ancient limestone rocks shape the exceptional water. Our goal is ensuring a continuous supply of its high-quality water, both now and for future generations."

In 1898, Dr. Louis Perrier bought a spring and created a company for the production of mineral water, drinks, and hygienic products. In the same year, the spring got its modern name Perrier, after the name of the new owner. Since 1992 the brand has been owned by the Swiss company Nestle. And Perrier is the official water of Stade Roland Garros, home of the French Open tennis tournament.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

According to the brand's website, "Born in Paris and raised among three sisters, Christian Louboutin grew up fascinated by femininity — a living work of art to be exalted. At the age of ten, he encountered a pictogram banning high heels to protect museum floors. By sixteen, he became an intern at the Folies Bergère, already designing shoes for the cabaret's glittering dancers. A self-taught apprentice, Christian refined his craft alongside master artisans. In 1991, driven by a desire for creative freedom, he opened his first boutique in Paris. He painted the soles of his shoes with a nail polish in a vivid red, thus creating his legendary red sole. The House expands to New York, and soon, celebrities embrace his creations, turning Louboutins into red-carpet icons. (What were TV character Carrie Bradshaw's fave heels? Yep, Louboutins!) In 2009, Christian and pop star Mika share more than a few affinities, vibrant universes, a love for the stage, and childhoods surrounded by three sisters. From this encounter is born the men's collection, a new chapter for the House of red sole. In 2021, Christian launched the "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" collection in collaboration with Idris and Sabrina Elba, to support charitable organizations working toward social justice. In 2022, Christian announces the launch of collections for the entire family: adults, children, and even pets. In 2025, Christian presents an eyewear collection with art deco accents and signature red touches. Though global in reach, the Christian Louboutin universe remains rooted in Paris, a city whose charm permeates every creation."

How did the iconic red sole happen? According to the website, "It all began in 1992, in the designer's Parisian atelier. As he was finalizing the prototype of the Pensée model, Christian was captivated by the elegance of the silhouette — but found the black sole too dull, disrupting the harmony of the design. His eyes fell on his assistant, who was applying a vibrant red nail polish. In a spontaneous gesture, he grabbed the bottle and painted the sole from toe to heel. The transformation was immediate — the shoe came to life. The red sole is more than just a color — it's a statement. A symbol of passion, confidence, and audacity, this vibrant red captures the very soul of the Maison. Far beyond an aesthetic detail, it has become a true icon of modern luxury. Wearing Christian Louboutin is about walking with assurance and freedom. A manifesto of style, it reflects Christian Louboutin's unique vision. This red sole has left its mark on the collective imagination — from red carpets to the silver screen."

SHARE THIS: Inspiration can strike at any moment. From architecture, an object, a pattern, or even the way someone walks. If you keep your eyes open, there will always be something to spark your imagination. ~Christian Louboutin #BastilleDay #BrandStorytelling #DebbieLaskeysBlog

HERMES

According to the brand's website, "For six generations, Hermès has been an independent, family-owned, artisanal, creative, innovative, and responsible French house. While designing timeless and durable objects, it seeks to safeguard, pass on, and develop its know-how and exceptional skills in line with its human values rooted in craftsmanship. Hermès is committed to retaining the majority of its production in France through its 63 production and training sites, while developing its network of almost 300 stores in 45 countries. The group employs more than 26,000 people around the world, including 16,300 in France. Since 2013, Hermès has been led by Axel Dumas, a sixth-generation family member. The brand is known for its scarves, handbags, jewelry, watches, leather goods, shoes, boots, and more."

According to Madison Avenue Couture, "At the heart of the Hermès logo lies a rich narrative of timeless elegance, artistry, and expertise. The horse and carriage motif reflects the brand's origins in crafting the finest equestrian gear and its commitment to creating products that blend heritage with innovation...The iconic Hermès symbolism speaks to the enduring power of luxury. Just as the carriage was a mode of elegant travel for the aristocracy, Hermès products are vehicles of self-expression and style. For many, owning their first piece adorned with the Hermès logo means they have truly arrived. The original Hermès brand logo was produced in black on an ivory background with a gold foil trim. However, during World War II, material shortages left no colors available but bright orange cardboard for packaging. First adopted in 1942 out of necessity, the now-iconic Hermès orange boxes soon came to symbolize luxury and modernity. Initially imprinted simply with black text, the Hermès logo was added in 1950, transforming it into a timeless emblem of style and exclusivity...The Hermès logo has undergone subtle changes since its introduction, reflecting the brand's ability to evolve while remaining connected to its heritage. After its introduction in 1950, the carriage and horse Hermès logo was further refined in the 1970s, taking a more minimalist approach to the image. The updated logo, known as the Duc Carriage, simplified the lines of the horse, carriage, and groom, giving the emblem a sleek, modern appearance and a distinct sense of power. Later in the 1970s, the Hermès wordmark was added to the Duc Carriage, with the name Hermès in all capitals, rendered in a handsome serif font. Through subtle changes, the Hermès brand logo has evolved while maintaining its timeless appeal. It stands as a symbol of meticulous craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation — the very strengths Hermès is built upon."

Which other French brands, logos, or brand ambassadors stand out to you? Chime in and share, and merci beaucoup! 

SHARE THIS: Sir Winston Churchill was a Francophile who often expressed his admiration for France, though his attempts to speak French were atrocious, per French historian François Kersaudy. ~Wikipedia #BastilleDay #Francophile #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credits: One Mile at a Time (Air France), Perrier, Christian Louboutin, Michelin, and Hermes.

Read "What Francophile Actually Means (And How to Embrace It)" by Natalee of Madalyn et Rose:

https://www.madalynetrose.com/what-is-a-francophile/

Read "10 Signs You Might Be a Francophile" by Genevieve:

https://www.cafegenevieve.com/10-signs-you-might-be-a-francophile/

Read how Bastille Day is celebrated in other countries:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastille_Day

Read here on my Blog: "Let's Celebrate Eiffel Tower Day!" (March 31, 2026)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/03/lets-celebrate-eiffel-tower-day.html

Watch a documentary of the 50th Anniversary of the Concorde presented by Air France:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzKqAgYBo1M

Today's the Day for Minion Yellow!

Are you seeing yellow today? If yes, don't worry. The color is "Minion Yellow," and it's because the newest film featuring the funny little creatures from the "Despicable Me" film franchise, "Minions and Monsters," arrives in theaters today.

According to Pantone's website back in April 2019, in an industry first, "The Pantone Color Institute is excited to announce the creation of an official new PANTONE Color, Minion Yellow. Based on the Minions characters from Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's "Despicable Me" global film franchise, including the upcoming prequel Minions, Pantone Minion Yellow is an illuminating, energetic, friendly, and fun-loving yellow shade that is designed to represent the sweet characters. An extroverted hue, it projects playfulness and warmth and is suggestive of intellectual curiosity and enlightenment."

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute, explained, "Just as the sun's rays enliven us, Pantone Minion Yellow is a color that heightens awareness and creates clarity, lighting the way to the intelligence, originality, and the resourcefulness of an open mind. It is the color of hope, joy, and optimism. Color is contextual, and right now, there is a desire for colors that are more vibrant and uplifting. This is especially the case with the yellows, so given the worldwide popularity of the Minions, it seemed only natural to name a color after a character for the first time in our history."

And according to Jamie Stevens, Executive Vice President, Global Retail Development, Universal Partnerships and Licensing, "We are thrilled that Pantone's color experts saw market demand for yellow and looked to the Minions, as global pop culture icons, to add to its yellow spectrum."

