MAM
Times of India creates roadblock for Volkswagen brands
MUMBAI: Taking advantage of the economic slowdown, advertisers have worked out a new formula in what they term as a roadblock strategy.
Television channels were the first to benefit from this with HUL blocking out all ads on Star and Zee network channels so that its brands maximise their exposure and, hence, impact.
The print is catching on to this trend as advertisers pay a premium to let only their brands find commercial space on that “roadblocked” day.
The Times of India (TOI) has created the first print roadblock for German car manufacturer Volkswagen across its edition of 11 November.
Volkswagen has spent around Rs 100 million for the one- day roadblock, as per industry estimates.
As part of the roadblock, all Volkswagen brands including Jetta, Passat and Touareg have been advertised on all editions of TOI today.
This is Volkswagen‘s first India campaign which MediaCom, the media agency for the car brand, has crafted for the region.
TOI claims that the idea behind the roadblock is to co-create a single-engagement proposition for Volkswagen, thereby creating a huge impact.
Earlier in September, FMCG major Hindustan Unilever (HUL) blocked an entire day on Star and Zee networks and consumed the entire advertising airtime.
Ads of 20 HUL brands ran across 10 channels of the Star network including Star Plus, Star One, Star Gold, Star Utsav, Star Movies, Star World, Channel [V], Star Jalsha, Star Pravah and Star Vijay on 17 September.
On 24 September, a similar exercise was repeated on the Zee network with HUL running ads across 25 Zee channels.
HUL repeated the roadblock on the Star network channels on 29 October.
MAM
Jack&Jones unveils Spring Summer ’26 collection with 3 themes
Music, Rush and Travel chapters anchor expansive youth-focused drop.
MUMBAI: If fashion had a playlist, this one would come with a bass drop, a road trip, and a wardrobe change in between. Jack&Jones has rolled out its Spring Summer ’26 collection, pitching it as its most expansive seasonal showcase yet less a drop, more a three-act cultural statement. At the centre of the campaign is Volume 1: Music, a chapter that taps into India’s independent music scene and wears its attitude on its sleeve quite literally. Featuring artists like Loka, Wazir Patar and Aksomaniac, the line blends bold graphics with relaxed silhouettes and versatile denim designed to move effortlessly from stage lights to street style.
Denim, unsurprisingly, remains the headline act. From lived-in washes to rip-and-repair textures and wide-leg fits, the collection leans into familiarity while nudging expression forward aiming to feel both personal and performative at once.
The brand didn’t stop at aesthetics. Extending its music-first narrative into the real world, Jack&Jones partnered with the UN40 Music Festival held on March 14 and 15 in Bengaluru. The collaboration featured an experiential pop-up, complete with denim customisation zones, interactive installations and exclusive viewing experiences turning fashion into something you could not just wear, but play with.
Volume 2: Rush shifts gears into a faster lane, embracing high-energy aesthetics tailored for movement, momentum and a lifestyle that rarely stands still. Think sharper silhouettes, dynamic styling and a sense of urgency stitched into every look.
In contrast, Volume 3: Travel slows things down. This chapter leans into sun-washed palettes, lightweight layers and easy silhouettes built for spontaneity designed for consumers who prefer their fashion with a side of wanderlust.
Across all three volumes, the thread that ties it together is clear: denim as a constant, supported by breathable cottons and summer-ready fabrics that balance comfort with structure. The result is a collection that doesn’t just follow trends but attempts to mirror the rhythm of youth culture itself.
With Spring Summer ’26, Jack&Jones isn’t just selling clothes, it’s curating moods. And in a season where identity is as fluid as style, that might just be its strongest fit yet.
