Ram Truck and Lucchese collaborate on range of handcrafted boots

Two iconic brands, Ram Truck and Texas-based bootmaker Lucchese, have collaborated on the launch of a premium, western-infused and handcrafted boot collection inspired by the craftsmanship and quality materials that are the hallmarks of the 2021 Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition.

“We’re excited to launch our design collaboration with premium boot maker Lucchese, showcasing again how the Ram Truck brand takes great pride in delivering a high level of quality and craftsmanship in every product delivered to customers,” says Marissa Hunter, Ram Truck Vice President of Marketing, North America.

“This one-of-a-kind collection brings together these two high-end brands, drawing inspiration from the premium materials featured inside the Ram Limited Longhorn 10th Anniversary Edition.”

Carefully designed with the utmost attention to detail and built to the ultimate specifications of Ram truck customers, the handcrafted boot collection includes five styles of Ram-branded boots: three for men and two for women.

“With any partnership Lucchese enters, we look for shared values and common purpose,” says Doug Hogue, Vice President of Product and Marketing for Lucchese. “Ram Truck clearly exemplifies a drive and desire to provide the highest quality and most premium experiences to their customers. At Lucchese, we feel the same.

“Together, we have been able to celebrate the beauty and craft that unites us through the western lifestyle.”

To commence the collaboration, both the Ram Truck brand and Lucchese dive deeper into the creative process, creation and execution of the boot collection on Ram’s Behind the Badge hub, featuring an interview with Ryan Nagode, Chief Interior Designer, Ram Truck brand, and Trey Gilmore, Director of Product Development, Lucchese.

The full collection is available now for pre-order at https://lucchese.com.

 

Squishmallows pushes for global lifestyle brand status with cross-category product launches

Jazwares, along with its Kellytoy subsidiary, today unveiled an expansive consumer products licensing programme supporting its Squishmallows plush brand sensation.

On the heels of the milestone of 100 million Squishmallows sold, Jazwares is teaming with a raft of licensees to make Squishmallows a global lifestyle brands for fans, families, and collectors around the world.

“As the Squishmallows brand evolves, we’re focusing on impactful category collaborations that entertain and delight our millions of fans in authentic, meaningful ways,” says Judd Karofsky, Executive Vice President, Jazwares. “Our licensing partners are embracing the Squishmallows brand DNA and we can’t wait to launch unique new merchandise to a wide range of retailers and consumers this year and beyond.”

Each Squishmallows plush has a unique name and backstory that brings its personality to life. Squishmallows are sold at thousands of retail outlets, including independent and speciality stores, amusement parks and U.S. national chains such as Target, Five Below, Walgreens, Walmart, Learning Express, Cracker Barrel, CVS, Costco, Justice and Hallmark, and in the UK at Smyths, The Entertainer, Argos, Toymaster and more.

Squishmallows licensee highlights:

  • Bioworld, the pop culture specialists, is known for delivering lifestyle collections to fans globally across apparel, loungewear, headwear, bags, socks, collectable accessories and more. In 2022 Bioworld will offer a full suite of Squishmallows branded merchandise.
  • BigMouth, a designer and manufacturer of fun lifestyle products, will make Squishmallows branded pool floats, cooler bags, beach chairs and pop-up tents.
  • BBC International is a global design, development and sourcing footwear company currently offering a full line of Squishmallows branded footwear.
  • Franco Mfg. will develop Squishmallows bedding and accessories including throws, as well as beach and bath blankets.
  • Fashion Angels Enterprises will offer students and teachers exciting new Squishmallows fashion stationery and back-to-school accessories.
  • In partnership with Parkside Collectibles (OEM), Jazwares will launch a new line of Squishmallows-inspired trading cards with Series 1 scheduled to arrive in the U.S. market this year. The cards feature Squishmallows favourites, with more than 650 cards to collect.
  • Primary Colors, a premier producer of cookies, candy and snacks, will partner with Jazwares to bring fun and innovative Squishmallows gummy and candy products to retail stores nationwide.

Established in 2017, Squishmallows has become a social media sensation that continues to cultivate a strong following online.

