McDonald's Grimace-themed milkshake has made waves online, with the #grimaceshake trend on TikTok transforming the happy purple character into something a little darker. Adopting a product into fan storytelling can effectively generate hype, whether or not it matches the brand's intentions.

Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie has led to increased interest in Barbie-inspired fashion. Despite comfort becoming a top priority when buying clothes post-pandemic, the power of Barbie is seeing people forgo this quality if it means they can indulge in some sartorial nostalgia.

McDonald’s is overcoming economic headwinds to recession-proof its brand through creative marketing centered on fan truths, brand collaborations with social currency, and a gamified loyalty program. At a time when hospitality is struggling, McDonald’s is shining and has managed to become cool again.

Crocs has evolved from an unfashionable yet functional footwear brand to a major industry player that's a fixture in the high fashion and streetwear spaces. It has effectively become a lifestyle conglomerate as a fresh generation of consumers prioritizes comfort, individuality, and personalization.