And now, back to MINIONS AND MONSTERS, in theaters today. It's the third installment in the "Minions" prequel series and the seventh installment overall in the "Despicable Me" franchise. IMDB shared the film's premise, "Follow the Minions in 1920s Hollywood as they search for frightening creatures for their monster movie, partner with a green creature, and save the planet after unleashing monsters."

From a marketing perspective, you might want to munch on some Minions-themed snacks today. Grocery Trade News reported, "Taylor Farms and Crunch Pak have launched a new range of fresh snacks, salads, and vegetable kits inspired by "Minions & Monsters." The products will roll out nationwide across the United States in May, targeting families and children with ready-to-eat, healthier convenience options tied to a major entertainment release. Products include snack trays with apples, caramel dip, pretzels, and popcorn bites as well as ready-to-eat salad bowls, chopped salad kits, and vegetable-based meal kits such as cauliflower and broccoli with cheese mixes, designed for quick preparation at home...For retailers, the combination of fresh food and entertainment branding can increase basket size and attract family shoppers. It also supports category growth by making fresh produce more engaging, particularly for younger consumers. Seasonal tie-ins with film releases can drive short-term sales spikes and in-store traffic."

And if you'd like to wear some themed jewelry while you watch the new film, check out Swarovski's Minions line. According to the brand's website, "Celebrate your love for the Minions and brighten your home with our crystallized collectibles. Faceted with precision and finished with signature details, each figurine is perfect for adding personality to your décor. For the first time, the fun extends beyond decorations. Wear your favorite Minions character with our fun Minion necklaces or playful Minions bracelets. Complete the set with a pair of matching earrings and showcase your love for the Minions."

So, if you see yellow today, to quote Pharrell Williams from "Despicable Me 2," be "HAPPY."

SHARE THIS: Given the worldwide popularity of the #Minions, it seemed only natural to name a color after a character for the first time in our history. ~Leatrice Eiseman of @Pantone #BrandStorytelling #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credits: Illumination and Pantone.

Read more and watch the video: "Minion Yellow: Behind the Scenes"

https://www.pantone.com/articles/case-studies/minion-yellow-behind-the-scenes

Check out the Moose Toys collection for "Minions and Monsters"

https://toybook.com/moose-toys-minions-and-monsters-launch/

Check out the Swarovski Minions line here:

https://www.swarovski.com/en-US/c-swa-root/Categories/f/collection/collection-minions/

Read about and listen to Pharrell's song, "Happy"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_(Pharrell_Williams_song)

Happy PINK Day!

Does your brand feature pink in your logo? If yes, what is the color telling your fans and customers? 

According to NationalDayCalendar.com, "Artists primarily used pink for the flesh color of faces and hands during the Renaissance. But during the Rococo Period (1720-1777), the color pink was the golden age. Pastel colors became very fashionable in all the courts of Europe during this time. In fact, Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764), the mistress of King Louis XV of France, was known for wearing the color pink, often combined with light blue. At one point, Ms. Pompadour had a particular tint of pink explicitly made for her. Pink became much bolder, brighter, and more assertive in the 20th century, and in 1931, the color "Shocking Pink" was introduced."

Now, let's take a look at six brands known by their PINK logos and association with the color - plus how the color reinforces brand identity, brand personality, and brand storytelling.

BARBIE

According to All Time Design, "The Barbie logo, dressed in its special pink color, is like a timeless symbol of fun and girlish happiness. As one of the most of most iconic pink logos, the bright pink shade brings out a feeling of joy and excitement, matching the world of the famous Barbie doll. The fancy, flowing writing adds a touch of grown-up elegance, fitting with Barbie's connection to fashion and style. Everybody knows this pink logo because it's not just a brand, but a part of our culture. People of different ages love it because it brings back memories while still feeling fresh and cool, making it a cherished symbol in the world of logos."

And in July, the United States Postal Service will unveil a set of Barbie stamps featuring Barbie dolls through the years, dressed for 10 iconic careers. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, collaborated with Mattel on the design of the stamps and said that the team approached the project "with a spirit of fun," using bright, energetic shades — predominantly the famous "Barbie Pink" — to evoke a feeling of joy. 

SHARE THIS: Pink makes everything fabulous. ~Barbie via @Mattel #CelebrateTheColorPink #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE

The nonprofit is known for raising breast cancer awareness, and according to Google, its pink logo represents femininity, hope, and compassion. "The pink color was chosen to represent a positive outlook for the future, contrasting with the often-daunting reality of cancer. And the use of pink ribbons for breast cancer was influenced by the red AIDS ribbons in the early 1990s. Komen was among the first to distribute them, cementing the connection."

T-MOBILE

According to Google, "T-Mobile uses a distinctive magenta-pink (officially "New Magenta") to stand out as a bold, "Un-carrier" disrupter in a crowded wireless industry dominated by traditional colors (and competitors) like blue (AT&T) and red (Verizon). The color symbolizes joy and passion."

LYFT

Founded in 2012, the company known as a Transportation-as-a-Service (TaaS) connects drivers and riders through its mobile application in the US, Canada, and Europe. According to Google, the brand's "pink branding was intended to break the ice, encourage connection, and make passengers smile."

BASKIN-ROBBINS

Founded in 1945, Baskin-Robbins is the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty stores with more than 7,800 locations. In 2022, the brand refreshed its logo and store signage from blue and pink to brown and pink. In the logo, the pink numbers "31" represent the brand's 31 flavors. Jason Maceda, President of Baskin-Robbins at the time, explained, "Our goal is to capture the next generation of ice-cream lovers through our new look."

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

And let's not forget annual May celebrations of Mother's Day by Major League Baseball teams and players. According to Yahoo Sports, "Baseball is all about tradition, and one tradition that seems to always be at the forefront is Mother's Day. Notice the pink gear (bats, fielding gloves, batting gloves, belts, wristbands, socks, shoes, ribbons, catcher vests and facemasks, and umpire vests and facemasks) on this special Sunday? Well, it's one way players honor their mothers on game day. There's more to it than just the pink accessories though. It's also a way for MLB to honor breast cancer awareness."

But how did this tradition start? Back in 2006, baseball rules were very strict about bat colors. However, after John Hillerich, IV, the chief executive for bat manufacturer Hillerich & Bradsby saw NHL players using pink hockey sticks to raise money for breast cancer awareness, he went to MLB Commissioner Bud Selig, who immediately approved the idea the use of pink baseball bats to support breast cancer awareness. Within a few years, hundreds of players used pink bats. And each year, the used bats are auctioned to raise funds for breast cancer charities. In 2013, MLB approved using baseballs featuring pink stitches. And during the years, more pink has appeared.

So, will you celebrate PINK today by wearing the color that symbolizes friendship, sensitivity, playfulness, empathy, joy, and compassion? Chime in and share your fave pink brands.

Image Credits: Baskin-Robbins and Mattel/Barbie. 

Read the mission of Susan G. Komen:

https://www.komen.org/about-komen/our-mission/

Check out four posts about the importance of color in brand marketing here on my blog:

Get Ready for Coloring Crayola Day! (March 2026)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/03/get-ready-for-coloring-crayola-day.html

Recap of Flavors and Colors for 2026 (January 2026)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/01/recap-of-flavors-and-colors-for-2026.html

Five Ways the New Year Can Jump-Start Your Personal Brand (January 2017)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2017/01/five-ways-new-year-can-jump-start-your.html

Color's Role in Brand Marketing (September 2011)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2011/09/colors-role-in-brand-marketing.html

See How Some Brands Celebrated the Met Gala!

The 2026 Met Gala may now be in the history books, but you wouldn't know it by scrolling on Instagram. The reason is because countless brands continue to celebrate the big event by aligning their products with the event in a memorable way.

