Category Archives: Lifestyle

Thermos UK taps illustrator Rachel Ellen for kids’ range

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Thermos UK has signed an exclusive three-year licensing agreement with popular children’s stationery and greetings card designer Rachel Ellen to create a unique FUNtainer range of bottles, food flasks and lunch bags.

The iconic Thermos brand will initially launch four themed children’s collections featuring illustrations that are instantly recognisable as Rachel Ellen creations. The cute, brightly coloured Dinosaur, Pirate, Mermaid and Unicorn collections will feature a FUNtainer Bottle to keep drinks cool for up to 12 hours, a FUNtainer Food Flask to keep foods hot or cold and a Lunch Kit for transporting packed lunches.

Rachel Ellen Designs was founded in 1997 when Rachel retired from a career as a professional ballet dancer and began hand painting greeting cards at her kitchen table. Twenty-five years later the company is one of the leading publishers in the UK and a market leader in the children’s greeting card, stationery and gift sector, distributed to more than 40 countries worldwide.

Rachel says: “I’ve grown up using Thermos products, as my parents and grandparents did before me. I was therefore delighted to collaborate with such an iconic brand and use some of my best-loved designs to bring a children’s range to life. Everyone loves a fun food and drink container – kids and adults alike!”

Nick Kime, MD at Thermos UK, adds: “Thermos has been around for over 100 years and we actually launched our first children’s lunchbox way back in 1957 in the US, when two million of our Roy Rogers design were sold. We have since remained at the forefront of innovation in the sector, continuing to develop the hottest and coolest products for people on the go and our FUNtainer products have been a best-seller in the UK since they were introduced almost 20 years ago.

“Partnering with Rachel Ellen is a natural fit for our brand. Her instantly recognisable designs will resonate with children and their parents alike.”

The Rachel Ellen range from Thermos UK is BPA free and the FUNtainer Bottle and FUNtainer Food Flask come with a five-year guarantee.

For more information go to: www.thermos.co.uk

Transport technology brand Cosworth revs up licensing programme

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British technology and engineering brand Cosworth has announced its first positions on the licensing grid.

Cosworth has applied its leading-edge expertise to design and build propulsion systems and intelligent solutions for the motorsport and automotive industries – from Formula 1 to the Aston Martin Valkyrie – for over 60 years,

Now, Cosworth Group Holdings Limited is working with Faster Brands to negotiate licence agreements and collaborations in association with Ford Motor Company. Cosworth is partnering with Hornby Hobbies to create the Ford Escort Cosworth and Ford Sierra Cosworth rally and race cars as die-cast models and slot car racing models for Hornby’s Scalextric range.

A partnership with Poetic Gem has also been announced for a range of fashion apparel.

In addition, Cosworth has announced a collaboration with leading bespoke watch company Dartmouth Brands for a range of unique watch designs supported by great historic stories, targeting the collector, consumer retailers and specialist online direct-marketing sectors.

The company is also entering the world of E-SPORTS, with details to be announced shortly.

Faster Brands MD Chris Parkes says: “Cosworth has such a rich heritage in motorsport and we are proud to be working them to find the right partnerships that celebrate their past and present successes.”

“Cosworth has a proud history of innovation, and we look forward to growing our relationship with Faster Brands to showcase our rich and varied history with our key licensing partners,” adds Nick Greenway, Marketing Director at Cosworth Group Holdings.

To learn more about licensing opportunities with Cosworth, contact Chris@Fasterbrands.co.uk or David@Fasterbrands.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Tweety’s 80th anniversary celebrations take flight

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WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences (WMGBE) is reminding the world that Tweety is no ordinary canary by launching an 80th anniversary celebration on a global scale.

As one of Looney Tunes’ most beloved characters, Tweety is known for being unflappable and unapologetically authentic. WMGBE has commissioned a diverse group of artists worldwide to design 80 original murals reflecting Tweety’s rich history and dynamic personality.