Organic Squishmallows content has generated nearly 5 billion video views on TikTok and @squishmallows (and related hashtags) have been tagged in more than one million Instagram posts. The Squishmallows social media channels have ballooned to more than 700,000 followers and nearly 100 global and local Facebook groups have been created by fans.

More than 1,000 Squishmallows ranging from two to 24-inches in size have gained the attention of bona fide Squishmallows fans in more than 40 countries. Such strong brand retention has resulted in multiple line extensions, including HugMees, Squish-Doos, Heroes, Flip-A-Mallows, and Squishville.

LINE FRIENDS partners with Starbucks for festive collaboration

LINE FRIENDS, the popular characters based on stickers from messaging app Line, have partnered with Starbucks to unveil a new Christmas collaboration across Asia Pacific, featuring BROWN (“the bear with an unchanging expression”), CONY, and the entire BROWN & FRIENDS character lineup.

The Starbucks x LINE FRIENDS collaboration offers gift-worthy lifestyle accessories, as well as also a video featuring BROWN on LINE FRIENDS’ official Youtube and Instagram to inspire Millennials and Gen Z with the heartwarming message of “Yet still merry”. 

The collaboration unfolds with the story of how BROWN encounters himself from the past at a Starbucks store, and gains heartwarming cheer and hope after reading a touching message from BROWN in the past.

LINE FRIENDS has also produced a selection of festive-themed LINE messenger stickers and a Zoom virtual background.

“This collaboration brings together Starbucks and LINE FRIENDS’ shared passion for creating meaningful moments and making every day special,” says Erin Silvoy, vice president, Product and Marketing, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “This partnership brings our customers merry fun and holiday cheer, along with a new way to connect with loved ones and share a special moment this holiday season.”

The limited-edition lifestyle essentials – including planners, tumblers, plush toys, tote bags and many more – are now available to purchase at select Starbucks stores across 12 regions in Asia Pacific – Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam – while supplies last. More updates on the Starbucks® X LINE FRIENDS collaboration will follow in 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

Reemsborko signs artist Matt Bailey

Artist Matt Bailey has signed with Reemsborko exclusively for all territories and categories.

Bailey is an internationally renowned artist with a serious fanbase and social media following, whose work is always in demand on people’s bodies as both apparel and tattoos. He has worked with Mighty Jaxx on a collectable toy and also with the hip-hop artists Run The Jewels, designing a label for one of their beers.

Max Arguile of Reemsborko commented: “Reemsborko constantly seeks the most interesting IP out there and I first heard about Matt when he was suggested for a screen print license for one of our anime properties. Unfortunately, the licensor felt it was a little too out-there for the brand. His style and content is often not for the faint-hearted and much of it is frankly NSFW but that still leaves a lot of really commercial imagery that are proven best-sellers and which is already in demand from the retailers that have seen it.

“Funnily enough, in a presentation to a licensee last week, merely the mention of his name was sufficient for them to exclaim, ‘Oh, I love Matt Bailey – if we sign this, please can he also tattoo me?’”

“As my artwork has grown over the last few years, demand for my merchandise has overwhelmed my ability to keep up with it,” says Matt Bailey. “The idea of licensees putting this into retail is very appealing. The fans won’t have to wait for items as they will be able to buy it locally and I won’t have the hassle of shipping and the stress of returns.”

For licensing and merchandise enquiries, email max@reemsborko.com

Yin’s Brazil partners with Emoji by BRITTO for school and travel collection

In partnership with the brand Emoji by BRITTO, Yin’s Brazil has presented its first licensed collection for 2022.
Designed for the school and travel markets, the products capture the personality of world-renowned Brazilian artist, painter and sculptor Romero Britto and the contagious joy of Emoji – The Iconic Brand.

Known for his use of vibrant colours and geometric lines, Romero Britto conveys optimism, happiness and love through his art, and his joyful style is captured in each piece of the new collection.

Combining practicality with great design and quality, the Emoji by BRITTO product line includes backpacks, thermal bags, cases, accessories and travel bags, all decorated with exclusive prints. Aimed at teens and twentysomethings, the collection will be available from January in all Brazil’s major stores.

