We’re back with another round-up of the brand moves that get it.
Because in 2025, success isn’t just about standing out or fitting in—it’s about tuning in. The best partnerships today don’t feel forced, they feel inevitable. They’re the kind that make you say, “Of course that makes sense.”
Whether it’s Emma Chamberlain manifesting Pinterest boards into real products, Stormzy putting cinema in the hands of the people (literally), or Brad Pitt merging Hollywood and the pit lane—this week’s picks show how culture is being shaped not just by stories, but by who’s telling them, how, and with whom.
Let’s get into it.
Emma Chamberlain x Pinterest LOVE
Pinterest has launched its first ever product collaboration, co-branding a new product from Chamberlain coffee, Emma Chamberlain’s eponymous brand: Sea Salt Toffee Coffee
What makes this collab special? It’s not just about slapping logos together; it makes sense. Emma’s Pinterest obsession is transformed into a real product that feels genuine, fun, and actually worth your money – no basic coffee here. Chamberlain imagined the entire campaign and design on Pinterest. From exploring flavour profiles to gathering visual inspiration for the launch, each detail was hand-picked to capture the feeling of sipping an iced coffee by the seaside.
Trend forecasting meets trend maker in one delicious drink.
Stormzy x Merky Films x Apple
Stormzy is flipping the script yet again. He’s stepping into the lead role in Big Man, a short film – and he’s doing it through his new production company, Merky Films, in collaboration with Apple. Directed by Oscar-winner Aneil Karia, the story follows Tenzman, a former rap star figuring life out.
Here’s the kicker: the entire film was shot on the iPhone 16 Pro. Stormzy and crew proving you don’t need Hollywood cameras to make a statement. This collab blends cutting-edge tech with authentic storytelling.
This isn’t just a career move; it’s a bold declaration. Stormzy’s putting Black British stories front and center, breaking barriers where they’ve been long overdue. Big Man is truly a film about reclaiming narratives and showing real, raw, unapologetic lives.
If you want cinema that’s innovative, intimate, and impactful, Big Man is the one to watch.
F1 Movie Launch
Brad Pitt’s upcoming F1 movie is a case study in how to embed a brand into culture without feeling like a sellout.
With a $300 million budget and real F1 legends like Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, and co-producer Sir Lewis Hamilton on board, this isn’t your average sports film. It’s a world-first hybrid of entertainment and brand storytelling, where the fictional team is backed by real sponsors all vying for cultural clout.
And Pitt’s not just playing the part—he trained in a modified F2 car and raced alongside actual F1 drivers. That level of immersion shows just how far the film is willing to go for authenticity.
But here’s the real headline: this is a masterclass in narrative marketing. Instead of interrupting the culture, the movie joins it. It builds a believable world within an already sponsor-saturated sport and adds value through story.
If brands are serious about earning relevance in 2025, this is the playbook: don’t just slap on a logo—build the universe.
VENMO X Patrick Schwarzenegger X Aimee Lou Wood
Venmo’s new “Venmo Everything” campaign isn’t your average fintech play — and that’s exactly the point. Starring Aimee Lou Wood (chaotic good energy) and Patrick Schwarzenegger, both straight out of The White Lotus, the campaign uses humour as its emotional anchor — because let’s be real, money talk can get awkward fast.
But instead of dodging that, Venmo leans in, turning everyday transactions into shareable, laughable, relatable moments. More than just splitting bills, Venmo is sending a cultural signal: our spending habits are becoming part of our identity. Finance is now social, experiential, and increasingly driven by digital-first storytelling.
By blending celebrity power with lifestyle cues and behavioural nudges, the brand positions itself not just as a utility — but as a daily ritual. It’s a reflection of how we live, give, and joke our way through modern money culture.
The Materialists
Pedro Pascal. Dakota Johnson. Chris Evans. That’s it. That’s the post.
Celine Song’s The Materialists is already shaping up to be a cultural moment—and the promo strategy? Deliciously meta.
Leaning into the mid-2000s love triangle trope (a certified recession-era classic), the film plays with a format we all know and love: two Hollywood heartthrobs, one impossibly cool lead, and a whole lot of chemistry. But it’s not just relying on star power.
The campaign taps directly into the internet’s soft spot for nostalgia, aesthetic maximalism, and emotionally chaotic romance. From podcast guest appearances to memeable red carpet moments, the marketing is engineered to go viral—without losing its indie edge.
It’s a masterstroke in using rom-com revivalism to spark cultural curiosity—and reminds us that old formulas can feel brand new when they’re done with a wink.
