Tag Archives: fashion

Polish streetwear brand PLNY LALA marks 70 years of Peanuts with new collection

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WildBrain CPLG is marking the 70th anniversary of the Peanuts brand through a new partnership with the Polish streetwear brand, PLNY LALA. Brokered on behalf of Peanuts Worldwide, the deal will see the launch of a range of sweatshirts, t-shirts, dresses, tops, and socks all inspired by Snoopy and the Peanuts gang.

The collection has been launched in anticipation of October 2, the official 70th anniversary of the date that Charles M. Schulz first introduced the world to the Peanuts characters when the comic strip made its debut in seven American newspapers. Since then, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang have gone on to leave an indelible mark on pop culture.

The new PLNY LALA range is part of a global campaign with licensors that will be rolling out from Peanuts Worldwide this autumn.

Tara Botwick, senior director, international territory management, EMEA at Peanuts Worldwide, said: “With a focus on empowering its customer base and taking a fresh, playful approach to its influential collections, we knew that PLNY LALA would be an ideal fashion partner as well as a tentpole licensee as we look to ramp up a wide programme for Peanuts worldwide and across the CEE territories specifically. It’s an exciting collaboration that we feel sets the tone for our ambitions in the region and globally.”

Elisa Minetti, creative director and designer at PLNY LALA, added: “I’m excited to be teaming up with WildBrain CPLG again and this time working with Snoopy and the Peanuts squad. Our collaboration emphasises the global trends that PLNY LALA is at the forefront of in the local Polish market.

“My creative process for the range has involved combining iconic Peanuts cartoon artwork, with streetwear for women who carry an inner girl flame, which has resulted in a collection that is ideal for a feisty LALA girl. This autumn, Peanuts celebrates its 70th anniversary of the first comic strip’s debut. Let’s continue this inspiring journey together.”

Now available to purchase exclusively in PLNY LALA’s stores and online at www.plnylala.pl, the launch is being supported by in-store POS, a dedicated website landing page, social media and influencer product seeding, a look book, and a pop-up store in Warsaw. Items in the collection are priced between 39.00 – 599.00 PLN and are offered in a range of sizes.

The new partnership bolsters existing Peanuts fashion offerings secured by WildBrain CPLG in Central and Eastern Europe, which include: Polish retailer Smyk for a DTR range which is now launching; LPP for teen and adult collections available at Reserved, Reserved Kids, House, Sinsay and Sinsay Kids; and a range from E Plus M which is being focused towards teens and adults.

Beyond fashion, Carbotex will soon launch its first range of Peanuts homewares, and ERT launched a range of mobile accessories earlier this year.

UCLA launches new collection with Australian boutique Princess Polly

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UCLA is taking a trip Down Under this month as a new fashion collaboration will see it launch its apparel collection with the popular Australian boutique, Princess Polly. It will also launch across the retailer’s online platform in the US, taking the collection across the hemispheres.

Under the partnership, UCLA Trademarks & Licensing now introduces a curated, retro UCLA collection of tops and shorts to launch exclusively at Princess Polly throughout Australia as well as online in the US through its proprietary e-tail site.

“We are especially excited to have this unique UCLA collection launch in Australia,” said Cynthia Holmes, director of UCLA Trademarks & Licensing.

“With fantastic support from our Australian agent, Haven Global, and licensee, Bravado/Universal Music, Princess Polly will feature vintage UCLA designs from the ’90s that weave nostalgia-cool together with a modern edge and more than a dash of UCLA optimism.”

The deal was brokered by the Australian licensing agency, Haven Global.

Tom Punch, managing director, Haven Global, said: “This is a great way to launch the incredibly historic and iconic UCLA brand in Australia. From the iconic UCLA name to a tantalizing first glimpse of the extensive UCLA design portfolio from decades past – what fun!”

Emoji scores major footwear, clothing, and accessories partnership with PUMA

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The globally revered sports brand, PUMA, has struck up a new partnership with Emoji to launch a new line of footwear, apparel, and accessories all adorned with Emoji icons. The PUMA x Emoji collaboration has been developed to showcase the way in which we all communicate in the modern world.