First, before we check out the brands, a little context from Google, "Held on the first Monday in May, the Met Gala, formally called the Costume Institute Benefit, is the annual haute couture fundraising festival held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in Manhattan. Attendees are given the opportunity to express themselves through fashion, often producing elaborate and highly publicized outfits inspired by the evening's theme. The event is organized by the fashion and glamor magazine Vogue and is known as "fashion's biggest night," where "haute couture intersects with history to create the ultimate cultural moment – all in the name of art." Invitees to attend the Met Gala in a given year are typically personalities widely perceived to be culturally relevant to contemporary society at the world's crossroads of fashion, digital and social media, tech, music, Broadway, Wall Street, film, television, sports, and politics. The entry price for one ticket to attend the Met Gala rose to US$100,000 in 2026, up from $75,000 in 2025."

Here are nearly 50 brands that almost overnight mastered brand alignment with brand storytelling - separated into product categories:

BOOKS / AUTHORS / PUBLISHING

THESE BRANDS POSTED PHOTOS OF MET GALA ATTENDEES WITH BOOK COVERS THAT MATCHED THEIR OUTFITS.

---Simon Schuster Australia (Publisher)

---Waterstones (UK's leading bookseller)

---Harper Collins (Publisher since 1817)

---Harper Collins 360 (Part of Harper Collins, publisher in USA)

---William Morrow Books (Part of Harper Collins, publisher since 1926)

---Book Heronz (New Zealand's online bookstore)

---Celadon Books (Division of Macmillan USA)

---House and Garden (Magazine publisher of international design and decor)

---A Little Overbooked (Book influencer)

---Adriana Trigiani (NY Times bestselling author)

---Savoir Flair (Middle East online magazine)

---Casey Bee Books (Book reviewer)

---Hyperbole Bookstore (Independent bookseller in College Station, Texas)

---Read Book Page (Independent monthly magazine for readers)

---St Martin's Press (An imprint of Macmillan USA)

---Bloomsbury Books US (Book fans)

---Helen Plum Library (Library in Lombard, Illinois)

---Marysville Public Library (Library in Evansville, Ohio)

---Sterling Book Club (Book club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

ART & ART MUSEUMS

THESE BRANDS POSTED PHOTOS OF MET GALA ATTENDEES WITH ARTWORK THAT MATCHED THEIR OUTFITS.

---Martin Lawrence Galleries (Art gallery founded in 1975 with locations throughout the USA)

---Ashmoleon Museum (Museum founded in 1683 and located in Oxford, UK)

---Art History Daily (Daily artwork posts)

---Art History Fashion (Art history plus fashion posts)

---Bazaar Thailand (Magazine)

---Frick Collection (Museum in New York City)

---Tinker Tailor Art (Floral and architectural art)

---Meelzonart (Pop culture art historian)

FOOD

THESE BRANDS POSTED PHOTOS OF MET GALA ATTENDEES WITH ARTWORK THAT MATCHED THEIR FOOD.

Costume art meets candy art. ~@SeesCandies

Fashion is art, art is cake. ~@SusieCakesBakery

---See's Candies (Chocolate candy since 1921)

---Voodoo Doughnut (Doughnuts made fresh daily)

---Susie Cakes Bakery (Bakery founded by Susie Sarich with locations in California, Texas, Nashville, and Oklahoma City - with shipping nationwide)

---Delicious Australia (Australia's number one premium food and lifestyle brand)

OTHER

---Westminster Kennel Club (150 years of championing purpose-bred dogs and celebrating all dogs) - featured Met Gala attendees with similar-looking dogs

---Moody Gardens (Home to the Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramids on Galveston Island in Texas) - compared Met Gala looks with Moody Gardens residents (penguin, harbor seal, sealion, Victoria Crowned Pigeon, and Scarlet Ibis)

---Pantone Color Institute via Nick Sizemore ("The global authority for color communications and inspiration since 1963") - compared Met Gala attendees with matching Pantone colors

---Mixbook (Publisher that turns ordinary photos into extraordinary stories) - featured Met Gala attendees with matching book covers

---Paper Blanks (Maker of journals to inspire creativity) - featured Met Gala attendees with matching journal covers

---J'adore Les Fleurs (florist in Los Angeles, CA) - featured Met Gala attendees with matching floral arrangements

---Bonkers Pets (Snacks for cats and dogs) - featured Met Gala attendees with cats wearing the same outfits

---Wine & Design (Coordinator of art and wine experiences) - featured Met Gala attendees paired with matching Wine & Design art projects

---Summer Thornton Design (Interior design firm based in Chicago) - featured Met Gala attendees with matching rooms and decor

---Color Me Magic (Disney fan) - featured Met Gala attendees with matching Disney characters and cultural icons

---Jonathan Adler (Designer of furniture, decor, art, and more since 1993) - featured Met Gala attendees with matching furniture, dinnerware, and lighting

Isn't it fun when brands think outside the box when it comes to brand messaging? What are some take-aways that other brands can apply? Chime in and share!

SHARE THIS: Brands that align their products with trending news or special events have the potential to be memorable. #MetGala #BrandAlignment #BrandStorytelling #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credits: Delicious Australia, Simon Schuster Australia, Sees Candies, Wine and Design, Westminster Kennel Club, and Pantone via Nick Sizemore (all via Instagram).

Read my post: See How Six Brands Celebrated the Oscars! (March 23, 2026)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/03/see-how-some-brands-celebrated-oscars.html 

Get Ready for Coloring Crayola Day!

Since tomorrow is Coloring Crayola Day, I thought I'd give everyone (myself included!) two days to celebrate this brand.

Who can forget the box of multi-color crayons from childhood? It was always fun to choose a crayon fresh out of the box when all were new. My favorite colors were aquamarine and turquoise blue! And did you notice that the logo has a colorful smile in it?!

According to the website, "Crayola has inspired creativity since the first box of Crayola crayons rolled off the assembly line in 1903; and the brand has grown into a portfolio of innovative art tools, crafting activities, and creative toys that inspire kids to explore, discover, play, pretend, and dream.

The company began when cousins Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith took over Edwin's father's pigment business in 1885. Early products included red oxide pigment used as barn paint and carbon black used in car tires. After noticing a need for safe, high-quality, affordable wax crayons, in 1903, Crayola produced the first box of eight crayons and sold them for 5 cents...Crayola has been a business of Hallmark Cards since 1984 and has offices in Canada, Mexico, Italy, Australia, Asia, and the United Kingdom...The Company carried the name of its founders, Binney & Smith, until 2007 when it changed its name to Crayola to reflect its number one brand."

The iconic (and timeless) art supplies are made at a factory in Easton, Pennsylvania, with a total production of up to 13 million crayons per day in 400 different colors.

And did you know that in July 2024, the US Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent to the arts and crafts brand for the SMELL of its crayons. The smell was described in the trademark application as "a slightly earthy soap with pungent, leather-like clay undertones."

Crayola sells 30 percent of its products online at Amazon.com with the other 70 percent from brick-and-mortar retailers including Walmart, Target, and Staples.

According to Cheri Sterman, director of Crayola's education division, "Creativity is a lifelong skill that helps everyone reach their full potential. Teachers who bring creative experiences to their classroom say it really transforms the way they teach. Kids get that sparkle in their eye."

SHARE THIS: When we nurture creativity in our kids, it shapes who they become. ~@Crayola #ColorInspiresCreativity #ColoringCrayolaDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Last year, to celebrate "Coloring Crayola Day," the company gave away one million crayons! After signing up, a youngster was able to get a FREE box of 32 crayons, while supplies lasted. Plus, fan-favorite Dandelion, along with other retired colors returned for the celebration.

