Wrapped Surrealism
A week where reality glitched harder than the ads
Hi Friends,
You’ve probably noticed that last week was Spotify Wrapped season, and this year, they dropped a cinematic UK-made film to go with it. And no, this is not the place where I list brand reactives to their own Wrapped. (I feel Fabio Bin’s pain: Spotify Wrapped yes, brand Wrapped no).
Wrapped Surrealism because honestly, between Omnicom merging with Interpublic and wiping out names like MullenLowe, DDB, and FCB, and the company that started as a DVD-rental service acquiring one of Hollywood’s biggest studios, the whole week felt slightly unreal. (If you’re “off the grid,” I mean Netflix and Warner Bros). I’ll also spare you the “industry guru” breakdown of these two surreal M&A moves.
I’d rather focus on the good kind of Surrealism: Gondry’s Chanel film with delightful turns from A$AP Rocky and Margaret Qualley, plus the altered-perception kind in the Canadian Automobile Association spot starring edibles.
Have a good read.
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ADVERTISING
Spotify Wrapped 2025: The Ultimate Fan Fantasy
In a bold twist, Spotify goes cinematic with its 2025 Wrapped campaign, created by curly media. This film features random fans and celebrities, including Lewis Capaldi and Grime Gran, in amusing interactions that highlight our obsession with music. With quirky pop-up events across UK cities, Spotify proves that our taste in music is still the ultimate status symbol.
ADVERTISING
Michel Gondry’s New Chanel Love Story
In a fresh short film for Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show, director Michel Gondry pairs the ethereal Margaret Qualley with A$AP Rocky amidst a vibrant New York backdrop. Produced by Partizan, this wordless romance captures the essence of the city through whimsical visuals and stunning fashion, featuring silhouettes that nod to history while feeling undeniably modern. Vedette Qualley’s effortless style and Rocky’s charmingly chaotic pursuit make it a lovely advertisement for love and luxury, all wrapped up in a dreamy narrative that’s just as fashionable as it is heartfelt.
FEATURED
A bunch of news from my network :
- Spotify Wrapped Park opens in Milan [source Arianna Dellera linkedIn]
- Airbnb kicks off its first local campaign in Italy for Milano Cortina 2026 [source Maria Vittoria Felli linkedIn]
- Marco Mengoni’s Paris concert streamed live on Amazon Music [source Costanza Feroldi linkedIn]
- TWOW boosts Mr. Dee Still’s digital game in the beverage scene [source Tobia Lorenzani linkedIn]
- L’Oréal Paris and McCANN unveil a magical holiday campaign featuring Elodie, Eva Longoria, and more [source Eleonora Acconci linkedIn]
- Insulti Luminosi opens its new colorful shop in Milan [source Letizia Marzi linkedIn]
NOBODY READS ADVERTISING
People read what interests them, and sometimes it’s NOT an Ad
Let's jump in something out of the bubble:
Game time: The best games of 2025, picked by NPR’s staff
Streaming Binge: The Best New TV Shows of 2025, Ranked by Indiewire
Ranked: Associated Press 100 Photos of 2025
Infomaniac: Which Country Consumes the Most Coffee?
MARKETING
Mktg picks not to miss
[thanks to Jaskaran and The Social Juice for his amazing service]
- Netflix takeover of Warner Bros meets fierce backlash
- The leaks coming out of Omnicom’s Townhalls today should give every client pause about hiring them.
- Bending Spoons bets on live events: 500 million for Eventbrite
- Ralph Lauren unveils Team USA Winter Olympics ceremony uniforms
ADVERTISING
When Edibles Win, You Really Shouldn’t Drive
In a clever twist on the typical anti-drug message, ONE23WEST and the Canadian Automobile Association flip the script with their latest campaign, ‘If You Can’t Drive Your Body, You Can’t Drive Your Car.’ Instead of fear tactics, the campaign humorously highlights the relatable, chaotic moments we experience after indulging in edibles. As Canadians become accustomed to the effects of cannabis-infused treats, this campaign serves as a friendly reminder. If you’re struggling to tie your shoelaces, don’t even think about hitting the road.
DESIGN
Cricket Redefined: The Party Begins
Ascend Studio’s latest endeavor brings a fresh twist to the cricket scene with their rebrand for Sixes Party Cricket. Forget the quaint village greens; it’s all about the vibrant energy of the modern game. With a killer identity that embraces a sense of belonging and a unique color scheme, this campaign celebrates cricket’s past and future.
Thank you so much for reading this far - I truly appreciate it. Last week’s most-clicked link was: