Stunt Watch: Madge & Grindr, the unbearable blazer, K-Supermarket on Tripadvisor and Independent Age's water on tap

Madonna, Vanish, K-Supermarket and a pub that only serves water.

Following Hannah’s exceptional marathon round-up in last week's PR Stunt Watch, I come to you with a veritable PR pick 'n' mix.

Enjoy watching Madonna’s zeitgeist surfing continue, this time with mayhem on Grindr, an authentic, purpose-led impact campaign from Vanish, K-Supermarket winning the continued food tourism trend, and another pub stunt (which is absolutely fine by me).

Madge and Grindr

Madonna, ever the trailblazer, is in a promo period ahead of her upcoming album, Confessions II, (set for release in July), and is showing us once-and-for-all the joy of multi-stunt, omnichannel brand-building.

In just the last few weeks, we’ve seen her grab attention in the high fashion world of the Met Gala, dressed as a ship and THE ACTUAL SEA, and "break the internet" (is it ever fixed?) at the annually-viral live music event Coachella, where she graced the stage with her new Gen-Z-friendly collab alongside Sabrina Carpenter.

Now, she’s talking directly to her "niche" community – LGBTQAI+ heartland on Grindr. Partnering with the funtimes dating app, she’s offering a limited-edition vinyl and exclusive content, even messaging lucky members.

What a win for both brands. I can’t wait to see what the icon has up her sleeve next.

Vanish and the unbearable blazer

This one didn’t sweep the boards for editorial coverage (here if you need, Vanish…), but they have highlighted an authentic insight, and are making a real difference. Working in collaboration with autistic people, they created the "unbearable blazer", a school-style blazer made of straw.

This, to show those not suffering with sensory issues around clothing what it might be like to feel restricted, scratchy or too hot every single day in clothing you (for some inexplicable reason) have no choice but to wear. They’ve created a series of workshops and downloadable school packs with info and resources, which they’re rolling out to schools to get their message across where it counts.

Our uniforms are not inclusive. As a double-autism parent (here she is), I can’t tell you how frustrating it is that this isn’t already understood and adopted across schools – for the sake of all kids, actually.

It’s 2026, so why are any kids dressing so formally when our aim is for them to feel cool, comfortable and ready to learn? Getting my kids into their uniforms is a daily, unnecessary challenge, before they even go to school, which is already an incredibly challenging experience for them.

I applaud Vanish for bringing this to light, and actually doing something positive about it.

K-Supermarket on Tripadvisor

Another insight-led bit of PR gold – this time from Finnish supermarket chain, K-Supermarket. The shops, all franchises generally selling products from local producers, have become a tourism must-have for those wanting to experience a local produce and unique snack-selection – which, we all know is the real reason any of us go anywhere.

After Visit Finland found its food tourism reputation lacking, the brand listed its stores on Tripadvisor – cleverly inserting itself into the "planning" phase of a trip, and giving them the opportunity to list their unique offers, be it regional cheese or rooftop beehives.

They’ve successfully tapped into rising mass interest in food tourism, and ensured they’re in line to benefit from it.

Image: Trendhunter

Independent Age water-only pub

Look, I’ve seen the interesting LinkedIn lash for pub ideas and I don’t agree. As a recent leading figure in the "statues for PR" league table, I think you can always find a fresh angle on a, let’s call it, heritage idea. With killer insight and exceptional execution, you'll have my goodwill (I’m the Easter and Valentine's PR stunt lover, after all). So, do bring out another food bag/food jewellery/pub/statue/re-write of a book/dramatic reading. If it’s a fresh take, people will like it.

I enjoyed the water bill pub stunt from the charity, Independent Age. It got its point across in a week where, let’s face it, literally everyone was already talking about Westminster pubs (what are the chances!).

Serving only tap water, each pump represents a different water authority and their average annual water bill – the largest and smallest bill a whopping £224 apart, meaning those on low incomes are rationing water. In 2026. In Britain.

The more of these ideas that see the light of day, the better. Definitely a pub that those in the Westminster Bubble could actually do with visiting.

First published on PRmoment.com.