From a marketing perspective, color speaks volumes. How often do we, as consumers, recognize brands due to their colors? Think of UPS and its brown trucks, Starbucks and green, and Target and red. And how many colors of the year are announced each December and January? What color truly represents your brand's personality? Very important questions.

SHARE THIS: Life is like a box of crayons. Most people are the 8-color boxes, but what you're really looking for are the 64-color box with sharpeners on the back. ~John Meyer #ColorInspiresCreativity #ColoringCrayolaDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Is there any other brand that rivals Crayola in terms of inspiring creativity from your childhood? If yes, please chime in and share. Otherwise, enjoy the colorful celebration!

Image Credit: Crayola.

Read: Recap of Flavors and Colors for 2026 (January 2026):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/01/recap-of-flavors-and-colors-for-2026.html

Read: Jump-Start Your Personal Brand: Which Colors Reflect Your Personal Brand? (January 2017):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2017/01/five-ways-new-year-can-jump-start-your.html

Read: Color's Role in Brand Marketing (September 2011):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2011/09/colors-role-in-brand-marketing.html

See How Some Brands Celebrated the Oscars!

While the 2026 Oscars ceremony is in the history books, you wouldn't know it by scrolling on Instagram. Many brands continue to celebrate the big event by showcasing their products in a memorable way.

Here are six brands that have mastered brand alignment with brand storytelling:

WINE AND DESIGN

This brand describes itself as "premier art experiences" and elevates "the paint and sip experience beyond the canvas." So, it was not a surprise when posts appeared on Instagram with the message, "This is your official sign to stop taking art so seriously and start pairing it with whatever brings you joy. Movies, memories, or a little main character energy, Wine & Design has got you. Create any of these paintings or projects at your local Wine & Design studio!" Photos featured famous people in their red carpet fashion with artwork with matching colors and/or designs.

SIMON & SCHUSTER AUSTRALIA

This brand describes itself as a publisher that loves "connecting people with the books they love to read." So, it was not a surprise when posts appeared on Instagram with the message, "If these Oscars outfits were book covers. We matched some of the most iconic red carpet looks from the Oscars 2026 with covers that give the exact same vibe!"

WATERSTONES

This brand describes itself as "The UK's leading bookseller." So, it was not a surprise when posts appeared on Instagram with the message, "Presenting the 2026 Oscars red carpet #LooksToRead." And then a second post with the message, "Oh you thought we forgot about the after party? Presenting the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscars party #LooksToRead." Both sets of photos featured famous people in their red carpet fashion with book covers with similar colors and/or designs.

PANTONE

The brand describes itself as "The global authority for color communications and inspiration since 1963." So, it was not a surprise when posts appeared on Instagram with the message, "Red carpet color recap from the 2026 Oscars." The photos featured famous people in their red carpet fashion paired with their matching Pantone colors.

HARPER COLLINS

The brand describes itself as "Publishing great authors since 1817." So, it was not a surprise when posts appeared on Instagram with the message, "Presenting our #LooksToBooks from the Oscars!" Both sets of photos featured famous people in their red carpet fashion with book covers with similar colors and/or designs.

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

The brand describes itself as "Your neighborhood store for paints, supplies, and color. Inspiration equals completed project." So, it was not a surprise when posts appeared on Instagram in a reel with color samples and corresponding numbers at a microphone and the message, "And the glitzy gold SW 6691 goes to: best original hue (Kismet SW 6830), best leading beige (Classic Sand SW 0056), best accent wall (Edamame SW 7729), most fun to say (Bunglehouse Blue SW 0048), and color of the year (Universal Khaki SW 6150)."

What can other brands learn from these memorable posts? Did you see other brands that celebrated the Oscars by aligning their products in such a memorable way? Chime in and share!

SHARE THIS: Brands that align their products with trending news or special events have the potential to be memorable. #Oscars #BrandAlignment #BrandExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credits: Wine and Design, Simon and Schuster Australia, Waterstones, Pantone, Harper Collins, and Sherwin-Williams (all via Instagram).

Read my post: Did Your Brand Promote the Oscars? Lessons in Email Marketing (March 2026):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/03/did-your-brand-promote-oscars.html

Will Your Brand Celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Today, on St. Patrick's Day, there's nothing as green as the Chicago River. However, many brands choose to stand out by adding green to their logos or email communications, by creating green products for the day, or by doing something totally out-of-character to celebrate.

Here are some brands that joined the St. Patrick's Day celebrations:

SUR LA TABLE

In an email, this cooking supplies and cooking class brand promoted its green product line with the message, "Lucky finds, going green, from deep emerald to soft sage - refresh your kitchen with a verdant look."

SEE'S CANDIES

This candy brand added green and shamrocks to its packaging.

KRISPY KREME

This doughnut brand added green to its doughnuts as well as its packaging.

ORLY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

This nail polish brand created green nail polish.

And let's not forget what Sherwin-Williams (the paint brand) shared on Instagram last year: "St. Patrick's Day: No luck needed. Find your next paint color with help from our Color to Go samples."

As I often say, "Brands that can align their products or services to an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable."

So, will your brand "go green" next year on St. Patrick's Day?

SHARE THIS: Brands that align their products or services with trending news have the potential to be memorable. #StPatricksDay #BrandExperiences #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: People think in stories, not statistics, and marketers need to be master storytellers. ~Arianna Huffington #StPatricksDay #BrandStorytelling #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credits: Sur la Table, See's Candies, Krispy Kreme, Roma Downey via Instagram (Irish Blessing), and Orly International, Inc.

Recap of Flavors and Colors for 2026

At the end of 2025, many brands announced their highlights of the year for 2025, for example, TIME Magazine and several dictionaries. However, other brands looked forward rather than backward. Here is a recap of the brands that looked toward 2026 by sharing their flavor and color trends for 2026.

MCCORMICK'S FLAVOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

Since 2000, the McCormick Flavor Forecast has identified the global trends shaping the future of flavor.  According to the brand's website on December 9th, "For 2026, we’re celebrating Black Currant as the Flavor of the Year. Black Currant berries are native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia. They combine tart-and-tangy with a sweet, fruity flavor that's earthy, slightly floral, and herbal. The dark purple fruit has been popular for centuries in specific regions as an ingredient in jams, syrups, candies, desserts, drinks, and liqueurs. It's quickly gaining popularity and is forecast to show up on global menus soon."

TORANI'S FLAVOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

According to FoodDive, "Specialty syrup manufacturer Torani declared its flavor of the year for 2026: FOREST PINE. Every year since 2022, Torani produces a flavor meant to predict the next big taste trend among consumers. The choice of forest pine for 2026 reflects growing demand for botanical flavors and nature-inspired, sensory-rich experiences. Forest pine blends flavors of pine, ginger and sage with the goal of capturing "the essence of the outdoors." The flavor will be added to Torani’s Puremade syrup lineup, which uses cane sugar and colors from natural sources. Although pine is typically associated with the winter season, Torani said its flavor is meant to be enjoyed all year long. The company said it would dedicate 100 percent of profits from the forest pine syrup to seven nonprofit organizations offering work readiness opportunities, many of them connected to the outdoors."

M&M'S FLAVOR VOTE: BAKERY COLLECTION LAUNCHES IN JANUARY 2026

The M&M's Flavor Vote is a limited-edition rollout of never-before-seen flavors. During the promotion, M&M's asks fans to try the new flavors and vote for their favorite. Previous installments of the contest saw the limited release of Thai Coconut Peanut, Mexican Jalapeno Peanut, and Crunchy Raspberry flavors, with English Toffee Peanut, Crunchy Mint, and M&M's Coffee Nut flavors among those to be crowned winners.

Beginning in January, fans are being asked to choose 2026’s flavor from a new "Bakery Collection." The three new flavors are Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll, Cherry Chocolate Cupcake, and Lemon Meringue Pie. According to All Recipes, "M&M’s new Flavor Vote offerings hit shelves in January 2026. Customers can try the new flavors and then vote for their favorite using the QR code located on the packaging. The winning flavor will see an extended run, while the two losers will join the Flavor Vote graveyard."

OREO ZERO SUGAR COOKIES LAUNCH IN JANUARY 2026

And before we pivot from flavors to colors, OREO announced during December that it would unveil its "OREO Zero Sugar Cookies" beginning in January. For the first time in the U.S, shoppers can find Oreo Zero Sugar cookies on retail shelves as part of the brand's permanent lineup. According to the brand, the treat will have the same taste fans love but with a sugar-free sweetener blend. According to All Recipes, "Oreo Zero Sugar cookies are free of aspartame and are instead sweetened with a blend of maltitol, polydextrose, sucralose, and ace-K, also known as acesulfame potassium. These are commonly found in sugar-free food and beverages, such as Hershey's Zero Sugar Chocolate Candy and Diet Coke Lime. For this launch, you won't see the standard resealable packaging. Instead, the cookies will be in a stand-up bag with individually wrapped servings. It will contain 10 2-count Oreo packs, making it easy to keep your cookies fresh and snack on the go."

PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

Pantone Color Institute announced its 2026 Color of the Year on December 4th. Recognized as the global color authority, Pantone chose CLOUD DANCER, Pantone 11-4201, the first time a shade of white has been chosen since it began naming a color of the year back in 1999. According to TIME Magazine, "This year’s pick is meant to represent serenity and tranquility, which Pantone says is ever in need in a frenetic society. Cloud dancer calls back to the need for human connection."

According to wedding planner Muriel Saldalamacchia, Cloud Dancer brings a fresh perspective to a color long associated with weddings, "Cloud Dancer isn’t just a color—it’s an invitation to let white breathe, move, and tell a new story. It’s white, but with a soul."

ETSY COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The online e-commerce brand Etsy announced its 2026 color of the year on December 10th: Patina Blue, a quietly saturated blue-green inspired by the way copper naturally ages over time. According to Decor, "This hue is meant to capture a growing appetite for pieces that feel lived-in rather than pristine, echoing a broader shift toward objects that wear in, not out. According to Etsy, searches for “blue copper” have climbed more than threefold over the past year. Chemically, the patina that forms on copper is the result of oxidation and exposure to the elements, gradually transforming the metal from bright, reflective orange to a matte blue-green surface. That change has long received acclaim on historic roofs, statuary, and architectural details, where the softened color signals age, authenticity, and a certain lived-in gravitas. By translating that effect into a color story for 2026, Etsy is aligning itself with a larger move in interiors and decor toward finishes that feel layered and enduring. Patina Blue also arrives at a moment when many color narratives are pivoting away from shock value. Instead of a high-contrast statement shade, Etsy’s pick leans into nuance—a color that can read coastal, industrial, or vintage, depending on how it’s deployed. Because the choice is informed by real-time marketplace behavior rather than a purely top-down forecast, it reflects how shoppers are already decorating: layering aged blues with warm metals, natural materials, and a mix of old and new pieces. In that sense, Patina Blue is less a directive and more a confirmation that the next chapter of color is about evolution, subtlety, and the quiet depth that earns its place over time."

IKEA COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

According to Apartment Therapy, "Swedish furniture brand IKEA announced its 2026 Color of the Year as Rebel Pink, a hue that brings "a bold response to the need for joy, energy, and self-expression," explained Abbey Stark, home furnishing direction leader at IKEA U.S. "When selecting Rebel Pink as the Color of the Year for 2026, we looked deeply into macro trends across design, fashion, and culture, and how they influence life in our homes. We see [Rebel Pink] as a new neutral that energizes everyday spaces while staying true to Scandinavian simplicity; it’s not just a color, it’s a movement that invites people to push boundaries and embrace individuality.” The color is heavily featured in the new GREJSIMOJS collection, a set created by 12 designers that celebrates the importance of joy and play for both kids and adults.

BENJAMIN MOORE COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in October but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint color brand announced SILHOUETTE AF-655 as its color of the year for 2026 and described it as "a distinctive color that weaves luxurious burnt umber with delicate notes of charcoal."

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

For the first time, Sherwin-Williams and its sister brand HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams teamed up to reveal a joint 2026 color of the year. The news was announced back in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The two brands announced UNIVERSAL KHAKI SW 6150 as their color of the year for 2026 and described it as "a tailored and timeless neutral with the endless possibility of a fresh canvas."

AKZONOBEL'S COLORS OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. First though, did you know that this brand has been around since 1792? According to the paint color brand's website, "It’s time to dance to the Rhythm of Blues™ and celebrate AkzoNobel’s Colors of the Year 2026 – an upbeat and versatile color family that’s calming, connecting and creative. There’s a trio of shades for next year – the light blue Mellow Flow, the dark blue Slow Swing, and the vibrant Free Groove – so everyone can find a style that works for them. The harmonious collection of signature indigos is just what we need in our homes, according to the results of the company’s extensive annual trend research."

LITTLE GREENE'S COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. First though, did you know that this brand is a 300-year-old family-run business in Northern Wales? The brand chose ADVENTURER, a regal plum aubergine very similar to burgundy, as its color of the year for 2026 and explained that "it combines sophistication with comfort and works well as an accent wall in bedrooms, bold powder rooms, or dining areas, and pairs beautifully with neutrals or pale pinks."

According to Ruth Mothershead, creative director at Little Greene, "The movement toward burgundy represents customers' growing confidence with color in their homes. Adventurer provides that perfect balance of regal sophistication and intimate comfort."

GRAHAM & BROWN'S COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The leading British interiors brand announced DIVINE DAMSON as its own color of the year for 2026 and explained, "The deep, plum shade is designed to work on its own or be paired with a more subtle, complementary color like gray. The dark, moody red is a mix of oxblood, cherry, and mocha brown (a color trend that also defined 2025), with a touch of deep aubergine (a color that's growing in popularity). The color was inspired by the lush tones of ripe damson and figs."

VALSPAR COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced in August but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint brand announced WARM EUCALYPTUS 8004-28F as its color of the year for 2026 and explained, "Sometimes a color gives you a warm feeling inside. And out. This year, that color is our 2026 Color of the Year — naturally restorative and serene Warm Eucalyptus."

GLIDDEN COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced in August but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint brand announced WARM MAHOGANY as its color of the year for 2026 and explained, "Warm Mahogany is a rich, grounded red that’s bold enough to draw immediate attention and reserved enough to make a timeless statement. Any style, any space, any mood."

According to Ashley McCollum, color marketing manager at Glidden, "The color can be both intimate and dramatic and is a timeless color that aligns with Glidden’s 150-year heritage."

BEHR PAINT COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in July but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint color brand announced HIDDEN GEM N430-6A as its color of the year for 2026 and described it as "a smoky jade that embodies an air of mystery and sophistication."

DUTCH BOY PAINTS' COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in April but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint color brand announced MELODIUS IVORY 313-2DB as its color of the year for 2026 and explained, "This creamy beige pairs effortlessly with various materials, including wood, cozy textiles, and handmade crafts, which support the rise of slow living and nostalgia-inspired aesthetics."