The “80 Years of Tweety” campaign kicked off in Austin at SXSW 2022 on March 11, where the first group of murals officially debuted. The anniversary honours will continue throughout the year across the Studio with new Tweety content from HBOMax, WarnerMedia Kids & Family, along with new themed experiences and collections from Warner Bros. Consumer Products. The celebration will culminate on Tweety’s birthday on November 21, 2022.

Free for everyone to enjoy, the Tweety-themed works of art will appear in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, United Arab Emirates and more. In the United States, Tweety murals will be seen in more than 30 cities. To track where to find Tweety murals, as well as all things Tweety, visit Tweety’s Anniversary website.

“For eighty years, Tweety has marched to the beat of his own drum, inherently representing what it means to be unapologetically yourself. His endearing personality has made him a pop culture favourite and he’s known for making appearances in the most unexpected ways,” says Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.

“As a key member of the Looney Tunes franchise, we definitely wanted to celebrate Tweety’s 80th in a big way and are excited for the year-long celebration ahead. Keep your eyes out for him to pop up anywhere, from fashion to collectibles and more.”

To complete the murals, WMGBE collaborated with 16 artists, each with a different take on the tiny hero. Tweety’s signature yellow colour runs through the designs, but the artists’ different styles will make each one unique. Artists have been selected through the lens of diversity across different countries, artistic mediums and expressions, ethnicities, genders and sexualities.

In addition to the murals, Tweety’s 80th Anniversary celebration features products, content, experiences and more, including:

  • Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) will announce new offerings and partnerships across all categories (fashion, collectibles, beauty, and more) throughout the year. Available now only on WBCP’s Looney Tunes Shop is the all-new Tweety’s 80th Mural Collection. The collection is set to feature a number of the 80 Tweety-inspired mural designs on a unique selection of merchandise and apparel. The ultimate fan destination to celebrate Tweety, the Looney Tunes Shop will unveil product drops throughout the year, including merchandise with Tweety mural designs yet to be revealed, leading up to Tweety’s birthday on November 21, 2022.
  • Loungefly has produced a Tweety 80th Anniversary Plush Backpack. The front features Tweety’s unmistakable shape, featuring wings on the front zipped compartment that move back and forth ($80.00). Also available is a Tweety and Sylvester 80th Anniversary Zip Around Wallet ($40.00). Available now, both products feature Tweety 80th Anniversary motif on the inside lining, along with vegan leather.
  • Available now, the Ugly Dukling x Tweety Bird Collection is a limited-edition, box collection of luxury 3D magnetic eyelashes featuring a special-dose of Tweety. The curated collection features four classic statement style lashes named “Tweety Pie,” “Tweety Bird,” “Looney Luxury Lashes” and “I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat!” Presented in Tweety-themed keepsake packaging, the collection continues Ugly Dukling Beauty’s tradition of high quality, hand crafted seven-magnet eyelashes.
  • Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment will be joining in on the festivities for Tweety’s birthday with exclusive murals around the world including at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. Movie World in Australia, and Parque Warner Madrid.
  • HBO Max: Tweety continues to star in the hit Looney Tunes Cartoons animated series from Warner Bros. Animation now streaming on HBO Max. New episodes will debut from the Max Original series throughout the year in celebration of the beloved yellow canary.
  • Cartoonito: This summer, Tweety will star alongside fellow Looney Tunes characters in Bugs Bunny Builders, a new preschool animated series produced by Warner Bros. Animation, coming to Cartoonito on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

 

Marvel teams with The Prince’s Trust to give aspiring designers their first break

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Marvel has announced the launch of its first ever Marvel & The Prince’s Trust collection, created in collaboration with the youth charity.

Disney partnered with The Prince’s Trust on a two-week programme to give young aspiring designers the opportunity to break into the world of fashion and product design by pairing each participant with a mentor and hosting a series of exclusive, in-depth workshops.

