Hails & Fails – August 28th 2026
From celebrating a supermarket icon to giving a cult wine its perfect partner, this week’s Hails show Marks & Spencer, KFC and Medicine Mama finding very different ways to get people talking. Meanwhile, Sydney Marathon organisers were left red-faced after eagle-eyed runners spotted a rather unfortunate geographical mix-up on this year’s finisher medal.
HAILS
Marks & Spencer gives Colin his own plaque
Colin the Caterpillar turned 36 this week, and Marks & Spencer marked the occasion by unveiling a commemorative plaque for its much-loved cake at M&S HQ. Inspired by the famous blue plaques, the green “M&S Heritage” version now sits alongside one previously dedicated to Percy Pig. It’s a lovely way to celebrate a product that has become a genuine British icon, while leaning into the affection people already have for Colin.
KFC finally pairs up with ‘Chicken Wine’
KFC is teaming up with La Vieille Ferme for a four-day “Coq au Vin” wine bar in Shoreditch this Bank Holiday weekend. The French wine has developed a cult following in the UK as “Chicken Wine”, thanks to the rooster on its label, making a collaboration with KFC feel almost inevitable. Visitors can pair KFC favourites with rosé, red and white wine, while the famous Chicken Wine label is returning especially for the event. Sometimes the best partnerships are hiding in plain sight.
Medicine Mama tackles a ‘Dry Spell’ with Kacey Musgraves
Women’s wellness brand Medicine Mama has teamed up with Kacey Musgraves to launch “Drought Drops”, a limited-edition personal lubricant inspired by the singer’s track “Dry Spell”. The playful product takes a subject that can still feel awkward to discuss and gives it a humorous, culturally relevant hook. And it clearly struck a chord, with the initial drop already selling out. A risqué collaboration, yes, but one that makes complete sense for both the song and the brand.
FAIL
Sydney Marathon medals take an unexpected trip to Munich
Sydney Marathon organisers had to admit an “unfortunate error” after this year’s finisher medal was unveiled featuring the wrong Allianz stadium. The design was supposed to depict landmarks runners will pass along the Sydney course, but instead of the city’s Allianz Stadium, it featured the rather distinctive Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. To their credit, organisers owned the blunder and embraced the humour, but it’s safe to say someone should probably have given the artwork one final check.
