Advertising is about creating memorable moments, and Cindy Crawford’s 1992 Pepsi commercial did exactly that. It wasn’t just about a soft drink—it was a masterclass in branding, fashion, and cultural influence.
In the early 1990s, Pepsi was competing aggressively against Coca-Cola. To stand out, the brand decided to lean into youth culture, pop icons, and stylish advertising. They hired Cindy Crawford, who was at the height of her modeling career, to star in their next Super Bowl commercial.
Shot at a small gas station in California, the commercial featured Crawford stepping out of a red Lamborghini, grabbing a can of newly redesigned Pepsi, and drinking it while two boys watched in awe. The twist? The boys were captivated by the can design, not the supermodel.
The 1992 Pepsi commercial became a marketing phenomenon because of its perfect execution:
- It Used Star Power Wisely – Cindy Crawford was already a global icon, and the ad leveraged her timeless beauty and charisma.
- It Had Humor – The unexpected twist at the end made the commercial clever and relatable.
- It Felt Cool and Aspirational – Everything, from the Lamborghini to the outfit, reinforced Pepsi’s youthful branding.
The Pepsi ad was so successful that it has been recreated multiple times:
- 2016 Fashion Editorials – Designers continue to reference the Crawford look from the commercial.
- 2018 Super Bowl Remake – Crawford reprised her role, starring alongside her son.
Few commercials have had the lasting cultural relevance of Cindy Crawford’s 1992 Pepsi ad. It remains a gold standard in advertising, showing how a simple, stylish concept can turn into an iconic moment.
