Hails & Fails – August 22nd 2025
From fashion icons to football firsts, this week’s PR headlines provided plenty of talking points. Cara Delevingne helped Topshop relaunch with a nostalgic nod to her teenage style, 16-year-old footballer Skye Stout silenced vile trolls with a stunning debut goal, and Cheryl stepped back into the spotlight with Nivea.
But while some brands won big on connection and timing, Sanex completely missed the mark with its new shower gel ad.
HAILS
Cara Delevingne brings star power to Topshop relaunch
Topshop returned to the high street with a bang this week, relaunching its flagship London store and calling on none other than Cara Delevingne to front the campaign. The model-turned-actor shared how the brand shaped her early fashion sense, bringing authenticity and nostalgia to the comeback. A smart pairing that taps into millennial memory – while signalling Topshop’s exciting new era.
Teen star Skye Stout silences trolls
Just days after suffering a torrent of vile abuse online, 16-year-old Kilmarnock striker Skye Stout let her football do the talking – scoring her first senior goal against Dundee United. Her story has cut through far beyond the sports pages, resonating as a powerful example of resilience and proving that talent will always rise above hate. Go on Skye!
Cheryl ushers in new era with Nivea
Cheryl has made a welcome return to the spotlight as the new face of Nivea’s longevity campaign. Fronting ads for the skincare giant’s latest launch, she leans on nostalgia for the brand she grew up with while embracing a message of reinvention and resilience. It’s a comeback that blends authenticity with star power – reminding us Cheryl’s influence is as strong as ever.
FAIL
Shower gel ad banned for harmful messaging
Sanex was forced to pull an ad after the ASA ruled it suggested black skin was problematic and in need of fixing. The watchdog deemed the campaign discriminatory and harmful, highlighting once again how a lack of sensitivity in creative development can lead to reputational damage. In a world where inclusivity is non-negotiable, this was a costly and avoidable misstep
