September is behind us, but it brought us some fantastic finds and new faves. At Social Republic, we’ve been scouring the cultural scene to uncover the best of the month. In this monthly favourites roundup, we’ll take you through September’s standout moments picked in house by our talented team.
From vintage fashion and a beloved Manchester pub to a saucy viral moment, a nostalgic brand’s revival, and an empowering message, we’ve got it all covered.
Join us as we celebrate the innovation, nostalgia, and empowerment that marked September. Let’s dive into our September showcase and explore the stories that made the month special.
1. Standout Event, Vintage Folk
Vintage never goes out of style, and this month, we’re absolutely in love with the Vintage Folk event. Offering a premium range of vintage clothing straight from the 80s, 90s, and the Y2K era, including branded vintage streetwear and pre-loved designer gems. What’s not to love?
This event, happening on the last weekend of September, is the perfect addition to Secondhand September. It’s a testament to the fact that a fresh wardrobe doesn’t have to cost the earth. By supporting eco-conscious and sustainable fashion, Vintage Folk is showing us that Secondhand September can be a year-round affair. So, head over, peruse those pre-loved pieces, and find inspiration for your autumn wardrobe. Don’t forget, sustainable fashion is always the way to go.
2. Our Very Own Manchester Treasure, Mulligans
Our CEO’s pick of the month and taking the crown of Manchester treasure is Mulligans. As the weather begins to change, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of an Authentic Irish Pub. Nestled just off Deansgate in the heart of Manchester, Mulligans is renowned for serving up the best pint of Guinness in the city and proudly holds the title of Manchester’s oldest Irish Pub.
But Mulligans isn’t just about Guinness; it’s a haven for sports enthusiasts and music lovers alike. You can catch live GAA, Football, Rugby, and Horse Racing, making it the perfect spot to cheer for your favourite teams. Plus, Mulligans is a leading live music venue, known for legendary nights filled with great laughs and a welcoming atmosphere. This gem of a pub is Manchester’s number one for a reason.
3. Viral Moment, Heinz Jumps on Taylor Swift
Now, let’s talk about our favourite saucy viral moment that has the internet buzzing. Taylor Swift, made waves when she was spotted enjoying a piece of chicken with ketchup and seemingly ranch at a recent Kansas City Chiefs football game. A fan’s tweet featuring this moment went viral, amassing over 32 million views.
But what’s even more impressive is how Heinz capitalised on this viral moment. In less than 24 hours, they concocted a limited-edition sauce aptly named “Ketchup and Seemingly Ranch.” To celebrate the connection between Taylor Swift and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (number 87), Heinz chose to produce just 100 bottles, combining Swift’s lucky number, 13, with Kelce’s jersey number. Talk about seizing the moment!
Keep an eye on Heinz’s Instagram for more details on how to snag a bottle of this iconic condiment. It’s a testament to how brands can connect with pop culture in innovative ways.
4. Brand Refresh, Fruit of the Loom
Who says you can’t teach an old brand new tricks? Fruit of the Loom, with its 172-year history, is embracing a brand revamp with open arms. Their goal? To establish a more meaningful connection with Gen Z, all while riding the waves of Y2K nostalgia.
Remember the Fruit People – Apple, Leaf, Green Grape, and Purple Grape? Well, they’re back, and they’ve brought a new TikToker named Emma with them! Together, they’re on a mission to go viral on TikTok. It’s all about bringing back those fond childhood memories. While these brand characters have been part of their advertising campaigns since the ’70s, they really shone in the late ’90s and early 2000s when Gen Z was growing up.
The revival of the Fruit People aligns perfectly with the broader resurgence of Y2K nostalgia. Stay tuned for more on this campaign in our upcoming blog – it’s bound to be a juicy one!
5. Social Push, Dove
Dove is making waves with a campaign that encourages women to feel confident about their armpits. This activation coincided with New York Fashion Week, and was all about challenging beauty conventions.
On the first day of NYFW, Dove opened a Pit Stop in New York City’s Chelsea Plaza. Here, consumers could grab a Pit Kit, complete with Dove deodorant, a free MetroCard, and other goodies. Attendees at NYFW were invited to take the #FreeThePits challenge and proudly flaunt their underarms.
But this campaign isn’t just about the event. It’s part of a broader initiative that challenges society’s unrealistic standards for armpits. Dove’s research revealed that 80% of women feel the pressure to conform to an “ideal” armpit image, which can lead to insecurities.
Dove’s subway ads, featuring models with armpit hair, tattoos, and more, take a stand against these unrealistic standards. They’ve even taken over subway lines and stations to get their message across.
This empowering campaign aligns with Dove’s commitment to Real Beauty and challenging norms in the beauty industry.
And there you have it, our September favourites, each one making a unique mark in their own way handpicked by our Manchester team. Vintage fashion, legendary pubs, viral sauces, nostalgic brand revamps, and empowering campaigns – it’s all here to inspire and uplift.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Social Republic as we continue to bring you the latest trends and highlights. Next up: October!
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