This culminated in the aspiring designers creating two Marvel-inspired product ranges. The first, which spotlights Marvel’s The Avengers, features products with design influences from American street culture and sports after exploring current trends in the market, taking into consideration the themes of inclusivity as well as being inspired by the teamwork of Marvel’s super heroes. The collection will be available to purchase from The Disney Store and online from today at shopDisney.co.uk in the UK and across Europe.

This gender neutral collection features a range of products including The Prince’s Trust Avengers Hooded Sweatshirt (£45), The Prince’s Trust Marvel Avengers Backpack (£38), The Prince’s Trust Marvel Avengers Beanie (£20), and The Princes Trust Leather Journal and Pen (£40).

This year’s course, Get Started in Product Design with Marvel, was the first in the three-year partnership focused on providing nine young people, aged 16-30, with the change to design two Marvel product ranges with the support and mentorship of Disney’s designers.

The second range, celebrating female super heroes from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will go on sale later in the year – also exclusively on shopDisney.

 

 

River Island and Barbie launch Just Be EXTRA! collection

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Barbie – the world’s number-one fashion doll – and high street retailer River Island have teamed up for the second time for another fashionable kidswear collection.

The new collection is inspired by the Barbie EXTRA bold statement fashion dolls, with a range of apparel that includes playful and over-the-top slogan t-shirts, iconic matching lounge sets and more.

The ‘Just Be EXTRA!’ collection marks the second collaboration for the brands, following the sell-out success of their first partnership.

River Island says: “Let your little girl reach for the stars and rock her own unique style with our second RI X Barbie collection. Being a girl has no limits and neither do her clothes. More is always more!”

The collection campaign includes an influencer takeover on River Island’s social channels.

Barbie x River Island is available in 67 stores and online. The range is aimed at girls aged 3-16 years, with prices starting from RRP £15.

 

Bushmills Irish Whiskey is named the official tipple of Peaky Blinders

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Bushmills Irish Whiskey – from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery – has announced its designation as the Official Whiskey of the Peaky Blinders TV show, and preferred sipper of the notorious Shelby Family.

The partnership with Endemol Shine North America (a Banijay company), and Peaky Blinders’ official brand owner and series producer, Caryn Mandabach Productions, launches just in time for St. Patrick’s Day and will extend through 2022.

“The motivations of the Shelbys are those of family, loyalty and perseverance, which are the same qualities that have put Bushmills at the forefront of whiskey making for hundreds of years,” says Lander Otegui, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Proximo Spirits, Bushmills’ brand owner. “Over the course of our partnership, we are excited to connect with a new, dynamic generation of whiskey drinkers through collaborative content and experiences that speak to the history and heart of our brand.”

To kick off the partnership, U.S. fans of Bushmills Irish Whiskey and of the Peaky Blinders TV show can order a Shelby Sour from their local bar between now and 17 March, and Bushmills will cover the cost. The cocktail, inspired by Tommy Shelby, features sweet and fruity flavours, balanced by the smooth, warm finish of Bushmills Original Whiskey. Head to www.Bushmills.com/Shelby for official terms and conditions of the offer, the Shelby Sour recipe and an exclusive sneak peek into Bushmills’ next release.

“What better way to welcome Bushmills as the Official Whiskey of the Peaky Blinders TV series than with a free whiskey cocktail for our loyal fans,” says Scott Shillet, Vice President of Licensing at Endemol Shine North America. “We’re excited to give our extended Shelby family a first taste of the partnership this St. Patrick’s Day as they eagerly await the sixth and final season of the hit show.”

Throughout the year, Bushmills, Endemol Shine North America and Caryn Mandabach Productions will connect with U.S. consumers through a full-scale promotion featuring co-branded content, a national advertising campaign and live experiential moments.

 

 

 

 

Fender and Mattel collaborate for one-of-a-kind Hot Wheels collection

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Fender Musical Instruments Corporation’s Fender Custom Shop has announced the launch of a special collaboration with Mattel and Hot Wheels.

Created by the Shop’s team of 11 master builders and five apprentice builders, the Fender Custom Shop Hot Wheels collection consists of 16 one-of-a-kind, bespoke designs inspired by the die-cast vehicles introduced by Mattel in 1968.

