Top 10 Celebrity Brand Ambassadors of the 21st Century #MediaMonth

The symbiotic relationship between celebrities and brands is a time-honoured tradition that’s been going back hundreds of years. Indeed, as far back as the late 19^th century, West End stage actress Lillie Langtry made a name for herself as the “Pears Soap” girl. Of course, we’ve come a long way since then, but in many ways, the song remains the same.

When executed well, celebrity endorsements can inject new life into a brand, ensuring it reaches its target audience and beyond. As we continue to tolerate the 21st century, certain collaborations have truly stood out, perfectly illustrating the power of the right celebrity-brand alliance.

Gary Lineker and Walkers

A former English footballer and now a respected sports broadcaster, Gary Lineker's relationship with Walkers crisps is the epitome of a long-lasting and successful brand partnership. Since 1995, Lineker has starred in numerous entertaining adverts, famously teasing the possibility of him eating crisps in public and consistently keeping the brand in the public eye. This collaboration remains one of the most iconic and enduring celebrity-brand relationships in the UK.

George Clooney and Nespresso

The suave Hollywood actor’s longstanding association with Nespresso has become iconic. His charismatic presence alongside the tagline, "Nespresso. What else?" made an unforgettable impact. Clooney's sophisticated, international image aligned perfectly with the luxury coffee brand, making this collaboration a global success. A little smug, yes, but that’s perfectly on brand for Clooney and we love him for it really.

Jennifer Aniston and Aveeno

Jennifer Aniston, known for her timeless beauty and her role as Rachel Green in 'Friends,' became the face of Aveeno skincare in 2013. Her authentic endorsement of the brand's natural products elevated Aveeno's visibility and credibility. Of course, she’s been brand ambassador for dozens of other beauty brands, but this is the one that arguably kicked it all off for her.

David Beckham and H&M

Beckham’s collaboration with H&M for a line of bodywear was nothing short of a sensation. His global appeal, combined with fashionable designs, created a perfect storm for sales. The stylish adverts and campaigns, often featuring Beckham himself, further solidified this partnership's success. As with Miss Aniston, this is just one of many endorsement deals old Golden Balls has enjoyed over the years but this once seems to feel the most copacetic.

Taylor Swift and Diet Coke

Pop sensation Taylor Swift teamed up with Diet Coke in a partnership that felt more like a natural alignment of personal brand and product rather than a mere endorsement. Swift's relatable and wholesome image resonated with the brand's target audience, making their collaborative campaigns memorable. This was all before she became the biggest pop star on the planet. These days, Taylor is a little more selective with her brand partnerships. I mean, it’s not like she needs the money.

Serena Williams and Nike

Serena Williams is not just a tennis legend; she's a powerful brand in herself. Her partnership with Nike, a brand synonymous with excellence in sportswear, has yielded every from iconic tennis outfits to unique and powerful campaigns that inspire athleticism and female empowerment.

Jennifer Lawrence and Dior

Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence became a face of Dior in 2012. The collaboration was seamless, with Lawrence bringing a mix of grace, strength, and relatability to the luxury brand. Whether attending red carpet events or featuring in Dior campaigns, Lawrence exudes an authentic connection with the brand.

Matthew McConaughey and Lincoln

McConaughey's introspective and slightly surreal adverts for Lincoln cars garnered attention, discussion, and parodies. His philosophical narrations paired with scenes of him driving in these slick luxury cars made for compelling viewing, bringing a fresh and intriguing edge to the brand. It also highlighted just how special his unique southern drawl really is.

Ellen DeGeneres and CoverGirl

Ellen, known for her irreverent humour, warmth, and trailblazing role as a LGBTQ+ icon, teamed up with CoverGirl in a groundbreaking move for beauty endorsements. Representing beauty in all forms, the collaboration celebrated diversity and inclusivity, emphasizing that makeup is for everyone. Yes, she’s experienced her fair share of controversy in recent years but rewind the clock a few years and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more forward-thinking mainstream celebrity endorsement.

Rihanna and Fenty Beauty

While Rihanna's venture with Fenty Beauty goes beyond mere ambassadorship, her direct involvement and representation changed the beauty industry. Rihanna's commitment to inclusivity, with a diverse range of foundation shades, set a new standard. Her genuine passion for the brand and products ensured its astronomical success.