Category Archives: Lifestyle

Cosmopolitan uncorks its own wine collection with Guarachi Wine Partners

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Hearst Magazines has moved in on the wine-making market with the launch of a new brand Uncorked by Cosmopolitan. Via a deal brokered by IMG, the magazine publisher has partnered with Guarachi Wine Partners to bring a curated selection of Cosmopolitan branded wines to market.

Leveraging Guarachi’s more than 35 years of success pioneering wine brands in the US as an importer, marketer and supplier of fine wines, the Uncorked by Cosmopolitan collection has been curated by Cosmo’s editorial team and features labels designed by the world’s biggest young women’s media brand.

“This is the most natural collaboration we could imagine – Cosmo readers have had 36 million glasses of wine in the last seven days,” said Jessica Pels, editor in chief, Cosmopolitan. “Young women represent a massive wine consumer base, and yet they’re under-served by the current market, which doesn’t target young women at all.”

Uncorked by Cosmopolitan offers four popular varietals: Rosé, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, all sourced from California appellations including Napa, Sonoma and Central Coast with a suggested retail price of $14.99. Future line extensions are already being developed with Pinot Grigio as the next varietal launch.

Guarachi Wine Partners founder and CEO, Alex Guarachi, said: “I’ve always found success in delivering high quality wines that customers will enjoy at prices that over-deliver. As the entire wine industry focuses on how to reach young female wine drinkers, I’m thrilled to be partnered with the world’s leading young women’s lifestyle brand.

“Who better to help design and curate what young women want than Cosmopolitan – a brand that has done this successfully for more than a century?”

Uncorked by Cosmopolitan was created with the magazine’s audience in mind. Its own research suggests that almost nine out of ten Cosmo readers celebrate special occasions at home with friends and family, and three out of four are buying gifts as a way of expressing gratitude. The company believes that these statistics highlight greater opportunities for wine purchases and general interest in wine among this audience.

Van Gogh Museum paints new partnership with US fashion house Robert Graham

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America’s eclectic fashion house, Robert Graham, has teams with the Van Gogh Museum to interpret the work of the iconic post-impressionist Vincent van Gogh in its Fall20 / Winter 21 collection. The range will be anchored around the brand’s Wearable Art pillar.

The deal has been managed by IMG, who has been working extensively with Robert Graham on the development and launch of the collection.

Dubbed as a “Brush with Greatness” and also featuring collaborations with Leroy Neiman and Ryan McGinness, the collection offers fans collectible artistry with a signature Robert Graham hand.

Andrew Berg, president of Robert Graham, commented: “The brand’s 20-year legacy, centered around fashion that is meant to be discussed, admired and collected, deeply ties us back to the world of art. That is who we are as a brand. The ability to feature iconic artists such as Vincent van Gogh through these collaborations allows us to officially marry art and fashion and make it our own.”

Sean Chadwick, VP of design at Robert Graham, added: “This anniversary collection intertwines masterpieces in the art world while celebrating signature Robert Graham design expertise: vivid #WearableArt prints, tracer embroidery, contrast motifs under the cuff and yarn-dyed details. The art of the detail in the details, is always the unexpected with our designs.”

Starting this November, the collection pieces will be available at select Robert Graham Stores across the US, and online via www.robertgraham.us and other high-end specialty boutiques.

IMG is the exclusive licensing representative for the Van Gogh Museum across various countries, including the US and countries in Asia, while its successful European programme is handled by Licensing Link. Van Gogh Museum houses the world’s largest collection of works by the artist and serves as the official curator of the Van Gogh legacy.

Emoji renews its collectable toy promotion with Greek F&B specialist Chipita

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The Emoji Company has renewed its partnership with the Greek food and beverage specialist, Chipita SA for a successful promotion that delivers a collectable Emoji toy with each pack of its Fineti dips and sticks products.

The renewal of the partnership was brokered by WildBrain CPLG, the Emoji company’s international licensing representative.

Fineti is a popular European chocolate confectionery brand that, established in 1990, has held a strong presence in the market for 30 years. The chocolate brand is currently marketed in more than 20 countries including Greece, Romania, and the Balkans.

The partnership with Fineti Dips and Fineti Sticks sees the introduction of collectable Emoji premiums with each pack, including erasers, sharpeners, sticky notes, and key chains featuring more than 10 designs.

