‘It becomes more about status signalling’: Is £7m for a handbag absurd or justified?
This story originally appeared at BBC.com As a pop-up handbag auction opens in London, a fashion frenzy is gripping venerable auction houses – and sending prices sky high. Can fashion ever be on a par with a Picasso? “I like my money where I can see it. Hanging in my closet,” says Carrie Bradshaw in […]
What has America learned from the Sydney Sweeney situation? We asked the experts
This article was originally published at CNN.com The great ongoing American conversation escalated into a great American bar fight this summer, as a long and increasingly unhinged national back-and-forth about race, politics, sexuality, the nature of both the Trump administration and fame itself was triggered by … a jeans ad. What happened? American Eagle released […]
American Eagle ‘great jeans’ ad campaign bashed over racial undertones
This article first appeared at MassLive.com: American Eagle’s latest denim campaign, featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, has gotten backlash for having racist connotations. The clothing company launched the campaign, called “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” on July 23, with the 27-year-old “Euphoria” star as the spokesperson. The campaign was intended to be a celebration of “making customers look and […]
Bags, Bids, and Big Hearts: Texas Auction Turns Luxury Goods Into Kerrville Relief
Following a successful charity auction that raised $20,000 for Hill Country storm recovery efforts, Natalee Peppitt—a Kerrville native and founder of Studio Two Luxury—is once again rallying her community for an urgent cause. On Thursday, August 14, at 5:52 p.m. CST, Peppitt will host a second live auction on the Whatnot platform. 100% of the […]
When Personal Behavior Becomes Corporate Risk: What Every Business Must Know About Crisis Communications and PR
While most people are talking about the kiss cam behavior, my thoughts go somewhere else entirely—to the men and women whose careers, livelihoods, and reputations are tied to the success of the company led by the two individuals caught in that moment. For them, this isn’t entertainment. It’s uncertainty. Viral moments like this don’t just […]
Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives: Reputation Leads to Revenue
How Chambers and Their Members Can Promote and Protect Their Brands This article first appeared in the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Magazine: In today’s economy, trust is currency, and reputation is the engine that drives it. For chambers of commerce and the businesses they support, building a reputation is about prestige and performance. […]
Boca Aquarium or Jewelry Store? What This Viral Moment Teaches About Brand Integrity
What do tropical fish, kids in strollers, and luxury diamonds have in common? More than you’d think — if you recently searched “Boca Aquarium” on Google. The South Florida business behind the controversy, Diamonds by Raymond Lee, temporarily rebranded itself online as an “aquarium” — a tongue-in-cheek nod to the elaborate tanks inside its high-end […]
Secure the Summer: How High-Risk Retailers Can Protect Their Business and Brand
In today’s volatile climate, high-risk businesses are under pressure like never before. Physical threats, PR landmines, and a culture of instant outrage can take down even the most well-run operation. That’s why this summer, Synaptic is partnering with Sapphire Risk Advisory Group to bring you something that could change the way you lead: Secure the […]
BONUS: Three More Branding Lessons from Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift just gave us a masterclass in brand voice. Read our full blog post about her announcement. 1. Transparency and Vulnerability Build Loyalty — Not Weakness Taylor has never shied away from showing the personal side of her story. From heartbreak ballads to public statements about betrayal, she invites her audience into the real […]
What Taylor Swift Just Taught Us About Brand Voice — And Why It Matters More Than Ever
Taylor Swift didn’t just reclaim her music this week — she reclaimed her voice. The announcement that she now officially owns her master recordings — not just the “Taylor’s Version” re-recordings, but the full early catalog that launched her career — is being celebrated as a massive business win. But it’s more than a business […]