In a world full of brand noise, sometimes the boldest way to stand out is to partner with someone completely unexpected. Enter the realm of weird brand collaborations—those head-scratching, eyebrow-raising partnerships that somehow manage to captivate audiences, generate buzz, and even boost sales.
Whether it’s a fast-food chain teaming up with fashion icons or snack companies jumping into tech, these marketing stunts prove that in the age of content, strange sells. Let’s dive into five of the weirdest brand collaborations that actually worked—and unpack why they hit the sweet spot with consumers.
1. Crocs x KFC – Fried Chicken Footwear
Yes, you read that right. In 2020, Crocs, the famously polarizing footwear brand, teamed up with KFC to release limited-edition clogs that looked—and even smelled—like fried chicken.
Complete with drumstick-scented Jibbitz charms, these shoes sold out within 30 minutes. It was a perfect storm of viral potential: absurd visuals, limited availability, and internet meme culture. The weirdness was exactly the point.
Why it worked:
- Crocs leaned into their quirky image and gained massive social media traction.
- KFC extended its “finger-lickin’ good” brand into a completely unexpected lifestyle space.
- Consumers love a good limited-edition drop (especially Gen Z).
Continue reading… (Next up: a condiment brand’s wild ride into fashion)
