THE BOLT: Booth Boots, A Snack Aisle Wedding + More Brand Marketing Stories⚡️
- Abby Kopp
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
Okay, yes—we’re a few days late, but trust us when we say July’s marketing moments were worth the wait! From bold brand stunts to brilliant strategy, here’s the news that caught our attention.
The DMs? Luxury Brands are Sliding In 📱
Luxury fashion is a space built on perceived exclusivity and secrecy... well, up until now. Earlier this month, we saw luxury staple brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Maison Margiela ditching the polished posts and taking it to the DMs, literally. From Pharrell Williams (Louis Vuitton, Creative Director) sending the VIP runway scoop to fashion insiders via the DMs to brands adding content creators to their Close Friends story, it's a strategy built on connection and authenticity, and one that we expect to see continue. How can small businesses start tapping into this playbook? Here's how to make it work for you:
Start a Close Friends List to engage your most loyal customers and brand fans to tease new product drops, upcoming events, BTS, and special perks. Make them feel like an insider.
Use Broadcast Channels on Instagram to build hype, early access info, exclusive sales, and start more intimate conversations.
Send personalized DMs to your most loyal customers to show your appreciation for their support. A simple thank you, a personal event invite, or a custom discount could go a long way!
We went to The Largest Festival for Women in Business
This month, Create and Cultivate put on what they dubbed "The World's Largest Festival for Women in Business" in Los Angeles, and we were there. From top-tier speakers like Ayesha Curry, Jordan Chiles, Sophia Bush, and Ciara — just to name a few — it was a weekend filled with networking opportunities, moments of inspiration, and brand activation galore that got our creative juices flowing. Here is the tip of the iceberg of some of the knowledge nuggets we walked away with:
Micro-influencers are leading the next era of brand partnerships — their tight-knit, niche audiences trust them deeply, making their recommendations more impactful and authentic.
Treat your content creators like co-creators. They’re not just promoting your product — they use it, live with it, and can offer real-world insights that elevate development and design.
Build products that solve your own problems. The most successful innovations start with a personal pain point — if it solves your problem, chances are it’ll solve someone else's too.
Trü Frü...more like "I Do"💍
Former Bachelor star Litia Garr had fans buzzing when she shared what looked like a surprise engagement on Instagram. The details were all there: diamonds on her story, a picture-perfect bridal brunch, and even a mention in a Deux Moi blind item. Fans were convinced she was walking down the aisle… and she was, just this time it was just the freezer aisle to marry her favorite snack. Turns out, Trü Frü, the frozen fruit snack brand, was behind the playful campaign that placed them right at the center of a highly engaged audience. A faux engagement disguised as a memorable brand moment? We’ll put a ring on it.
These Booths are Made for Walking (yes, booths) 🌶️
And the winner of brand partnerships in July goes to.... Chili's and Tecovas. Chili’s teamed up with Austin-based boot brand Tecovas to turn the iconic red restaurant booths into limited-edition cowboy boots. The boot design features bold chili pepper stitching and signature red vinyl; the “Booth Boots” dropped online and sold out within minutes. Equal parts Texas pride and brand storytelling, this collab is one we're tipping our cowgirl hats to.
We're Screaming with our Outdoor Voices about this News
Austin-born activewear brand Outdoor Voice is officially back, with its founder, Ty Haney, once again at the helm. After stepping away in 2020, Haney returns with a bold relaunch aimed at reviving the brand’s original “Doing Things” ethos, now with a "more fashion-forward and sexy" spin. We’re excited to see this fresh take on the beloved brand that gave us THE Exercise Dress. It’s a true test of customer loyalty and a reminder of the power of authentic storytelling in branding.
Trending Now
As avid scrollers, we're always on the lookout for the latest and greatest trends, and headed into August, there are so many to keep up with that we just had to share. If you're a business owner, this one is for you — jumping on social trends that make sense for your brand can increase visibility and engagement.
I’m having so much fun: Showcase your product or services with humor, relatability, and a fun twist.
Pause and Pose: Brat summer isn’t over… lean into this humorous content to show off what makes your brand special.
Standing on business: No matter the profession, people are finding the craziest things to stand on to show they are standing on business like a boss.
Breaking through scenes: A cool and creative way to show and stop the scroller in their tracks.
Go Crazy: A playful way to show off your team members or a fun fit check!
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