branding

Jessica Simpson: Patron Celebrity of Bodily Functions

Maureen O'Connor · 05/06/10 03:46PM

There is a certain kind of child who always has sticky red popsicle slush dribbling down his chin. Everyone blames farts and lice outbreaks on him. How did ex-certified hottie Jessica Simpson become Hollywood's version of that kid?

The Black Eyed Peas Will Do Anything for Money

Jeff Neumann · 04/09/10 05:49AM

No one buys music anymore. So what to do if you're a pop band trying to make it big? It's simple — whore yourself out to any company that will give you cash. And start flash mobs for Oprah.

Goth Is Dead

Hamilton Nolan · 02/19/10 12:19PM

Disney is marketing Alice in Wonderland to Goths with a soundtrack featuring The Cure and "an extensive line of clothing and accessories" at Hot Topic, including a "black shackle bracelet for $10." So much for that. [WSJ]

Karl Does Football

cityfile · 01/20/10 02:53PM

Just when you think there isn't anything left for Chanel to stamp its brand on—maybe you'd be interested in buying a temporary tattoo for $75?—and Karl Lagerfeld comes through with another surprise. Yes, Chanel-branded footballs can now be purchased for $175. Don't forget to share the good news with all the fashion-forward football fanatics in your life! [FWD]

Toilet Tissue Goes Chic

cityfile · 01/11/10 12:28PM

The Observer reported last week that execs at Condé Nast have been thinking about cutting licensing deals to generate a little extra revenue, even though Condé chairman Si Newhouse has been resistant to the idea in the past since it has the potential "cheapen the brand." Presumably Vogue-branded toilet paper is a good example of a product extension that would never see the light of day. But it's nice to see that one Mexican company is giving it a go anyway! [Paper]

Chris Noth's Career Has Never Been in Better Shape

cityfile · 12/17/09 03:06PM

Were you aware that Sex and the City slot machines are coming soon to Las Vegas' classiest casinos? They are. (And they pump out lines from the show—like "Hello, lover!"—every time someone hits a jackpot. Cool!) Chris Noth made a personal appearance in Sin City a couple of weeks ago to unveil the new machines. The speech he gave in honor of the momentous occasion appears after the jump for your viewing pleasure.

The New AOL (Or Aol.)

cityfile · 11/23/09 09:50AM

When you hear "AOL," you think of the dial-up Internet service that your elderly aunt still uses, right? Prepare for all of that to change! Now that AOL is being spun off by Time Warner, it's developed a new logo, dropping the all-caps and going with "Aol." which, in case you missed it, tacks on a period after the letters. America's perceptions will shift in no time! [PaidContent, WSJ/Digits]

McDonald's Gets 'Sleek' New Look, Food Still Terrible

Adrian Chen · 11/18/09 11:45PM

The new McDonald's in Chelsea is much improved. Not the food, dummy: The ambience. It's the first in America to undergo what the AP calls "a sleek, European-style makeover". Come, let us explore this wonderful place.

The Trumps Lose Yooge

Hamilton Nolan · 11/18/09 10:25AM

Judging purely by outward appearances, you might guess that Learning Annex instructor Donald Trump is still some sort of "big wheel" in the casino business. But actually he is barely even in the business any more, because he's a loser.