Strange Brandfellows

By Jeremy Caplan

CORPORATE MARKETERS SEEM TO BE COUPLING ODDLY THESE days. We have Stoli-flavored sugar, Starburst-sweetened milk--even a Bulgari-brand hotel. The latest corporate marriages are carrying cross-promotional synergy into new frontiers of commerce. --By Jeremy Caplan

ADIDAS + GOODYEAR The tire giant did more than just rubber-stamp these Adidas Tuscany shoes. The company used its Eagle F1 tire treads to inspire a new design for the soles of this trendy model .

NICKELODEON + HOLIDAY INN Nick@Nite, anyone? The co-branded Nickelodeon Family Suites, set to open in May, will offer a water park, arcade and other family-friendly attractions.

ACER + FERRARI This laptop has nothing to do with the auto world, but why not slap on a snazzy car logo anyhow? Packed into a candy red casing, the Ferrari 3400's style is its strength.

STARBUCKS + JIM BEAM The ubiquitous coffee chain won't sell this new Kahlua-like liqueur in its stores. But after successfully marketing coffee ice cream, the brewing champ is going into bars.

APPLE + SWAROVSKI Decorated with 1,000 crystals (one for each of the 1,000 songs it can store), this iPod mini joins a piano, cell phones and other new "Crystallized with Swarovski" products.