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Parking Fails, Putin Gas, & the Power of Mullet Marketing
From photo flops to cheesy mullets and political puns, today’s ads prove that genius often hides behind a smirk (and sometimes, a sandwich).
The Swipe
October 30, 2025
Welcome back to your daily marketing swipe file. The best ads, served fresh daily, and as tasty as your favorite slice of pepperoni pizza. 🍕 Let’s dig in.
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‘A Lean Idea, Poorly Executed’ — Volkswagen
What’s happening: A tourist spectacularly botches the classic "holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa" photo. His comically misjudged pose vividly highlights a severe lack of spatial awareness.
Why it’s awesome: Brilliantly uses a universally recognized photo flop to visualize a key problem – poor spatial awareness – without even showing a car. It's funny, relatable, and flawlessly pitches Volkswagen Park Assist.
‘Mirror, Mirror, Time For Your Shine’ — Gleam
What’s happening: A bare-backed figure stares into their reflection, facing a primal morning or evening ritual. Gleam Toothpaste nudges them: time to shine those pearly whites!
Why it’s awesome: By showing the back, it turns the intimate act of self-care into a universal moment of contemplation. Gleam isn't just about teeth; it's about owning your fresh start.
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‘The Kremlin's #1 Anti-Bloat’ — GoGaz
What’s happening: A somber Vladimir Putin stands next to a fictional ad for "GoGaz," a simethicone product promising to "STOP THE RUDE FART." It's a hilariously blunt political jab.
Why it’s awesome: This ad masterfully merges satire and a fake product. The visual pun on "gas" (both natural and geopolitical) combined with Putin's intense gaze makes for a wickedly clever, unforgettable message.
‘The Eternal Edge. Rust? What Rust?’ — Tyrolit
What’s happening: A billboard shows a gleaming, pristine TYROLIT knife seemingly cut out from a vast, weathered, rusty backdrop. It boldly declares "Makellos. Für Immer."
Why it’s awesome: It brilliantly uses rust as the ultimate backdrop to dramatize timeless perfection. The knife doesn't just resist wear; it practically carves its own immaculate, "flawless, forever" existence. Genius contrast!
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‘Business Up Front, Party In The Cheese!’ — Daiya
What’s happening: Two 80s-styled, mullet-rocking folks celebrate International Mullet Day with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. It’s for Daiya, pushing "cheezier than ever" dairy-free products.
Why it’s awesome: The brilliant absurdity of connecting International Mullet Day with dairy-free cheese is pure marketing gold. It's wildly unexpected, creates instant memorability, and screams "deliciously different."
That’s a wrap! We hope these bold, fun, and inspiring ads gave you your daily dose of creative energy. See you soon for some more best-in-class marketing goodies!
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