“We are pleased to work with a company like Fineti and to be part of children’s everyday lunch, who will be able to enjoy the delicious taste of this product and will also have the opportunity to collect a bunch of emoji brand premiums for this back to school season,” said Marco Hüsges, CEO and founder, The Emoji Company.

Geronimo Stilton lands children’s notebook success with Italy’s Blasetti

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Geronimo Stilton has landed on a new range of kids’ notebooks courtesy of a new partnership between Atlantyca Entertainment and the Italian paper goods manufacturer, Blasetti. 300,000 units of the new Dinosaur and Dinomania themed notebooks have already been distributed across the region.

The limited edition collection is currently available across 2000 stationery stores throughout Italy.

The colorful animated covers feature pictures taken from a special style guide with the same title, inspired by the adventures of Geronimo Stilton on Meteor Island, the place where dinosaurs never became extinct.

The notebooks are intended for kids personal and school use, as well  as, for games and research when joining their favorite mouse journalist on great adventures.

Derived from an idea by Elisabetta Dami, Geronimo Stilton is the character for whom Atlantyca Entertaiment manages international publishing rights as well as the global animation and licensing rights for the IP.

The Geronimo Stilton book series, published in Italy by Piemme publishers, has become a global hit with over 161 million books sold worldwide and three animated series co-produced with Rai Fiction and distributed in over 130 countries.

Domestic appliance brand Smeg celebrates 70 years of Peanuts with limited edition model

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The Italian domestic appliance brand, Smeg, is marking the 70th anniversary of the world-loved Peanuts brand with the launch of a limited edition refrigerator. In a deal brokered by WildBrain CPLG, Smeg will now produce 70 Peanuts commemorative refrigerators, one for each year of the brand’s existence.

The limited edition model will take the form of Smeg’s own popular 1950s family mini fridge FAB10, which will feature an illustration taken from the Peanuts comic strip. It will depict Snoopy alongside his cherished doghouse along with his friend, Woodstock.

Each fridge in the series will be decorated with a silver plaque showing its unique product number.

The Peanuts refrigerator will be available at Smeg’s stores and subsidiaries across Europe from November, with a retail price of €1299. Smeg will support the launch through window displays, social media and influencer activity.

Tara Botwick, senior director territory management for Peanuts Worldwide, said: “With Smeg known as one of the most popular names in home appliances thanks to the brand’s iconic retro style, colourful designs and reputation for quality, they are an excellent company to create a memorable product for Peanuts’ 70th anniversary milestone.

“We look forward to seeing this eye-catching refrigerator take pride of place in the homes of Peanuts fans across Europe.”

Asmodee Entertainment’s Catan steps into footwear partnership with Plainview Shoes

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Asmodee Entertainment has struck up a partnership with  Plainview Shoes to take its popular Catan brand into the world of fashionable footwear. The new range, spanning flip flops and trainers, is scheduled to launch to the North American market in 2021.

Plainview has made a success of licensed footwear in the past, having previously partnered with Capcom to launch footwear based on its portfolio of video games. Under the Asmodee partnership, the firm will channel the Catan board game’s themes of trading, building, and settling into a new range.

 “We are excited that we can add Catan to our portfolio of gaming footwear,” said Lyndon Tucker, president of Plainview Shoes.

“After partnering with Capcom for footwear based on various videogames, Catan was the logical choice for us to expand into tabletop games and its huge fanbase. Catan is the premier boardgame of our time. It truly is a modern classic and many of us let this quirky German boardgame into our lives in our twenties.

“Catan is both full of nostalgia and very current, with its central element of cooperative competition for the good of all and the stewardship of natural resources. Gaming Properties in the licensed footwear space are greatly underrepresented and we know there are a great many fans out there who look to express themselves with gaming-inspired footwear.”

 David Harris, creative director of Plainview, added: “When Lyndon first talked about adding a boardgame brand to our portfolio, I had one hope: please let it be Catan!

“Catan has a unique design language and within the fan community there are many in-jokes around trading, building and settling. Concept works are already on the way and we are looking forward to the day when we can show more.”

 Since its creation in 1995 by Klaus Teuber, Catan and its many expansions have sold more than 32 million games around the world. The game is published in more than 40 languages and is sold in more than 70 territories.

