Category Archives: Lifestyle

Caroline Mickler named UK licensing agency for Surge Brands’ Toxic Waste Sour Candy

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Caroline Mickler Ltd. has been appointed as the exclusive UK Licensing Agency on behalf of Surge Brands Inc, to develop a brand licensing campaign for Candy Dynamics Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour Candy.

“I am thrilled to be representing this dynamic brand which has a huge following,” said Caroline Mickler. “Launched in the UK in 2005 by distributor Newbridge Confectionery, the brand is recognized as the number one sour novelty product in the market place and has achieved extensive retail distribution including in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Martin McColls, B&M, The Range, Home Bargains and Spar.”

Recent times have seen kids and adults alike take on the Toxic Waste extreme challenge, a game played where the winner is able to hold the ultra-sour candy in their mouth for at least 60 seconds and claim the honour of becoming a Full Toxie Head.

The challenges are uploaded on YouTube by fans of all ages.

Toxic Waste was featured on Channel 4’s “Heston Blumenthal Fantastical Food” as the Ultimate Super Sour Product currently available today.

Targeted licensed product categories will initially include Food & Beverage, Apparel & Accessories, Health & Beauty and gifts.

Sanrio partners with Izzy Wheels to launch collection of Hello Kitty wheelchair wheel covers

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The wheelchair fashion brand, Izzy Wheels, has partnered with Sanrio to launch a new, limited-edition Hello Kitty collection of wheelchair wheel covers for both adults and children.

The collaboration with the iconic character – a staple of not only Japanese popular culture, but global culture today – marks an all-important part in the Izzy Wheels brand mission to ‘make the fashion and design world more inclusive.’

The collection launches with six unique and stylish wheel covers available in a range of sizes for all manual wheelchairs. They are available to purchase now from izzywheels.com.

Hello Kitty x Izzy Wheels will debut in two capsule collections: The Sweetheart Collection and  The Retro Food Collection. The brand collaboration has been developed to highlight the concept that wheelchairs can be more than a medical device, they can be a piece of artistic self-expression.  

The Sweetheart collection showcases the classic Hello Kitty theme with her cute red bow. The  Retro Food Collection has reimagined everyday treats into a world of Hello Kitty rainbow themed  foods in a comic book style. All of the prints were created with care and love by Ailbhe, the brand’s creative director, using the Hello Kitty style archives. 

Izzy Wheels is Dublin-based brand founded by two Irish sisters Ailbhe and Izzy Keane. Initially a college project, the idea was inspired by Izzy who was born with Spina Bifida and is paralysed  from her waist down. Ailbhe saw that her sister’s chair was the first thing people noticed about  her, but it wasn’t a reflection of her bright and bubbly personality.

Ailbhe began designing a range of stylish wheel covers that expressed wheelchair users individuality and personality, transforming a medical device into a piece of fashion and self-expression. Their tagline is ‘If you  can’t stand up, stand out!’  

Izzy Wheels has been featured in some of the world’s top publications including Vogue, Good  Morning America, Forbes, Oprah Magazine, CBS News, and TechCrunch. Izzy and Ailbhe were the  first Irish people to be asked to take over Instagram’s official account, have had over 20 million views on their videos online, have been the recipients of numerous awards including Accenture Leaders of Tomorrow Award, were named one of Forbes 30 under 30, and were finalists in this  year’s EU Women Innovators Award 2020. 

Ailbhe Keane, said: “As a girl I was completely and utterly OBSESSED with Hello Kitty. I was that little  kid with a Hello Kitty schoolbag, lunchbox, pencil case, pencils, clothes, teddies etc. If anyone  was going abroad I would literally beg them to bring me back some Hello Kitty merch because it was so hard to get in Ireland.

“I used to spend my days at school drawing Hello Kitty all over my  notebooks instead of working. I always found her bold black lines, bright playful colours and  distinctive shapes so satisfying to draw. My love of Hello Kitty graphics and branding is what  inspired me to become a graphic designer. I never could have dreamed that I’d have the  opportunity to work with my favourite brand of all time. Fashion and playfulness have always  been at the heart of we do and we’re thrilled to work with such a fun brand that played such a  massive role in my childhood.” 