Do you like these choices? Do these flavors and colors tell engaging brand stories? We'll see how they align with the news stories of 2026 as the year unfolds.

SHARE THIS: I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way. ~Georgia O'Keefe #Color #BrandExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credits: Mars/M&M's, Behr Paint, Sherwin-Williams, and OREO.

Marketing News of the Week: Coat of Arms, Colors of the Year, and More

During the last week, okay, the last couple of weeks, there were news stories that reflected brand experiences, brand identity, brand storytelling, "of the year" news, personal branding, philanthrophy, special event marketing, and more.

GREEN FOR GOOD

Did you see WICKED: FOR GOOD when it arrived in movie theaters on November 21st? If not, it will be in theaters for awhile and most certainly in the news when Academy Award nominees are announced. In the meantime, consider this statement from the movie: GREEN FOR GOOD. THINK OF WHAT WE CAN DO...TOGETHER.

According to the movie's website, "The themes in Wicked: For Good remind us that we can all have the courage to stand up for what we believe in and to do real good in the world. Being Green for Good means carrying Elphaba’s spirit into our own lives – taking everyday steps to support nature and our communities. Our collective actions – big and small – truly matter. Our choices add up, and when we all work together, we achieve the extraordinary. Because like Elphaba and Glinda, together we’re unlimited. Elphaba’s journey illuminates a new kind of magic: the power of doing good, for people and the planet. From everyday actions to shared moments of stewardship, these can all contribute toward a better future for everyone. Gather your friends and join us in taking meaningful actions. For Good! From beautifying a local park to creating art that envisions a greener future, there are limitless ways to join the challenge. Post how you’re showing up for the environment on social media using #GreenForGood and your city (e.g. #GreenForGood #LosAngeles). Tag @wickedmovie and challenge a friend to keep it going! For every #GreenForGood hashtag, we will plant a native tree to protect wildlife habitats."

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE FIGHTS CANCER

During November, the National Hockey League showed its support to fight cancer - similar to when, during Major League Baseball's World Series, all fans were invited to #StandUptoCancer. According to the NHL website, "Hockey Fights Cancer was founded in 1998 as a joint initiative between the NHL and NHLPA. This remarkable initiative has raised over $44 million since its inception and been at the forefront of raising awareness and supporting those affected by cancer, touching the lives of millions. For the past 27 years the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association have united players, teams, coaches, broadcasters, caregivers, doctors, nurses, patients, survivors, and fans behind the powerful Hockey Fights Cancer initiative at the national level through the NHL and NHLPA, and hyper- local level across the 32 NHL teams. Each season, every team hosts their own Hockey Fights Cancer night, and celebrates their hockey/cancer community locally, typically in November, which is Hockey Fights Cancer month."

Hockey Fights Cancer uses purple because it represents all cancers under the umbrella of the "Hockey Fights Cancer" initiative. Lavender is the universal ribbon color for all cancers, symbolizing unity and hope in the fight against the disease. Fans are encouraged to wear lavender to show their support, and players wear purple gear like helmets and jerseys during games to highlight the cause.

NEW SPOKESPERSON FOR AMERICAN EAGLE

People magazine reported, "Martha Stewart, the 84-year-old lifestyle guru has built an empire on her eye for design and exquisite taste, especially when it comes to all things festive. So, it just made sense when American Eagle asked her to be the face of its GIVE GREAT JEANS holiday campaign, spotlighting denim as a universal gift that never goes out of style."

Stewart explained, "I have spent decades helping people create beautiful holidays — from setting the perfect table to trimming the tree to finding that last-minute gift that saves the day. So when American Eagle approached me about being part of their holiday gifting campaign, I was immediately intrigued. Denim is a universal gift that works for everyone on your list. Jeans have always been a staple in my wardrobe, and giving a great pair of AE jeans is always a nice gift to give. I’m constantly moving between decorating, cooking and, most importantly, wrapping gifts, and I need to make sure I have an outfit that is comfortable and stylish. The beauty of AE jeans is their versatility and ability to move with you throughout the day. They are flattering, sleek, and soft enough to make wrapping gifts or hosting a dinner in them effortless."

According to Marketing Dive, "Martha Stewart Does the Holidays in American Eagle sees the apparel brand embrace a multi-generational audience of both gift givers and recipients. That goal is achieved through the presence of Stewart, who is easily recognized by older and younger generations alike, explained CMO Craig Brommers. The campaign was informed by an E-Poll study which found that Stewart’s name and image awareness among Gen Z grew by 33 percent between 2020 to 2024 and is now on par with millennials. Stewart has become something of a marketing mainstay in recent years, working with brands ranging from Pure Leaf to Miracle-Gro and Tito’s vodka."

UNVEILING OF NEW COAT OF ARMS BY PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES

According to Marie Claire, "The couple received their Conjugal Coat of Arms, which represents them in heraldic terms as a married couple, in 2013, two years after they tied the knot. The new version of the royal symbol has been updated to incorporate imagery representative of their status as Prince and Princess of Wales. The couple's original Conjugal Coat of Arms featured William's badge on the left and Kate's badge on the right, flanked by the Supporters of the Royal Lion and Unicorn, respectively."

In the event brochure for a late-November Royal Variety Performance at Royal Albert Hall in London, the couple quietly unveiled an updated version of their Coat of Arms. "The updated version incorporates elements associated with the Prince of Wales, specifically, the Prince of Wales' feathers, which have been associated with the title since the 14th century, as well as a coronet of the Prince and Peers and the Prince of Wales' official motto "Ich DIen," which is German for "I Serve." The ornamental emblem in the design is topped with a lion in both versions, but in the updated Coat of Arms, the lion wears a coronet and the emblem is surrounded by a plume of feathers."

MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

While there are many brands that stand out on Thanksgiving, one overshadows them all. The parade is held from 8:30am to 12noon Eastern time on Thanksgiving Day and has been televised nationally on NBC since 1952. According to New York Dearest website, more than 45 million people tune in to watch the parade on TV. According to The Wrap, "As of 2024, NBC pays Macy's $20 million per year for the license to be the parade's official broadcaster; the parade earns a substantial profit for the network, with ad buys averaging $900,000 per 30-second commercial in 2023 — a fee comparable to NBC Sunday Night Football — bringing in a gross revenue of $52 million." A unique aspect of working at Macy’s is that Macy’s employees have the option of marching in the parade. And in 2026, the parade will mark its 100th anniversary.

FABERGE EGG

The AP reported, "A rare crystal and diamond Fabergé egg crafted for Russia’s ruling family before it was toppled by revolution is going up for auction, valued at more than 20 million pounds ($26.4 million). Christie’s auction house says the Winter Egg is just one of seven of the opulent ovoids remaining in private hands. It will be offered for sale at Christie’s London headquarters on December 2nd. The 4-inch (10-centimeter) tall egg is made from finely carved rock crystal, covered in a delicate snowflake motif wrought in platinum and 4,500 tiny diamonds. It opens to reveal a removable tiny basket of bejewelled quartz flowers symbolizing spring. One of just two created by female designer Alma Pihl, the egg was commissioned by Czar Nicholas II for his mother Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna as an Easter present in 1913. Pihl’s other egg is owned by Britain’s royal family. There are 43 surviving imperial Fabergé eggs, most in museums."

Margo Oganesian, the head of Christie’s Russian art department, said "The egg is THE MONA LISA for decorative arts."