As the world’s pre-eminent boardgame, Catan is a global phenomenon that enjoys growing success as a lifestyle brand through Asmodee Entertainment’s strategic partnerships with carefully selected premium brand licensees. The collaboration with Plainview is one of several announced in recent months.

“We know how important Catan is for its fans. Trading, building and settling is an integral part of many of their social lives, be it through their regular gaming nights or through Catan tournaments. The game is a regular social anchor for many and with its elegant, nature-focused design elements it has already become a lifestyle brand,” said Alexander Thieme, licensing manager at Asmodee Entertainment.

“It is great to see Plainview coming on board as one of the first apparel licensees in the US, following Hot Topic.”

Aardman and Shaun the Sheep partner with The Sleep Charity for Better Sleep Week plush

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Aardman Animations and Shaun the Sheep have partnered with the Sleep Charity to launch a new plush toy as part of the organisation’s annual awareness campaign, Better Sleep Week.

As the charity’s ambassador, the Shaun the Sheep plush toy features a pillow with the campaign slogan ‘Sheep Dreams’ and will retail at £25, with 15 per cent of the proceeds going to The Sleep Charity.  The new plush can be purchased exclusively online at www.sheepdreamswithshaun.com from Friday 23rd October. 

“Shaun the Sheep has been our sheepy sleep ambassador for two years now, championing the work that we do and working with us to develop resources like colouring sheets to help families enjoy the benefits of a good night’s sleep,” said Vicki Dawson, CEO of The Sleep Charity.

“We are delighted that they’ve specifically produced this super soft cuddly plush toy in support of the charity and to coincide with our Better Sleep Week. The donation from the sale of these cuddly Shaun the Sheep toys will ensure that we can continue to provide the services we offer to help the nation to sleep better. 

“Children thrive on routine and they can also meet their full potential more easily when they have had a good night’s sleep.  And part of getting a good night’s sleep is the bedtime routine checklist which includes turning off screens an hour before bed and doing calm, relaxing activities, having a warm bath, brushing teeth, dimming the lights, snuggling up with a story and a cuddly toy and then saying goodnight.”

Aaron Simpson, CEO, of Kindred.co, added: “We are honoured to help and support The Sleep Charity raise urgently needed funds at this time. Every penny counts and we hope that everyone can join in and buy a little something for Christmas stockings and presents to help out The Sleep Charity.”

Along with the plush toy there are also a range of other Shaun the Sheep products to purchase.

Rachael Peacock, senior brand manager at Aardman said: “We are proud of our partnership with The Sleep Charity and are delighted that the exclusive Shaun the Sheep plush toy is now available for fans to buy. We developed the Sheep Dreams initiative to encourage  an understanding of the importance of a good night’s sleep.

“Shaun is known for his fun adventures, but sleep has always been a prevalent theme in the series. It’s great to be able to use our brand as a force for good.” 

Aware that many children and their families do not enjoy the benefits of a good night’s sleep, Aardman was keen to ensure this initiative would help and asked Louis Kennedy’s director of partnerships and licensing, Tracey Richardson to identify a charity partner.  

Tracey Richardson said: “The Sheep Dreams concept and style guide from Aardman is a complete delight. I was thrilled to be asked to find a charity partner aligned to the theme. The Sleep Charity is the perfect fit being the only national charity helping children and their families benefit from a good night’s sleep. This exclusive Shaun is a fantastic way to bring this special partnership to life.” 

Poetic Brands signs FIFA for spring/summer apparel collection

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The apparel licensee, Poetic Brands, has added the international governing body of football, FIFA, to its portfolio of brands with the launch of a new range of FIFA themed clothing. The range will capitalise on the body’s historical marques and logos, the kind of which have been recognised worldwide for more than 100 years.

The Poetic Brands collection will feature t-shirts, sweatshirts, and nightwear and will launch into the UK with retailers stocking ranges from spring/summer 2021.

Founded in 1904, FIFA is the umbrella organisation of its members, currently 211 national football associations. Its objectives include developing football around the world, staging international competitions, and ensuring that the game of football is available to all who wish to participate. 

The member associations of FIFA take part in the FIFA World Cup every four years, with the next edition taking place in 2022, providing a key selling point after the launch of the clothing line.

