Ever thought about crossing a car and a fridge?

Well, Smeg and Fiat have beat you to it.

Today you’ll find out why this isn’t quite as totally random as it sounds (psst—it comes down to shared brand values)!

In today's newsletter:

• Smeg & Fiat’s violently Italian fridge (and why it was a brand match made in heaven)

• Sprite’s releasing a new drink called Sprite Chill (and proving they’re still “cool” in the process)

• How to not be boring on social media (hint: it’s ok to ruffle some feathers, guys)

- Charlotte, Editor ♡

Smeg & Fiat’s Violently Italian Fridge

A collaboration between car manufacturer Fiat and appliance brand Smeg once resulted in a strange yet violently Italian invention--

The Smeg 500, a refrigerator that looks near-identical to the Fiat 500's front. It's designed to store drinks like San Pellegrino, a natural choice for Italians, of course!

The fridge was unveiled in 2013, sporting a bonnet acting as a fridge door and cool storage area where the engine would be. The companies behind the appliance said it not only represented their own histories, but their place in Italian culture, too.

How did this unlikely collab come together?

For Fiat and Smeg, their seemingly odd team-up was easy to actualise thanks to the companies' deep roots and personal ties.

Smeg CEO Vittorio Bertazzoni said he saw the fridge as a "matter of personal honour." His grandfather founded Smeg in 1948. In fact, he created fridges with Fiat right after WWII.

Lapo Elkann, the great-grandson of Fiat's founder Giovanni Agnelli, also celebrated the invention. He called the Fiat 500, "an Italian icon that from now can even be found in another dimension, in bars and people's living rooms all over the world".

But...why?

Of course, the stories behind the fridge's birth are touching. But its Italian vibe and absurd coolness are what likely got it over the finish line.

Both companies pride themselves on being "Made In Italy." So combining forces only amplified that sentiment for buyers.

On top of that, it's a unique item! Most people aren't thinking about getting a car-shaped fridge. But the power of suggestion can be enough to make some people realise it's exactly what they always needed!

Smeg and Fiat knew they made a niche product. But they also knew it would press just the right buttons to make proud Italian gearheads say "che bello!"

- Devin, Copywriter

We all know Snapchat is for thirsty people.

But I didn't expect it to be the platform of choice for Sprite's new product launch.

Sprite Chill is set to hit American shelves on Monday. The drink delivers a "refreshing twist" which is "accentuated by a proprietary blend of cooling agents to deliver a uniquely elevated sensory experience."

Apparently, they did tonnes of formula testing to create the "perfect sip."

Sounds...interesting?

According to A.P. Chaney, senior creative director for Sprite, the brand wants to move into the lifestyle space. And Sprite Chill is an important part of their strategy.

They've even teamed up with NBA player Trae Young, also known as "Ice Trae" who's been a Sprite ambassador (it's a thing) since 2021.

Sprite ads have featured quite a few basketball stars in the past, including Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. So a campaign with Trae Young's totally on brand.

This launch is laser-focused on appealing to Gen Z.

So to prove they're "with it", they've released the Sprite Chill Cam on Snapchat. App users can share their "coldest" selfie using a custom Sprite filter.

The brand will then choose a few lucky fans to appear on Sprite's social media channels. Some of these selfies will even go on digital billboards in cities across the U.S.

So if you're a Sprite mega-fan, now's your chance to prove it by creating your own cold selfie (whatever that means!).

And if you're a brand and you're not thinking about how to stay relevant, you're already behind!

-Charlotte, Editor & Sophie, Pop Culture Queen

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Ask the Editor

Q -I don't want to make boring content, but I'm afraid of the backlash if people don't agree with my ideas. What's your advice? -Heather

Hi Heather,

I hate to break it to you, but if you're that worried about offending people, your content will always be boring. Because, if you want to create interesting content, it needs to have some personality to it.

Not everyone will agree with you all the time. That's life. But in order to find your audience, you have to put your ideas out there. They will resonate with the right people, and those will be the ones who end up following you. As for the people who don't like what you have to say, oh well. They aren't your audience anyway.

- Charlotte, Editor ♡