Episode 3 of On Brand with Jimmy Fallon: A Celebration of Fashion and Creativity
On October 7, Episode 3 of On Brand with Jimmy Fallon graced the small screen, capturing viewers with an exciting fashion show scene orchestrated by Marshalls. This episode not only showcased style but also highlighted the innovative talents of aspiring marketers in a high-stakes competition.
How to Tune In
Fans can catch On Brand with Jimmy Fallon every Tuesday at 10/9c on NBC or stream it the next day on Peacock.
Contestants Take to the Streets
The episode featured the remaining nine contestants who took over the vibrant streets of New York City for a unique challenge: transform a real person into a fashion model displayed on a digital billboard. Emily Trent, Marshalls’ Head of Marketing, set the stage by explaining that the chosen activation should convey a fashion-forward identity that resonated with the brand’s ethos. This immersive experience aimed to capture genuine reactions from customers interacting with the campaign.
As host and CEO of the On Brand agency, Jimmy Fallon emphasized the importance of showcasing real people experiencing the excitement that comes with discovering premium merchandise at Marshalls.
Innovative Activation Ideas
The contestants rose to the occasion, pitching a plethora of creative ideas for fashionable and engaging activations. Notable pitches included:
- Dr. Raj Srivastava proposed a clever “Drip Bar,” which impressed industry expert Bozoma Saint John with its witty pun.
- Bianca Fernandez suggested a passport concept that highlighted different fashion destinations, while Elijah Bennett introduced a gambling-themed activation with the tagline “Luck Not Required.” However, feedback led to a rebranding of his idea to “Luck Guaranteed.”
- Mahiri Takai, a seasoned fashion veteran, envisioned a Marshalls-branded closet featuring stylists to help visitors discover their personal styles.
- Lauren Karwoski sought to bring Hollywood glamour to NYC with a glambot experience similar to what’s seen on Oscar red carpets.
Ultimately, Mahiri’s closet and Lauren’s glambot concept stood out, with both showing exceptional promise.
The Head-to-Head Challenge
As the episode progressed, Mahiri teamed up with Azhelle Wade, Pyper Bleu, and Sabrina Burke, while Lauren collaborated with Bianca, Ryan Winn, Dr. Raj, and Elijah to refine their ideas. The competitors’ activations were erected side by side, allowing for friendly critiques and healthy competition.
Mahiri’s activation aimed to transform a generic closet into a captivating Marshalls-branded space, while Lauren’s concept featured a dynamic 360-degree glambot setup that engaged passersby. As they prepared, the tension mounted, with both teams concerned about how their designs compared to each other.
The Moment of Truth: Who Wins?
Upon unveiling the activations, Fallon, Saint John, and Trent scrutinized the offerings. While both concepts received praise, Lauren’s glambot was criticized for overshadowing the Marshalls products. Ultimately, Mahiri’s closet activation, which effectively showcased the merchandise, was deemed the standout pitch.
Moved by the win, Mahiri found the moment emotional as he envisioned showcasing his billboard to his children, marking a significant personal milestone—he had once worked in a coffee shop mere steps from his evolving career’s highlight.
Saint John described this emotional episode, conveying how fashion captures moments and evokes feelings. She highlighted the personal connection Mahiri had to his idea, deepening its impact not just on him, but on everyone involved.
What’s Next for Contestants?
As the conclusion of Episode 3 drew near, a surprising twist occurred—no one went home! This leaves fans eagerly anticipating the next episode, set to air on Friday, October 10 at 8/7c, where viewers will discover who will face elimination in this ongoing competition.
Each week of On Brand with Jimmy Fallon continues to serve as a stage for creativity and emotional storytelling, keeping audiences both entertained and invested in the contestants’ journeys.