Each guitar in the collection is designed with careful attention to unique designs, graphics and Hot Wheels colour shades that stay true to the 1:64 scale cars. In addition, each model comes with a Hot Wheels strap and pick set as well as a custom Hot Wheels Hardshell case, all adorned in the brand’s signature orange and blue, as well as a Hot Wheels die-cast that its associated guitar is inspired by and a certificate of authenticity.

“We’re honoured to be working with Mattel to bring this Hot Wheels collection to life,” says Mike Lewis, VP Product Development, Fender Custom Shop. “For years, we’ve taken a deep source of inspiration from the automobile industry and with such a unique take on cars, Hot Wheels was always a dream partner. Each builder crafted their own guitar with world-class creativity and we can’t wait for people globally to see these collectible products.”page1image15070912

“The Hot Wheels team is thrilled to create such a special collection of guitars with the global leaders of musical instruments at Fender Custom Shop,” says Ted Wu, Global Head of Hot Wheels Design at Mattel. “Both of our brands trace their roots back to California, with Hot Wheels embodying SoCal car culture and Fender synonymous with Los Angeles rock ’n’ roll. We can’t wait for artists and car enthusiasts alike to see these one-of-a-kind designs.”

The collection features a variety of established models, including the Stratocaster, Precision Bass, Telecaster, Jaguar and Katana.

“Hot Wheels rides have been just as much part of our team’s childhood as classic guitars, so getting the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind instruments inspired by some of our favourite cars has been a dream,” says Dennis Galuszka, FCS Master Builder. “Each builder brought their own unique take to the design process, which was influenced by years of childhood nostalgia and the iconic orange track. The final results are works of art that pay tribute to both Fender and Hot Wheels.”

As the bestselling toy in the world, Hot Wheels has become a worldwide powerhouse franchise with live and virtual events on almost every continent, sought-after consumer products and top-tier collaborations, a number-one-rated content channel on YouTube and more. While 16.5 Hot Wheels are sold every second and over 8 billion cars have been sold to date, the brand continues to expand its presence in new ways such as NFTs and digital gaming, with success across mobile, console and PC platforms.page5image15139584

Hot Wheels Collection guitars will be available for purchase at limited dealers. For more information visit www.fendercustomshop.com.

Barbie x Núnoo collection launches on MyBag

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MyBag has partnered with Núnoo, the Danish bag and accessories brand, and iconic doll brand Barbie, to launch an exclusive collection that launched in line with Barbie Day on 9 March. 

The capsule collection comprises six exclusive bags, including a re-envisioned version of the iconic Helena and Honey bags, a phone pouch and an AirPod holder, in either hot pink, light pink or black, with a hint of sparkle.  

Inspired by the concept of Barbie going to Copenhagen, the partnership combines the laid-back Scandinavian style of Núnoo with the iconic colours and branding of Barbie. Each bag is accessorised with an iconic Danish bicycle keyring with Barbie branding, to tie the theme together. 

MyBag is celebrating the new collection with a vibrant campaign featuring the ultimate girl gang, inspiring fun and confidence in personal style. In line with the MyBag ethos, the campaign promotes self-love and kindness, with the slogan ‘Together we shine with Barbie x Núnoo’.  

The collection will be stocked exclusively on MyBag.com. 

Simon Philips joins board of Falcon’s Beyond

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Simon Philips, one of the licensing industry’s most accomplished executives, has joined the board of Falcon’s Beyond Global.

He will use his unparalleled expertise will help drive the unique entertainment and consumer product synergies at the vertically-integrated experiential entertainment powerhouse – now deploying its 360° IP Expander model around the globe.

Philips has previously served as president of Marvel Entertainment International, where he was a member of the leadership team that helped build Marvel into a retail powerhouse and paved the way for its sale to Disney. He later became Executive Vice-President & General Manager, The Walt Disney Company, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, where his strategic approach to bringing to life iconic brands from across the Disney, Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel portfolio through licensing generated over $16 billion in annual sales.

