Lacoste replaces crocodile logo, Johnnie Walker introduces ‘Jane Walker’: International round-up

Lacoste replaces crocodile logo with endangered species

Lacoste will do away with its iconic crocodile logo as part of a campaign to try and help save 10 of the world’s most endangered species.

Partnering with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the brand will replace the crocodile – which has featured on its polo shirts for 85 years – with depictions of 10 endangered animals.

The number of shirts available with each logo will depend on how many of the corresponding animals are left in the wild.

For instance, there are only 350 Sumatran tigers, so there will be only 350 polo shirts with the tiger logo available for purchase, and the Gulf of California porpoise will only have 30 shirts.

The collection will be showcased at Paris Fashion Week and is already available online with proceeds from each sale going toward the preservation of its species.

READ MORE: Lacoste’s iconic crocodile makes room for 10 endangered species on brand’s polo shirts

Johnnie Walker introduces ‘Jane Walker’ scotch to attract women

Whisky giant Johnnie Walker is set to adopt a temporary new look.

Its maker, Diageo, is launching a limited edition of its famed beverage in a bid to attract more women to the brand, while creating a greater push for gender equality.

While the spirit itself remains unchanged, the maker of the world’s best-selling scotch plans to temporarily replace its traditional logo – featuring a man wearing a top hat – with a woman named Jane Walker.

Diageo says the Johnnie Walker Black Label Jane Walker Edition bottles will champion women’s causes.

“We are proud to toast the many achievements of women and everyone on the journey towards progress in gender equality,” says Stephanie Jacoby, vice-president of Johnnie Walker.

This is the first time in more than a century that the brand has altered its logo.

Also, $1 from every bottle ($34) sold will be donated to charity, including Monumental Women which plans to create a monument honouring America’s women suffragists in New York City’s Central Park.

READ MORE: Johnnie Walker becomes Jane Walker for limited edition

McDonald’s rekindles relationship with Disney for Happy Meal promotion

McDonald’s has signed a new Happy Meal partnership with Disney in the US, marking the rebirth of their relationship after the pair severed ties in 2006 when the fast food-giant slashed its menu for kids.

Just last month McDonald’s promised to overhaul its kids menu in order to offer lower calorie meals with less sugar, saturated fat and sodium.

The move includes ditching cheeseburgers and chocolate milk. Although these items are still available for purchase if requested, they aren’t listed on the menu.

In 2006, Disney developed its nutritional guidelines which focus on the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy.

READ MORE: McDonald’s reunites with Disney on Happy Meals after more than a decade apart

Gap praised for showing woman breastfeeding in new advert

Gap has been praised by social media users for launching a campaign featuring a woman breastfeeding.

The retailer’s ‘Love by GapBody’ campaign is designed to promote the company’s new collection of comfortable basics through a series of images that illustrate a woman lounging at home and playing with a pet dog.

But it’s the photograph of a woman breastfeeding a baby that has stolen the spotlight.

The series was posted to Gap’s Instagram page and quickly attracted a number of comments from users heaping praise on the brand.

READ MORE: Gap ad featuring breastfeeding mom praised by Instagram users

Big brands cut ties with NRA

A number of brands, including First National Bank of Omaha, Hertz, Avis, Norton and Delta, have cut ties with the US National Rifle Association (NRA) as a response to mounting pressure from survivors of Florida’s recent mass school shooting.

The move comes just weeks after a gunman, armed with an AR-15 rifle, killed 17 people at a high school in Parkland, Florida.

Many companies are likely reacting to a social media movement donned, #BoycottNRA, which has been widely circulating online as the gun debate continues to heat up.

Companies that have yet to address their NRA links, including Apple and Amazon, are now facing public pressure to join the lobby.

READ MORE: Put down your weapons

EU seeks power to seize customers’ international personal data

The European Union is seeking power to seize customers’ personal data even if that data is stored on servers outside the 28-nation bloc, in what appears to be a challenge to tech giants.

According to reports, the initial plans only extended to the bloc, although it is understood the EU wants legislation that allows it to gather data held elsewhere.

The proposed law would apply to companies across the globe that do business with the EU.

Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court is said to hear arguments this week about whether Microsoft should hand over data held in Ireland in regard to a drug smuggling case.

READ MORE: EU wants power to seize your personal data, even if it’s held in the US