Products of Brand Mash-Ups

Reebok Kool-Aid Collection

The Reebok Kool-Aid Collection is the answer to a riddle as old as footwear itself: What if your sneakers smelled like grape drink? The collection launched earlier this year with logo-branded shoes sporting aroma-infused sock liners in scents such as grape and lemon-lime. Kool-Aid "has such recognition that it's a natural fit for a company such as Reebok to partner with them," says Christian Stegmaier, Reebok's head of lifestyle. Plus, the sneakers provide extra traction when bursting through walls.

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Hello Kitty products for men

"Young men these days grew up with character goods," a Sanrio spokesman told the Associated Press, explaining the launch of Hello Kitty products for men. "That generation feels no embarrassment about wearing Hello Kitty." Unembarrassing mens' sportswear is a $75 billion business, and indeed, the shirts, bags, and watches sold out when introduced into trendy boutiques in Japan and on the West Coast.

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Dr. Dre's Sparkling Vodka

The East Coast -- West Coast aperitif wars are just a memory (although who can forget DJ Yella's Mella Yella Limoncella?). Now the turf battle is clear spirits. Ciroc Vodka's deal with Sean Combs hinted that the East might win without a fight. But hold on: This fall, Drinks Americas Holdings, maker of Willie Nelson's Old Whiskey River Bourbon, will debut Dr. Dre's sparkling vodka. Dre promises to "put the best product out there, because that's what I do." His brilliant move -- carbonating vodka -- could deflate the firm's planned "50 Cent's In Da Club Soda."

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Nascar Ultraportable Diabetes Testing Kit

Never miss a minute of pulse-pounding, glucose-raising action, thanks to the Nascar Ultraportable Diabetes Testing Kit, created in partnership with Accu-Chek. "Nascar is America, and America has a diabetes problem," says a Nascar spokesperson. "It's right for our brand." The "Dale Earnhardt of diabetes meters" comes emblazoned with the logos of some of Nascar's most popular corporate partners, including Coca-Cola, Mars Snackfood US, and Kellogg's.

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