According to the licensing firm, the new collection has been ‘designed through the lens of instant messaging,’ pairing popular Emoji icons with bright colour combinations top create a range that is ‘young and vibrant.’ It will span footwear, apparel, and accessories for both kids and adults.

“The PUMA x Emoji collection is one of our most favorite brand collaborations. The products turned out so colorful, expressive and beautiful and the entire product line is energetic and truly iconic,” said Marco Huesges, CEO and founder of The Emoji Company.

“We are certain that the line will make everyone happy and that we can, together with PUMA, spread emotions and good vibrations to consumers and fans all around the world.”

Within the range is the RS-2K X Emoji, featuring a hook and loop piece on the heel where detachable peace sign, crying laughter, and fire Emoji icons can be added. The shoe also includes a hidden “What’s Up?” message printed on the vamp. Meanwhile RS-X³ X Emoji includes the same detachable Emoji feature, while the hidden “What’s Up?” message also appears on this shoe in the quarter overlay.

The PUMA X Emoji Tee and PUMA X Emoji Hoodie are both available in black, gray, and yellow, each featuring an array of Emoji icons on both the front and back of the clothing. Rounding out the collection are the PUMA X Emoji Sweatpants in both gray and black, featuring side and back pockets, rib cuffs and Emoji icons on the bottom of the right leg.

The new collection will be dropping on PUMA.com, PUMA stores and select retailers on August 22nd.

UCLA debuts new collection with French retailer Don’t Call Me Jennyfer

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With the yearlong festival celebrating its centenary year now in the rear view mirror, UCLA is looking to kick start its next 100 years with a touch of French class via a new partnership with the French retailer, Don’t Call Me Jennyfer.

UCLA has launched its latest collection of women’s apparel throughout the retailer’s store location across France, Southern Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa, as well as online.

“We are thrilled to have this upbeat and fresh UCLA collection launch in France,” said Cynthia Holmes, director of UCLA trademarks and licensing. 

“With fantastic support from our European licensing agent, Plus Licens AB, and licensing partner, Stone Kids, this new UCLA collection, presented by Don’t Call Me Jennyfer, captures the energy and confidence of young women who are passionately and perpetually engaged with the world around them.”

The collection is a fresh take on classic campus silhouettes including crew sweatshirts and hoodies, tees, and joggers, that ‘all go well with a confident attitude and your favorite pair of jeans or casual skirt.’

Through a physical network of 330 stores in France, Don’t Call Me Jennyfer has – over just two years – become a leading name in the clothing industry. Its new strategy brings with it the motto ‘No stereotypes’, developed as an embodiment of inclusion, tolerance, and diversity to appeal to Gen Z.

Don’t Call Me Jennyfer is one of the most influential and active brands on Instagram in France, with a community of 1.2 million members.

Sketchers steps into the world of Dr Seuss as new collection kicks off with the Cat in the Hat

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Sketchers is stepping into the fantastical world of the author Dr Seuss with the launch of a new, fully licensed Sketchers x Dr Seuss collection. The new range captures the essence of Dr Seuss stories, kicking off with the world famous characters and designs from his classic series, The Cat in the Hat.

The new multi-year partnership has been launched globally, designed to bring the colourful world of Dr Seuss to life in wearable, designs for adults and children.

“Dr. Seuss is one of the world’s biggest cultural icons – read, shared and celebrated by millions since the 1950s. And now his legendary characters and vivid designs are here to walk the walk, in the spirit of his great talk,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.

“We’ve taken our most popular footwear styles and have infused them with Dr. Seuss’s one-of-a-kind designs, delivering the unique charm that only he can offer – even creating matching pairs that parents and their kids can wear together.”

Starting with the legendary The Cat in the Hat, the Sketchers x Dr Seuss collection will launch with popular styles from Sketchers Street, Bobs from Sketchers, and Sketchers Kids featuring the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the story’s vibrant colours and patterns.

Future collections are planned with characters and designs from many other classics, including Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go as well as How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The collection will launch in the US, Canada, and Europe this September before rolling out worldwide.