SKECHERS PIVOTS

According to Retail Dive, "For Skechers, long known for its slip-on shoes, 2022 was a turning point. That was the year the brand became the official footwear sponsor of the U.S. Open for pickleball. What followed was three years of expansion in the performance footwear market, from soccer cleat and basketball shoe launches to signing numerous professional athletes. It’s a pivot for a brand that grew its reputation on selling comfortable shoes for kids and retirees, but it’s not without reason. One of the brand’s first forays into performance was in golf, a sport where athletes spend a lot of time walking and standing. That’s a natural bridge for a brand like Skechers."

One of Skechers’ greatest challenges in catering to the performance market may be branding. Competitors like Adidas and Nike have decades of experience serving athletes and decades of name recognition among buyers. But two recent brand ambassadorship deals demonstrated the company’s ambitions: actress and fashionista Sofia Vergara and the 7-foot-tall NBA center Isaiah Hartenstein. And of course, one way Skechers is differentiating itself is by focusing on comfort, one of the brand’s defining characteristics. Its performance shoes prioritize comfort features and some even integrate its slip-on technology. 

STARBUCKS BETS ON GEN Z AND RED CUP DAY

According to Nation's Restaurant News (NRN), "Starbucks is betting on Gen Z to help bring back coffeehouse culture. A recently published Starbucks-commissioned survey of 2,201 U.S. adults from Morning Consult found that 70 percent of Gen Z consumers plan to visit a coffee shop this Thanksgiving week, in comparison to about one-third of the same demographic who plan to visit a bar or pub. Perhaps even more telling, Starbucks said, is that nearly half of Gen Z plans to sit down and “savor the moment” with family or friends during their Thanksgiving week coffee shop visit, more than any other generation surveyed except for millennials."

In other Starbucks news, NRN reported that, "Red Cup Day was a huge win for Starbucks this year. The coffee giant reportedly saw a nearly 45 percent surge in traffic on November 13th, the day of the reusable holiday cup giveaway, according to Placer.ai data. It was the biggest sales day in company history for the North America market, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said. The giveaway day caused hour-long wait times for holiday drinks."

US PENTAGON AND SCOUTING AMERICA

NPR reported, "The century-old partnership between the U.S. military and Scouting America could be coming to an end. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is planning for the military to sever all ties with Scouting America, saying the group once known as the Boy Scouts is no longer a meritocracy and has become an organization designed to "attack boy-friendly spaces." In a draft memo to Congress, which sources shared with NPR but which has not yet been sent, Hegseth criticizes Scouting for being "genderless" and for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. The military has provided support to the Scouts for more than 100 years, assistance that was formalized in 1937. But in one memo, Hegseth says, "The organization once endorsed by President Theodore Roosevelt no longer supports the future of American boys."

Scouting America released a statement in response, "Scouting is and has always been a nonpartisan organization. Over more than a century, we've worked constructively with every U.S. presidential administration — Democratic and Republican — focusing on our common goal of building future leaders grounded in integrity, responsibility, and community service."

BBC'S APOLOGY TO PRESIDENT TRUMP

According to CBS News, "The BBC has issued an apology to President Trump over the editing of a speech he gave on January 6th, 2021, that aired in its documentary "Trump: A Second Chance." Trump had threatened to sue the British broadcaster for $1 billion over the program about the Capitol riot, and the BBC noted in a statement Thursday that it "strongly disagree[s]" that there's a basis for a defamation claim. BBC lawyers wrote to Trump's legal team in response to a letter they received, the BBC Press Office said. In that letter, lawyers working for Trump alleged that the October 28th, 2024, episode of the network's "Panorama" documentary program, which was produced by an external production company, sought to mislead viewers by editing together three separate sections of the speech made by Trump."

According to the BBC's press office, "While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim." 

"The BBC's response to Trump's legal team laid out five main arguments why the organization believes there is no legitimate case against it, BBC News reported. CBS News has not seen the letter sent by the BBC in reply to Trump's legal team. According to BBC News' report, those arguments include that the episode in question did not air in the U.S.; that it did not cause Trump harm, as he won the election a week later; and that the edits made were intended to shorten a long speech rather than to mislead. It also said that the clip was not meant to be taken in isolation, and that matters of public concern and political speech are protected under U.S. law."

PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

Pantone Color Institute announced its 2026 Color of the Year on December 4th. Recognized as the global color authority, Pantone chose CLOUD DANCER, Pantone 11-4201, the first time a shade of white has been chosen since it began naming a color of the year back in 1999. According to TIME Magazine, "This year’s pick is meant to represent serenity and tranquility, which Pantone says is ever in need in a frenetic society. Cloud dancer calls back to the need for human connection."

BENJAMIN MOORE COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in October but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint color brand announced SILHOUETTE AF-655 as its color of the year for 2026 and described it as "a distinctive color that weaves luxurious burnt umber with delicate notes of charcoal."

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

For the first time, Sherwin-Williams and its sister brand HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams teamed up to reveal a joint 2026 color of the year. The news was announced back in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The two brands announced UNIVERSAL KHAKI SW 6150 as their color of the year for 2026 and described it as "a tailored and timeless neutral with the endless possibility of a fresh canvas."

AKZONOBEL'S COLORS OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. First though, did you know that this brand has been around since 1792? According to the paint color brand's website, "It’s time to dance to the Rhythm of Blues™ and celebrate AkzoNobel’s Colors of the Year 2026 – an upbeat and versatile color family that’s calming, connecting and creative. There’s a trio of shades for next year – the light blue Mellow Flow, the dark blue Slow Swing, and the vibrant Free Groove – so everyone can find a style that works for them. The harmonious collection of signature indigos is just what we need in our homes, according to the results of the company’s extensive annual trend research."

LITTLE GREENE'S COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. First though, did you know that this brand is a 300-year-old family-run business in Northern Wales? The brand chose ADVENTURER, a regal plum aubergine very similar to burgundy, as its color of the year for 2026 and explained that "it combines sophistication with comfort and works well as an accent wall in bedrooms, bold powder rooms, or dining areas, and pairs beautifully with neutrals or pale pinks."

According to Ruth Mothershead, creative director at Little Greene, "The movement toward burgundy represents customers' growing confidence with color in their homes. Adventurer provides that perfect balance of regal sophistication and intimate comfort."

GRAHAM & BROWN'S COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The leading British interiors brand announced DIVINE DAMSON as its own color of the year for 2026 and explained, "The deep, plum shade is designed to work on its own or be paired with a more subtle, complementary color like gray. The dark, moody red is a mix of oxblood, cherry, and mocha brown (a color trend that also defined 2025), with a touch of deep aubergine (a color that's growing in popularity). The color was inspired by the lush tones of ripe damson and figs."

VALSPAR COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced in August but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint brand announced WARM EUCALYPTUS 8004-28F as its color of the year for 2026 and explained, "Sometimes a color gives you a warm feeling inside. And out. This year, that color is our 2026 Color of the Year — naturally restorative and serene Warm Eucalyptus."

GLIDDEN COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced in August but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint brand announced WARM MAHOGANY as its color of the year for 2026 and explained, "Warm Mahogany is a rich, grounded red that’s bold enough to draw immediate attention and reserved enough to make a timeless statement. Any style, any space, any mood."

According to Ashley McCollum, color marketing manager at Glidden, "The color can be both intimate and dramatic and is a timeless color that aligns with Glidden’s 150-year heritage."

BEHR PAINT COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in July but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint color brand announced HIDDEN GEM N430-6A as its color of the year for 2026 and described it as "a smoky jade that embodies an air of mystery and sophistication."

DUTCH BOY PAINTS' COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

The following news was announced back in April but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint color brand announced MELODIUS IVORY 313-2DB as its color of the year for 2026 and explained, "This creamy beige pairs effortlessly with various materials, including wood, cozy textiles, and handmade crafts, which support the rise of slow living and nostalgia-inspired aesthetics."