Philips currently serves as Managing Director, Global Consumer Products, at Moonbug Entertainment, the company behind digital-first properties CoComelon and Blippi, and many others.

“Falcon’s Beyond is playing in an unlimited sandbox,” says Philips. “We have the IPs and we can create, distribute and optimise content across many platforms simultaneously. As we develop multiple touchpoints, we can rapidly grow a very successful consumer products programme. Then we have the unmatched opportunity to take all of that into immersive theme park spaces around the globe — at unprecedented speed.

“This transmedia superpower sets Falcon’s Beyond apart from its competition. No one else can do what Falcon’s Beyond can. It’s disruptive, it’s progressive. Falcon’s represents the future of engagement in IP.”

Cecil Magpuri, CEO of Falcon’s Beyond, says: “Having Simon Philips join the team is an undeniable testament to our vision. Falcon’s goes way back with Simon, starting with major Marvel projects in Korea and Dubai, and he understands that great storytelling is at the heart of everything we do. Simon brings over 30 years of incomparable experience and insight to the game. Again and again, he has proven his ability to see the future of global entertainment. Incredible things are on the horizon.”

Philips joins the board on the heels of Falcon’s most recent announcements of forthcoming projects in the entertainment and hospitality sectors. In September 2021, Falcon’s announced Curiosity Playground, a new experiential edutainment venue that will bring to life multiple iconic properties, such as Dinosaur Train, SuperWHY!, Odd Squad and Wild Kratts.

In December 2021, Falcon’s and global hotel company Meliá Hotels International announced plans to develop a world-class theme park and premier entertainment, dining, and retail destination in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Falcon’s Beyond Global brings its own proprietary and partner IPs to global markets through owned and operated theme parks, resorts, attractions, patented technologies, feature films, episodic series, consumer products, licensing, and beyond. The company has won numerous design awards and provided design services in 39 countries around the world.

www.falconsbeyondglobal.com

The Point.1888 lands new sub-agents and deals for Jimboart

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Art brand Jimbobart has been growing rapidly since it started its brand licensing journey with The Point.1888, with new projects in the pipeline for 2022.

Established in 2009 by illustrator James Ward, the brand focuses on eccentric and fun animal illustrations, each with human traits.

Jimboart enjoyed a record high number of orders for Christmas via Wolf & Badger and other B2C platforms. However, this year is shaping up to be an even bigger year for the brand. Jimboart kicked off 2022 by exhibiting at Top Drawer, showcasing its British Wildlife Collection (with a percentage of all sales being donated to the Sussex Wildlife Trust). There is an art exhibition in the works, and the brand is being stocked at many new retailers including Fenwick.

The buzz around Jimboart aligns with some new developments in the licensing programme. The Point.1888, master-agent of Jimbobart, has signed two new sub-agents – The Licensing Locomotive for Iberia, and Moxie for the US – to help grow the brand internationally.

This comes on the back of two new deals:

  • Tabletop, textiles and barware via Pure Tabletop to launch later this year
  • An ICanvas print deal across North America and Europe (arranged by Moxie)

Following the success of its previous ranges, Elite Tins will continue with the brand and deliver products to retail, including cake, sandwich, and biscuit tins.

Janine Richmond, Head of Brand at The Point.1888, says: “This is such an exciting time for Jimbobart and James. We’ve seen a real surge of interest thanks to the fun and quirky illustrations that bring a smile to your face whenever you see them. Bringing on two new sub-agents and new partners shows the cross-territory appeal of the brand and helps to grow the programme in an authentic and sustainable way. Bring on 22!”.

James Ward adds: “It’s great to see the momentum building up in the licensing programme with activity happening worldwide and more projects in the pipeline. I’m so happy to share my love of nature and wildlife with a growing audience, and it’s so lovely to hear stories from happy customers about their relationships with the animals and characters featured in my illustrations.”