Features

April Fool’s round-up 2021: Budget trips to orbit, flowers of disdain and eau de bookshop perfume

It's 1 April. And that can only mean one thing - a flurry of tall stories, spoof launches and fake news. Here, Mumbrella gives a run down of the nonsense that's landed in our inbox.

Contiki

It’s been a quiet year on the travel front. But that hasn’t stopped Contiki launching a sub-brand: ContikiX.

Working alongside Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactica, the new venture will offer budget travel for Gen Z travellers keep to spread their wings that bit further – into orbit.

“Due to the pandemic and questionable state of the planet, I think a lot of people are over Earth at the moment and are looking for an escape,” MD Katrina Barry explained. “Which is why can’t wait to offer this once-in-a-lifetime experience to our guests in the future, and to be among the first humans to orbit Earth!”

For those not interested in the view, the space ship comes equipped with an on-board dancefloor.

Legoland

More product innovation has materialised in Legoland – in the form of a life-size replica of Victoria premier Daniel Andrews.

Its master builder, Kieran Jiwa said he was keen to pay homage to his fellow Victorian as a “thank you” for his tireless work during the Covid pandemic.

ME Bank

The online bank has designed what it’s promoting as the “ultimate in financial comfort”. The Bucksuit.

Described as a modern twist on the tracksuit, the fabulous new clothing line comes with built-in sleeve pockets to keep bank cards and a budget-tightening hoody drawstring for “tunnel vision when you need to block out unnecessary spending”.

It’s “undeniable look of financial confidence,” according to ME Money Expert Matthew Read.

Domino’s

Garlic bread without the garlic. That’s the new sumptuous offering from Domino’s.

“Once it’s safe to be together again, Domino’s Bread will remove the risk of any awkward, and potentially date night-destroying, garlic breath encounters, while still satisfying the need for comforting carbs and human contact,” proclaimed CEO Nick Knight. “There’s been a lot going on in all of our lives and our customers have told us enough is enough. They are craving simplicity.

“That’s why we have completely re-invented our best-selling Garlic Bread. We’ve taken it right back to the grain and removed the sensory overload of garlic and butter altogether.”

Madame Tussauds

If gawping at waxwork lookalikes is somehow your thing, Madame Tussauds has a treat in store – Karen the complainer is its newest addition.

“Karen has garnered so much attention globally that the good folks at Madame Tussauds Sydney decided that it was time she was honoured with her very own wax figure,” the attraction said.

“Karen will be complete with the signature asymmetrical bob and highlights, she’ll have acrylic nails and over-sized sunnies. But what will really bring Karen to life will be that she’s a talking figure and we’re calling on the public to help us select what she’ll say.”

 

Sea Life Melbourne

It’s a world first at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium with visitors given an opportunity not just to eat fish at the restaurant, but to dine with them in the 2.2 million litre Oceanarium.

“Competing with sharks, rays and hundreds of fish for food, Underwater Private Dining gives guests the opportunity to even closer to the magnificent marine creatures residing at the Aquarium,” gushes the made-up promotional spiel.

 

Rakuten Kobo

It may be a retailer of digital reading and the adversary of tradition, but Rakuten Kobo knows what the people really want. The smell of a decent, old-school bookshop.

Which is why it’s launched Kobo Papier, a perfume inspired by lignin, the naturally occurring organic compound that gives wood-based paper its characteristic aroma.

“Specially formulated to appeal to bookworms worldwide, Kobo has done the unthinkable but most desirable; bottling up the comforting scent of books and paper into a wearable fragrance,” heralds the company.

“Bursting with top notes of musty aged paper, alongside a deeper scent of sweet ink with a dash of tasteful potpourri and a sprinkling of violets, Kobo Papier will leave the reader with the essence of well-thumbed books and literature.”

SBS

If some of SBS’s offerings aren’t bleak enough, viewers can now turn any show into a fest of Nordic Noir misery with Noir on Demand

Not only that, but the broadcaster has introduced Fun on Demand where technology turns any adult-rated content into a family-themed funfest.

Rounding off the new features is U on  Demand.

“It takes the velocity of Deep Fake tech to an unparalleled level (and saves you a fortune in acting classes, too, if that’s a career you were looking to pursue),” SBS said. “With U On Demand you’re literally the Star of the Show (albeit at the expense of the actual stars of the show).”

Floraly

The online florist has hit on a new business venture: Flowers of Disdain. In addition to sending fresh flowers to loved ones in the traditional way, customers can now send dead bouquets to those they loathe.

“The sustainable florist is collecting dead flowers from other florists and growers, to give people the opportunity to send shrivelled petals to those they don’t like,” Floraly enthused.

Nando’s

The days of wasting precious Peri-Sauce or Peri-Salt while tucking into a Nando’s meal are over – with the brand promoting Finger Gloves on its social media accounts to keep fingertips pristine.

Nando’s shared the announcement on socials last night: “Whether you’re tucking into a lemon and herb classic wrap or a juicy, extra hot tender, slip these protective bois on and keep those fingertips pristine. One size fits all!

 

Chobani

This morning, Chobani Australia announced the release of a chilled face mask range made with the natural goodness of Chobani Greek yogurt, “and rich in active ingredients that help naturally exfoliate and moisturise the skin”.

Taking the natural skincare trend to a whole new level, Chobani’s would-be face mask range included three products: Chobani Anti-Aging Face Mask, Chobani Hydrating Face Mask and a Chobani Brightening Face Mask bursting with Vitamin C from real tropical fruit.

Here’s a round up of April Fool coverage in 2019.

 

 

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Get the latest media and marketing industry news (and views) direct to your inbox.

Sign up to the free Mumbrella newsletter now.

 

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to our free daily update to get the latest in media and marketing.