TORANI'S FLAVOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026

According to FoodDive, "Specialty syrup manufacturer Torani declared its flavor of the year for 2026: FOREST PINE. Every year since 2022, Torani produces a flavor meant to predict the next big taste trend among consumers. The choice of forest pine for 2026 reflects growing demand for botanical flavors and nature-inspired, sensory-rich experiences. Forest pine blends flavors of pine, ginger and sage with the goal of capturing "the essence of the outdoors." The flavor will be added to Torani’s Puremade syrup lineup, which uses cane sugar and colors from natural sources. Although pine is typically associated with the winter season, Torani said its flavor is meant to be enjoyed all year long. The company said it would dedicate 100 percent of profits from the forest pine syrup to seven nonprofit organizations offering work readiness opportunities, many of them connected to the outdoors."

GREEN WEDNESDAY

While we all know about Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday, have you heard about Green Wednesday for the day before Thanksgiving? According to CNN, "Adding to late November’s ever-growing list of festivities and shopping promotions, cannabis brands are now marketing “Green Wednesday” the day before Thanksgiving, when childhood friends reunite and presumably light up. And consumers are heeding the call: Green Wednesday is the second-largest holiday for cannabis behind April 20, said Joyce Cenali, co-founder of the Cannabis Media Council, a trade group that seeks to improve the public perception of weed."

What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!

Image Credits: Kensington Palace and Instagram.

Visit Green for Good's website:

https://www.wickedmovie.com/en/green-for-good

Learn more about how Hockey Fights Cancer:

https://www.cancer.org/about-us/our-partners/sports-alliances/hockey-fights-cancer.html

Read One Girl's Journey to Become An Eagle Scout:

https://www.npr.org/2021/03/30/982282155/she-just-wanted-it-one-girls-journey-to-becoming-an-eagle-scout

Did you know that one brand announced a Mural of the Year for 2026? Check it out:

https://www.grahambrown.com/us/product/eternal-citybespoke-mural/142786-master/

Pantone Announced its 2026 Color of the Year!

Pantone Color Institute, the global color authority, has chosen CLOUD DANCER, Pantone 11-4201, as its 2026 color of the year, the first time white has been chosen since it began naming a color of the year back in 1999. 

According to TIME Magazine, "This year’s pick is meant to represent serenity and tranquility, which Pantone says is ever in need in a frenetic society. Cloud dancer calls back to the need for human connection."

According to NPR, "Each year, Pantone selects a shade it projects will represent and define the year ahead — a prediction of the upcoming year's global mood and culture. The chosen color sits at the forefront of Pantone's brand identity for the year, appearing in everything from commercials and Pantone-branded merchandise to external brand and artist collaborations."

Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone's Executive Director, explained, "Cloud Dancer represents a “calming influence in a frenetic society, rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection. The color is associated with new beginnings and signifies our desire for a fresh start. While different shades of white have long been ubiquitous in fashion, Cloud Dancer specifically embodies billowing silhouettes and natural fabrics like feathers."

According to Laurie Pressman, Pantone's Vice President, "Every year since 1999, the program has sought to highlight how what is taking place in our macro-culture at a moment in time is expressed through the language of color. To choose a color of the year, (we) sift through current cultural, political, and style references, settle on a color family and then focus on the precise shade — paying close attention to its name, too. The color name is critical. The minute you hear a name describing color, you instantly conjure up an image. The goal of the program is to help companies and consumers better understand the power color can have."

During 2026, Cloud Dancer and its Pantone trademark will appear on a myriad of brands including: Motorola smartphones; Post-it Notes; Joybird furniture; Mandarin Oriental tea sets, spa treatments, and luxurious stays high up in the clouds; Pura fragrances; Command hanging wall hooks; and Play-doh. The reason for the Post-It Notes is that, according to Pantone, they "have long been the canvas for ideas, big and small. Cloud Dancer is the centerpiece of the new Neutrality Collection, available in spring 2026, and (by blending calm and clarity, it creates) a grounded canvas for daydreams big and small."

On a humorous note, David's Bridals, the bridal gown brand, shared on its Instagram account, "Seems to us Pantone is in their bridal era."

What do you think Pantone's 2027 color of the year will be? Here's a hint: Keep up with 2026's news with marketing-tinted glasses for clues!

SHARE THIS: The goal of Pantone's Color of the Year choice is to help companies and consumers better understand the power color can have. ~Laurie Pressman, VP of @Pantone #PantoneColoroftheYear #BrandIdentity #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credits: Pantone.

Pantone Announces #ColorOfTheYear for 2025

The Pantone color company has announced its color of the year for 2025. With all the chaos in the world including the possibility of a winter surge in covid cases, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the instability in Syria, the post-presidential election milieu, and the holiday season, this news was welcomed by those of us in the marketing field.

According to ENews, "Originally created in 1999 by the Pantone Color Institute, the Color of the Year's goal is to engage the design community and color enthusiasts around the world in a conversation around color, while shining a light on the relationship between culture and color. Pantone enlists a team of global color experts at the Pantone Color Institute to scour the world in search of new color influences - from film to art, fashion to technology, and even upcoming sporting events. To make their pick, experts at the Pantone Color Institute trawl through high-fashion runways, interior design trends, pop culture moments, and human psychology. Pantone's Color of the Year is a global phenomenon that reflects a lifestyle trend. You may see its effect on color palettes everywhere." And those of us in the marketing world anxiously await Pantone's announcement every December.

For 2025, the Pantone Color Institute has selected PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. The description of this color is as follows: "It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort."

According to Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, "For Pantone Color of the Year 2025, we look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others."

Is mocha the color of any well-known brand? When it comes to brown hues, here are some memorable brands: UPS, M&M's, Hershey's, Yves St. Laurent, Nespresso, A&W Root Beer, and Godiva. Are you seeing a chocolate theme?

Will your brand add mocha to its logo during 2025? And as for fashion, do you think you look good dressed in mocha?

According to ENews' reporter Megan Gray, here are some of the many Mocha Mousse colored items:

Kate Spade Outlet Madison Willow Mini Flap Crossbody:

Have you met the Madison Willow Crossbody? With a chic metal accent and soft leather exterior, it may become your next go-to bag.

OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish in Espresso Your Inner Self:

You may need to espresso your inner self with this chocolatey brown hue. It's a more subtle shade that will go with every outfit, and the brand promises it'll give you seven days of wear.

Puma Suede XL Sneakers:

Retro-inspired with some Mocha Mousse flair, these suede sneakers are a wardrobe staple. They can make any outfit look effortlessly cool, plus their padding and cushioning will provide a super comfy feel.

Starbucks Ground Coffee, Mocha Flavored Coffee:

Starbucks' Mocha Flavored Coffee is made without artificial flavors and can give you a chocolatey, caffeine kick.

However, according to Cristin Kennedy of Blackbird Interiors, "The announcement of a luscious brown being selected as Pantone's color of the year isn't a shock. I think that people today are after a more intimate setting in their homes. Incorporating these richer hues lends itself to that feeling. The days of homes with all white walls and fully open concepts are coming to a close." 

What do you think the color of the year will be for 2026? Here's a hint: Watch 2025 with marketing-colored glasses for clues!

And lastly, did you know that paint brands also choose colors of the year? Check out this recap from House Beautiful:

https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/g63115105/color-of-the-year-2025-list/

Image Credits: Pantone, Kate Spade, OPI Nail Lacquer Nail Polish, Puma, and Starbucks.