Izzy Keane, added: “It is so incredibly exciting that we are collaborating with a brand as famous as Hello Kitty. Growing up I got to see first-hand Ailbhe’s total obsession with the adorable character and anything associated with the brand.

“From a personal perspective, as a wheelchair user, it’s so wonderful that Izzy Wheels is collaborating with such a globally loved brand like Hello Kitty because when kids see a character which they are so familiar with associated with a  medical device like a wheelchair it automatically makes the chair less scary and more cool to them.

“For older fans of Hello Kitty who use wheelchairs this collaboration will be very special  for them too because they will be able to re-emphasise the playful and super stylish side of  wheelchairs.” 

Emoji seals skincare deal with L’Oreal’s Lancome across China

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The Emoji Company has landed a new partnership with L’Oreal Paris Group to promote the Lancome Tonique Confort Skincare Collection in China with the launch of its co-branded gift box and packaging.

In a deal secured by Medialink Group Limited, Emoji will team up with the leading skincare brand to release co-branded packaging and gift boxes this week.

Included in the gift box is the signature Lancome Tonique Confort pink bottle, customised to feature four Emoji expressions such as ‘laugh’, ‘ke’, ‘love’, and ‘monkey’. In addition, the special edition includes a pink emoji brand headband as a premium that customers can use during their daily beauty regimen.

“Good skincare is what everyone wants and now they can have it as well as unique emoji brand packaging that just adds to the wonderful feeling of self-care,” said Noletta Chiu, executive director of Medialink Group Limited. “We are truly excited to partner with Lancôme and the emoji brand in this campaign.”

Perfetti Van Melle grows Mentos licensing programme with US partner Sterling Teal

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The confectionery specialist, Perfetti Van Melle is expanding its Mentos licensing programming with the help of its US licensing agency, Lisa Mark Associates and its new partnership with the auto air care manufacturer, Sterling Teal International.

Together, the partnership will launch a range of eight scented auto air fresheners, each capturing the Mentos flavour profiles, including its signature flavour, cool mint, as well as several fruity flavours. The range will be available at retailers across the US, as well as in Canada, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

“We are thrilled to be launching the Mentos Auto Air freshener program with Sterling Teal International,” said Lisa Marks, president of LMA. “Sterling Teal has done a terrific job leveraging the Mentos equities of freshness, great flavors and fun with products that will enhance any driving experience.”

John Walsh, president of Sterling Teal, added: “Working with LMA and Perfetti Van Melle to create and launch this exciting new line has been a great experience for the entire Sterling Teal team. We have developed a unique line of automotive air fresheners, which provide the consumer with a “fresh” aroma profile.  The response from regional and national retailers has been phenomenal.”

Sterling Teal joins a growing line-up of Mentos partners, including leading apparel licensee, C-Life, mask licensees, Trevco and JLB Holdings, new sock and boxer partner, Odd Sox.

Mentos partnerships will also be developed in additional categories of sugar scrubs, colour cosmetics, deodorant, lip gloss, nail polish and fresh wipes.

English Heritage appoints Golden Goose as it looks to build across lifestyle, home and garden licensing

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English Heritage has appointed the strategic licensing boutique, Golden Goose as its licensing representative with the remit of building up and managing the brand’s lifestyle, home, and garden licensing. The appointment swiftly follows the announcement of a new global spirits licensee for the English Heritage name.

Kingston Myles, head of commercial development at English Heritage, said: “As the custodians for 400 sites, many with stunning gardens, that receive 10 million visitors a year, we are looking forward to working with Golden Goose to create an exciting range of licensed products that will capture our expert team’s passion for authentic storytelling alongside the hugely recognisable English Heritage brand.”