“Together with Poetic Brands, we’ll be bringing new energy to FIFA’s beloved historical emblems,” said FIFA head of licensing and retail, Sarah Bohner. “We look forward to helping fans relive and celebrate their favourite tournaments through unique, creative designs.”

Elliott Matthews, executive director of Poetic Brands, added: “We are really excited to be adding FIFA to our portfolio of properties. The brand is instantly recognisable not only to football fans, but to the vast majority of consumers. We are sure the collection will reach fans of the game throughout the UK and prove popular with supporters of all clubs.”

Freeman Jewellery releases handcrafted Harry Potter jewellery line

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Freeman Jewellery has released a line of handcrafted jewellery inspired by the characters and moment from the globally popular Harry Potter films. The range follows on from the success of Freeman Jewellery’s Golden Snitch Ring Box.

Highlight pieces include the Pearl Snitch Earrings, where Freshwater Pearls have been carefully selected, a process which is so particular that only eight per cent of pearls are chosen. The earrings come with petite golden wings.

Meanwhile, the magical Mirror of Erised Necklace features the Sky-Blue Topaz. For this piece, innovative gem-cutter, Anna Gilbert, was commissioned to produce an exclusive cut to reflect the unique shape and look of the mirror’s glass.

The Golden Snitch Ring Box, which is handcrafted from over 40 silver and gold parts and adorned with intricate hand-engraving, takes a Master Jeweller two weeks to make a single box.

The collection also features a Harry Potter Glasses Necklace, made from custom Goshenite gems, a Hogwarts Acceptance Letter Necklace with a rose gold Hogwarts seal, a Time Turner Necklace featuring hand-carved Moonstones and antique Diamonds for a charming old-world aesthetic, and Hogwarts and Patronus Signet Rings available in Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold or Platinum.

Known for trademark rare gems, the jeweller has created both ready to wear and made to order custom pieces for Wizarding World fans to treasure.

Asher Freeman said: “The pieces have been designed to draw you into a magical world and, like so many others across the globe, the Harry Potter stories and films holds a special place in my imagination. As a fan and designer, I’m proud to have crafted these heirloom pieces which fans can cherish for a lifetime.

“We’re widely known for the quality of our gems, hidden elements and attention to detail, and this collection is no different. From the Sword of Gryffindor Necklace studded with fine Rubies, to the solid-gold Golden Snitch that opens to display a secret gem.

“The wizarding world holds an abundance of beauty and intrigue, from the characters, architecture and trinkets, so there was no shortage of inspiration for us. We have truly loved bringing these unique pieces to life.”

Art Ask Agency partners with Moleskine for Frida Kahlo luxury notebook range

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The Barcelona-based licensing firm, Art Ask Agency, has landed yet another partnership for the female icon Frida Kahlo having secured a new deal with Moleskine and the launch of three luxury notebooks.

The collection is designed to inspire fans to seize the creative moment and express themselves in words or drawings. Each colourful notebook in the collection reflects Frida Kahlo’s vibrant artistic approach and introspective nature. It has been billed as ‘a unique and sophisticated Moleskine interpretation, featuring iconic elements and quotes.’

With a fully comprehensive digital and physical marketing campaign, under the title of “Explore your own reality”, this range will create high visibility for the officially licensed products and for Frida Kahlo.

Selected physical stores will present the collection with full in-store installations at iconic retail sites in Milan, Rome, London Regent Street, Paris, LA, San Francisco, New York, Beijing and Shanghai. Fans are also invited to take part in the Frida challenge, to create a self-portrait that represent themselves portraying the true you, entries closing November 28th.

Additionally, there is a full spread editorial on Frida Kahlo in Moleskine’s magazine FOLD, distributed worldwide and online. https://www.foldmagazine.com/frida-kahlo-self-expression-liberation

“This launch is truly one of my dearest dreams come true. Moleskine is the height of quality and heritage when it comes to notebooks and I am the number one stationery freak,” said Maria Strid, owner of Art Ask Agency.

Simona Sbarbaro, Moleskine brand and communication director, added: “Frida Kahlo was truly a legendary woman and her legacy reverberates to this day, as her work and life continue to inspire and touch the lives of so many.

“Moleskine is immensely pleased to join forces with the Frida Kahlo Corporation in a celebration of this truly remarkable artist and woman with a Limited Edition Collection dedicated to her.”