Official partners of the Emoji Company include more than 1,000 world famous global license partners, amongst them Sony Pictures Animation, PUMA, L’Oréal, Ferrero, Unilever, Burger King, Zara, The Hershey Company, Walmart, Danone, Nikon, Fuji, Nestlé, Lidl, Kellogg´s, Danone, Nikon, Aldi, Pepsico, Miss Sixty, the BBC, C&A and more.

The Emoji brand was recognised as the third most influential brand in the world, behind Lego and Coca-Cola, by the Powerlist. See more at www.emoji.com

 

US streetwear brand FLAN teams with The Laughing Cow for capsule collection

In a deal brokered by Design Plus Licensing, streetwear brand FLAN has linked up with the iconic cheese snack brand The Laughing Cow to launch a football-themed capsule collection for the US market.

FLAN x The Laughing Cow continues FLAN’s tradition of mixing fresh, funky colours with cosy materials, and playing with themes and textures. The collection comprises give t-shirts, a vinyl hoodie, shorts and pants, fleece sweatpants and a polo jersey, all crafted from 100% organic fabrics.

The FLAN logo appears inside the ear tags of The Laughing Cow logotype insignia. Drawing inspiration from the familiar cheese packaging, blue diagonal stripes make a design statement throughout the capsule. Using 100% sustainable fabrics, the result is a half-cosy, half-sporty assortment highlighted by a soccer kit with the number 100 as a nod to The Laughing Cow’s 100th birthday.

FLAN Founder Jared Vinik says: “The Laughing Cow is an icon of the snack world, a globally recognised brand. Both familiar and nostalgic, so many of us grew up eating their cheese snacks and still do. It is an honour to collaborate on a capsule for their 100th birthday. At FLAN, if we are not eating we are laughing, so this collection really exemplifies why we do this.”

BEL SA Head of Licensing Patrick Tamburlin adds: “Thanks to Design Plus for brokering this exciting deal. I am impressed with The Laughing Cow x FLAN apparel range and FLAN’s creative interpretation of our band. It’s an astonishingly exciting collab to finish the year – the perfect Christmas gift!”

Price points ranging from $70 for t-shirts to $200 for a hoodie. The collection is available to purchase online via www.flanlabs.com only, from Friday 10 December.

 

Rollacrit and Asmodee Entertainment debut first CATAN merchandise collection

Rollacrit and Asmodee Entertainment have launched the first collection in their CATAN merchandise partnership, which celebrates the hit board game.

The collection features a range of apparel and mugs aimed at dedicated and casual CATAN fans alike. Rollacrit will be releasing a full range of merchandise including more apparel designs, accessories, collectables and homewares, available at Rollacrit.com.

Lifestyle brand Rollacrit was recently contracted as the official merchandise supplier for 2021 for GenCon, the largest tabletop game convention in the US. The new range of CATAN merchandise has been developed by Rollacrit’s designers, who are themselves fans, with fellow fans in mind.

“With the ‘Greetings From Catan’ collection, we focused on channelling the natural beauty and rustic feel of the world of CATAN,” says Nick Carr, Creative Director at Rollacrit. “As long-time CATAN players ourselves, partnering with Asmodee Entertainment has given us a fantastic opportunity to create a line we hope will inspire everyone to visit the game world we know and love.”

The ‘Greetings from Catan’ series takes fans on a tour of Catan’s landscapes, one for each of the valuable resources. Visit the Golden Fields for wheat, the Verdant Pastures for sheep, the Lush Forest for wood or the Scenic Mountains for ore, while brick can be found in the Rugged Hills. Each design is available on both mugs and unisex t-shirts.

“Rollacrit came to the table with so many great ideas. You could really tell they are fans,” says Katha Busk, Product Development Coordinator for Asmodee Entertainment. “They did, and continue to do, great work melding their modern and clever sense of design with the beautiful world of CATAN. I’m really excited to share their hard work with CATAN fans!”

This first collection is currently available on Rollacrit.com.

Igloo and Monster Jam unleash Playmate cooler collection

Igloo and Monster Jam, the action-packed motorsports experience for families, have unleashed a special-edition collection that unites two of the most recognisable Monster Jam trucks — Grave Digger and El Toro Loco — with the world’s most recognisable cooler, the Playmate.

