Celeb Products

Implications - Since 'Beats By Dre' became popularized a few years back, it seems that audio brands have become highly focused on stylizing their products. To do so, many have employed huge celebrities to be the face of their advertisements in hopes of enticing buyers who're are influenced by their actions. In addition, musicians like Will.i.am are creating their own products and promoting them by leveraging their industry expertise. This illustrates that, along with other tech accessories, buying headphones has become as much about status as it has about the quality of sound for many consumers.

Homework Question - How does your product messaging align with the personal branding of your target consumer? [More]

Implications - Rappers are increasing their level of interaction among fans by appealing to them in spheres outside of music and merchandise. While some are using their fame to enter into other industries with an edge, others like Vince Staples aim to positively influence youth by taking part in educational efforts. In doing so, they appeal to a large demographic of people who look up to them and prompt them to focus their interests in a way that comes across as more genuine.

Homework Question - How often do you look outside your industry for inspiration? What adjacent industries could you leverage? [More]

Implications - As the Instagram era continues to emphasize personal style as a means of self-actualization, consumers are willing to go to great lengths in order to gain access to highly exclusive, limited edition tour merchandise. Specifically seen as a nostalgic reference to the psychedelic rock tees of the 1970's and 1980's, this progression demonstrates the need for traditional brands to reconsider alternate revenue streams considering the evolution of business models facing considerable disruption.

Homework Question - How could your brand channel inspiration from a bygone decade? [More]

Implications - Pop culture-inspired mobile games are a unique symbol of the evolving face of the gaming world. Symbolic of the consumer's inherent fascination with meme culture and the nature of fame, these mobile games provide a new archetype for the average gamer, which includes a more diverse range of people than ever before.

Homework Question - Is your brand currently incorporating pop culture influences into your offerings? How could you make this more evident? [More]

Implications - Seeking to expand market exposure, high-end brands like those in the auto industry are turning to pop culture collaborations for consumer appeal. Joining forces with celebrities and media icons, auto manufacturers are using the fame and recognition of well-known figures to heighten their products with status. This reflects a need for more approachable marketing tactics, particularly when it comes to more exclusive product designs. [More]

Implications - Moving beyond typical collectibles, merchandise, particularly for celebrities, are taking a more abstract turn to create consumer intrigue. Branding things like lingerie or household decor with logos or images, retailers are re-branding typically lackluster products with elements of pop culture, allowing consumers to showcase their appreciation through familiar yet creatively customized retail goods. [More]

Implications - Online memes are now catapulting regular people and pets into fully-fledged stardom. Grumpy Cat, Psy (from Gangnam style) and various other online sensations are launching books, product lines and are even appearing on major broadcast networks. While the lifespan of these web celebrities in pop culture may be short-lived, their influence at the their peak is intense. [More]

Implications - When it comes to celebrities and famous figures, we all want a piece, which explains the gigantic market for celebrity products, ranging from clothes to fragrances to even dirty bath water. Another way consumers can now indulge in their celebrity obsession is by purchasing dolls and toys in the likeness of these famous individuals, such as Kate Middleton, Karl Lagerfeld, Steve Jobs, President Obama and more. While these people may not be action heroes, per se, immortalizing them in such a way points to society's reliance on powerful figures who have the potential and ability to create change and influence our decisions. [More]

Implications - Both corporations and celebrities are branding their own wine. The last few years have triggered dozens of celebrity-branded wines, including bottles from Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Martha Stewart. On the corporate front, wines have been branded by companies as diverse as Harley Davidson and Microsoft. The concept of celebrity or corporate branding has a double impact: the product benefits from association with a well-known celebrity or corporation; and the celebrity/corporation benefits from association with whatever experience is had through use or consumption of the product. [More]