The appointment of Golden Goose arrives at a time in which the ‘staycation’ market has witnessed a huge increase in numbers thanks to travel restrictions surrounding the pandemic. On top of this, English Heritage currently boasts close to one million members and 100 existing English Heritage retail outlets.

Adam Bass, Golden Goose’s director, added: “We love the passion, authenticity and  history behind the English Heritage brand, and can’t wait to develop the quality of products that this prestigious programme deserves.” 

The account team working on the English Heritage licensing programme, alongside new business director Martin Clark, will  include two of Golden Goose’s latest hires, Rebeckah Dalton and Helen Webster, who have a wealth of experience working in  the lifestyle and home categories.

Queer Eye brings new charge of inclusivity to retail with QueerEyeStore.com launch

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The moment is here; Queer Eye is heading to retail.

Scout Productions – the Emmy and Academy award-winning team behind the hit series – has detailed a multi-layered licensing programme of new products and the launch of QueerEyeStore.com, a platform to bring fans all things fashion, inclusivity, and Queer Eye.

The programme has been created in partnership with the show’s licensing agency, IMG, and features products based on the Enny award-winning television series, including a new apparel line featuring the Queer Eye personalities. The range is available now on Amazon and via QueerEyeStore.com.

Further highlights include the recently launched exclusive home furnishings line at Walmart and a successful line of Queer Eye themed books, including the YA book for pre-teens.

Inspired by the show’s positivity and kindness, the new environmentally friendly apparel line of fashion-forward t-shirts, hoodies/sweatshirts, masks and accessories features artwork from a group of talented designers, who are active members of the LGBTQIA community.

A portion of the proceeds from every sale will benefit the Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest agency dedicated to LGBTQ homeless youth. Each item incorporates the designers’ favorite parts of the show and new items will continue to rollout including a soon-to-be-unveiled winter line.

“Scout is a company that was built to have a positive impact on the LGBTQ community. We are extremely proud of our Queer Eye licensing program and have been overjoyed at the overwhelmingly positive response to all of our products, especially the home furnishings line at Walmart.com where the product continues to be in high demand as soon as it is released,” said Joel Chiodi, SVP of strategic development.

“With the launch of QueerEyeStore.com, we are able to bring thoughtfully designed, environmentally-friendly products directly to the fans, while also raising money for an amazing organization whose positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ youth cannot be understated.”

Geronimo Stilton becomes the official children’s virtual tour guide of Pompeii

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Atlantyca Entertainment’s Geronimo Stilton has become the official virtual tour guide for children visiting the UNESCO World Heritage’s Archaeological Site of Pompeii. The first video tour of the special campaign is now online and across all of Pompeii’s social media channels and websites.

Under the partnership, two more video tours will be launched in the forthcoming months. The agreement initially provides for maps and guides which will be followed by video content featuring the mouse journalist Geronimo Stilton as he accompanies fans on a visit of the archaeological sites, highlighting its history and monumental beauty.

The Archaeological site of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis/Torre Annunziata together constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A World Heritage Site is a cultural or natural landmark that has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These sites are deemed worthy of preservation due to their universal value to humanity, both today and for future generations.

The Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata’ was listed as World Heritage Site on December 6th, 1997, as Site number 829.

“We are so honored,” noted Atlantyca Entertainment’s Claudia Mazzucco. “Having Geronimo Stilton as an official guide for children, to introduce them to some of the greatest monuments and stories that Pompeii has to tell, is like another adventure.

“This special initiative perfectly combines Geronimo Stilton’s innate curiosity and renowned passion for sharing stories that encompass history, art and nature.”

PJ Masks embarks on Dubai Fitness Challenge to encourage local children to get active

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PJ Masks is embarking on the month-long Dubai Fitness Challenge throughout November, helping to promote a healthier lifestyle to children, and encouraging them to be active for at least 30 minutes a day. The campaign, developed in partnership with Hasbro and eOne, will be delivered through exclusive workout videos released through the month.

The partnership was secured by 20too Licensing, Hasbro’s local sub-representative in MENA and Eventbox.

