"PainVisible" by VML Madrid & New York for Aritium
- Winner in General Excellence
VML has once again secured its place among the world’s most impactful creative agencies, with two of its groundbreaking campaigns—PainVisible and Living Fabric—earning recognition in Fast Company’s 2026 World Changing Ideas List.
The PainVisible campaign has been celebrated for its innovative approach to raising awareness about invisible illnesses. By utilizing cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) technology, the campaign gave viewers a visceral understanding of the daily struggles faced by individuals with chronic pain conditions. Through immersive visuals and storytelling, PainVisible challenged societal perceptions and fostered empathy, creating a powerful platform for advocacy and change.
Meanwhile, Living Fabric pushed the boundaries of sustainable innovation in the fashion industry. The campaign showcased a revolutionary textile that actively absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, addressing the urgent need for climate action. By collaborating with leading designers and sustainability experts, VML brought attention to the potential of science and creativity to combat environmental challenges.
This recognition follows VML’s inclusion in Fast Company’s 2025 list for its Absurd Promises campaign, which tackled consumer trust in advertising, and the 2024 accolade for Dogs Without Borders, a VML Health initiative for SFBO that spotlighted the role of therapy dogs in bridging emotional gaps.