Fake Gucci Ad in Swiss Newspaper

Tue, Mar 6, 2007 Posted By:Eric Friedman

Fake Advertising, Marketing, funny

A man pretending to represent Gucci placed an ad in a Zürich newspaper, sending the $50,000 bill to the fashion giant. The ad eventually ran because it was found out too late that it was a fake…

Fake Gucci Ad

Thanks to AdFreak for the picture above and friends who sent in this story. In the busy world of global print advertising I can’t believe this hasn’t happened more.

In looking at the fallout of this story, I am wondering how Gucci is looking at the press. One the one hand this is some amazing press. On the other hand I am sure they are concerned at how this dilutes the brand image.

I personally do not see a problem as the ad appeared in line with other Gucci ads. Looking at only the positive here at least they didn’t have to deal with expensive models, photographers with attitude, re-shoots, trafficking, media planning, and payment.

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Eric Friedman - who has written 646 posts on Eric Friedman – Marketing.fm.

Analyst at Union Square Ventures, blogger at www.marketing.fm and operating experience within SEM, SEO, and Social Media. You should follow me on twitter @EricFriedman

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  • Well, sure enough Gucci is worried and preparing some kind of "counteraction" to make sure the brand doesn't get messed up.

    However, I don't really see a big problem here. The Ad might not be authentic, but it still doesn't portray the brand in a bad light. It is pretty well executed, etc.

    I guess we'll have to see what Gucci decides to do upon it.
    Another quick example of "citizen marketers" fumbling away with their favorite brands.

    Ron E.
    http://brandcurve.com
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