PJ Masks’ own Catboy, Owlette and Gekko are known for being active throughout the series. The heroes have to master their physical abilities in every episode, learning the values of teamwork, discipline and co-ordination in all their adventures – showing children that they too can be superheroes.

Four PJ Masks workout videos have been created for children of all ages, inspired by the well-known hero moves from the trio: Catboy, Owlette and Gekko. The first PJ Masks workout video will be released on the Dubai Fitness Challenge YouTube channel on 30 October 2020 and once a week thereafter until 28 November 2020.

The videos feature catchy and fun PJ Masks themed songs and the routines are energetic, challenging and intent on keeping the kids’ focus featured in iconic locations in Dubai. Children will be encouraged to replay the videos to keep learning and perfecting their own version of the routine with their favourite PJ Masks moves.

Whether it is inside or outside the home, children can learn the importance of staying active and healthy from a young age combined with the values of the PJ Masks heroes, where friendship and teamwork always saves the day.

Baileys enters the snacking sector with the indulgent Baileys Chocolate Treat Blondie Bars

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Baileys is stepping into the snacking category with the launch of its new Baileys Chocolate Treat Blondie Bars, courtesy of the food and beverage specialist, Finsbury Food Group. The move has been devised to tap into the fast-growing snacking sector, one that 94 per cent of consumers in the UK say they subscribe to.

Recent research from Finsbury has found that 55 per cent of UK ‘snackers’ have moved towards eating healthier at mealtime, making way for more indulgent treats. Enter the new Baileys Chocolate Treat Blondie Bar, arriving in time to meet snackers as they make yet another trip to the fridge while working from home this year.

Baileys Chocolate Treat Blondie Bars offer a blondie sponge filling, topped with traditional Baileys tasting frosting, wrapped in a layer of milk chocolate.

Jack Cook-Broussine, brand manager at Finsbury Food Group, said: “Snacking was a no-brainer for us, we’re a nation of ‘snackers’ and the at-home snacking category has seen a rise due to lockdown.

“We’ve always wanted to delve into snacking with Diageo and Baileys Chocolate Treat Blondie Bars are the perfect hybrid product to be enjoyed at home, or when the world returns to normal, on the go. We’re really excited to launch this to consumers, especially with the glowing track record of previous products in our growing Baileys range.”

Declan Hassett, senior licensing manager at Diageo, added: “We continue to work with Finsbury developing the ongoing success of the range. Snacking products are something we’ve wanted to put our Baileys stamp on for a while, we’ve been working hard to stay ahead of the curve and to deliver that delicious, indulgent, signature Baileys experience for consumers to enjoy wherever they are.

“We have already seen great success with Finsbury and our range of Baileys-infused cakes, and we have no doubt that Baileys Chocolate Treat Blondie Bars will be enjoyed all-year-round.”

The New York Botanical Garden partners with BloomsyBox to launch official subscription box collections

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The New York Botanical Garden has partnered with the US subscription box for flower lovers, BloomsyBox to introduce hand-crafted bouquets inspired by the organisation’s living collections, as well as its rare botanical works found in its LuEsther T. Mertz Library.

The New York Botanical Garden Collection is a monthly flower subscription box featuring one of a kind, custom designed and hand tied bouquets. The collection features flowers sourced from Fair Trade flower farms that are Rainforest Alliance certified. The subscription box has been billed as the ‘perfect occassions gift.’

“Now more than ever, consumers are looking for ways to liven up their homes and easily send  joyful gifts to friends and family,” said Meredith Counts, business development and creative director for NYBG. “With the NYBG Collection by BloomsyBox, we are able to bring the  wonder of The New York Botanical Garden into people’s homes.” 

The collection is now available through BloomsyBox.com. A percentage of the proceeds from sales of the collection support The New York Botanical Garden’s work in plant research and conservation, horticulture, and education.  

The partnership was brokered by NYBG’s licensing agency, Jewel Branding & Licensing.