“Teaming up with Monster Jam, the larger-than-life sport, has been the ultimate experience,” says Brian Garofalow, Chief Marketing Officer at Igloo. “There’s nothing like the thrill of experiencing Monster Jam live, and now, with our new Grave Digger and El Toro Loco Playmates, there’ll be nothing else out there like these monster truck-inspired coolers to keep your drinks ice-cold, especially when you’re going full throttle while tailgating at the stadium!”

Igloo incorporated fan-favourite monster truck design elements into the artwork of each new Monster Jam Playmate cooler. The Grave Digger Playmate — based on one of the most decorated Monster Jam trucks — goes all in on its popular green, black and purple colour scheme, along with the skull and graveyard graphics seen on the real-life truck and the “Bad to the Bone” saying. The El Toro Loco Playmate brings in the famous raging bull’s nose and horns, truck chassis, iconic flames and the “Mess With the Bull & You Get the Horns” saying.

The new Monster Jam Grave Digger and El Toro Loco Playmate Pal coolers are available now on igloocoolers.com/monsterjam.

Keeping Christmas lunch on track with Munchy Play plates

If you’re looking for the ideal gift for a toddler this Christmas, a Munchy Play plate is right on track.

Featuring a built-in railtrack, the award-winning Munchy Play Thomas & Friends Train Track Plate Collection comes in three designs: Thomas (blue), James (red) and Percy (green). For car lovers, there’s also a separate Vroom-Vroom car plate.

Sophia Procter, Munchy Play founder and CEO, said: “This Christmas, bring the whole family together with the Thomas & Friends Train Track Plate collection. Universally loved by grandparents, parents and young children, the fun designs make the perfect festive gift, stocking filler and Secret Santa for everyone to enjoy.”

Designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers, the tableware features high-sides and a non-slip base for self-feeding, whilst the track takes children on a journey from Knapford Station, passing tunnels, trees and traffic lights along the way. There’s even a ‘train ticket’ gift tag on the packaging for writing a personalised message.

Made in Britain, the tableware is made from polypropylene, which is free of BPA, PVC and melamine. With zero-single-use plastic, both the product and packaging can be recycled. The collection is available from Munchyplay.com and Amazon, from £15.99.

Iron Maiden and Marvel join forces for merchandise collection

Iconic British rock band Iron Maiden and entertainment powerhouse Marvel have collaborated to create a unique collection of merchandise. Fans of both will be dealt a wide assortment of apparel and accessories that highlight iconic Marvel characters and the notorious otherworldly Iron Maiden character Eddie.

The collaboration interweaves the universes of both brands, with designs that pay tribute to Wolverine, Venom, Thanos and Deadpool in unique variations of iconic album and single artwork such as Fear of the Dark, The Trooper and Killers.

Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood says: “Eddie has long stood shoulder to shoulder with the greatest superheroes and we’re also pretty proud of the Worlds we created for his many incarnations  – from battlefields to Egyptian tombs to frozen ice-scapes or futuristic cities. Juxtaposing some of the most recognisable characters in pop art and comic-book culture into planet Maiden has been an ambition of ours for years, and working with Marvel and their unparalleled character-based IP is the perfect fit in this day and age.

“To see such iconic characters alongside Eddie is something our fans have discussed for years and we think that the twist of placing Venom, Thanos, Thor or Deadpool in our Maiden worlds will excite fans of both cultures.”

Iron Maiden is recognised as having one of the most iconic figures in music in the shape of Eddie, whose image appeared on the band’s debut single “Running Free” and has evolved to adorn every piece of artwork, including albums, tour posters, beer labels, graphic novels and merchandise, even featuring in computer games and award-winning mobile RPG game, Legacy of the Beast.

“Marvel is cool and aspirational, and has inspired the greatest artists, musicians and creators for more than 80 years,” says Paul Gitter, SVP, Marvel Licensing. “This collaboration offers another exciting example of how the Marvel brand continues to push into lifestyle areas, with music being a top priority, and the collection allows fans to pay tribute to our iconic characters while celebrating the legendary Iron Maiden.”

The collection launches in time for the holidays and is available through Iron Maiden’s online store, speciality retailer Hot Topic and German e-tailer, EMP.