“Skechers is the ultimate family brand for every age – and their broad, dedicated fanbase is a perfect fit for the millions who love Dr. Seuss around the world,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

“Their innovative spirit, vivid styling and comfortable footwear designs make stepping out in Dr. Seuss even more fun. We look forward to every chapter of this partnership, as Skechers unveils a new Dr. Seuss adventure with each new collection.”

Sketchers steps into the world of Dr Seuss as new collection kicks off with the Cat in the Hat

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Sketchers is stepping into the fantastical world of the author Dr Seuss with the launch of a new, fully licensed Sketchers x Dr Seuss collection. The new range captures the essence of Dr Seuss stories, kicking off with the world famous characters and designs from his classic series, The Cat in the Hat.

The new multi-year partnership has been launched globally, designed to bring the colourful world of Dr Seuss to life in wearable, designs for adults and children.

“Dr. Seuss is one of the world’s biggest cultural icons – read, shared and celebrated by millions since the 1950s. And now his legendary characters and vivid designs are here to walk the walk, in the spirit of his great talk,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.

“We’ve taken our most popular footwear styles and have infused them with Dr. Seuss’s one-of-a-kind designs, delivering the unique charm that only he can offer – even creating matching pairs that parents and their kids can wear together.”

Starting with the legendary The Cat in the Hat, the Sketchers x Dr Seuss collection will launch with popular styles from Sketchers Street, Bobs from Sketchers, and Sketchers Kids featuring the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the story’s vibrant colours and patterns.

Future collections are planned with characters and designs from many other classics, including Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go as well as How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The collection will launch in the US, Canada, and Europe this September before rolling out worldwide.

“Skechers is the ultimate family brand for every age – and their broad, dedicated fanbase is a perfect fit for the millions who love Dr. Seuss around the world,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

“Their innovative spirit, vivid styling and comfortable footwear designs make stepping out in Dr. Seuss even more fun. We look forward to every chapter of this partnership, as Skechers unveils a new Dr. Seuss adventure with each new collection.”

The Pokémon Company International teams with children’s retailer Z for first apparel collection

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The Pokémon Company International is teaming up with the high street children’s retailer Z to launch a special apparel collection in Z stores and online from today.

The Z Pokémon collection marks the first collaboration between the two companies and comprises 10 pieces across daywear, nightwear, and accessories for both boys and girls, including the latest on-trend lenticular designs. It will be available in all of the over 360 Z stores across France, Italy, and in other Z territories including Belgium.

Part of the Kidiliz Group, Z specialises in fashionable and fun clothing for children aged 14 and younger.

Already a strong merchandising plan is in place for the launch, including window takeovers and in-store Point of Sale from August 12 to 31, 2020. Z will also feature the Pokémon collection on its webstore, with a dedicated banner on the homepage, and will be communicating the launch across its social channels and offering its customers the chance to win some exciting Pokémon prizes.

Mathieu Galante, licensing director EMEA for The Pokémon Company International, said: “We are delighted to be working with Kidiliz and their extremely popular and well-established Z stores to bring this colourful new collection to the high street. It’s a further testament to the continuing and expanding fashion appeal of Pokémon.”

Pokémon’s collaboration with Z is the latest in a recent string of high street retailer partnerships for children’s apparel across France and Italy, following successful ranges at La Compagnie des Petits and IKKS, plus global giants Zara Kids and H&M.

Further Pokémon activity includes the recent announcement of a selection of additional games including New Pokémon Snap for Nintendo Switch, a photo-snapping adventure through unknown islands that is a contemporary update of the 1999 game; Pokémon Café Mix, available on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, is a fun puzzle game set in a café visited by Pokémon.

For younger children, the Pokémon Smile app is a unique, new mobile experience that makes brushing your teeth a fun activity and encourages kids to develop good brushing habits.  Finally, the forthcoming Pokémon UNITE will be the first strategic Pokémon team battle game.

Hasbro partners with TOMS to launch limited-edition Candy Land range

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Hasbro has partnered with the ethical shoe brand TOMS to launch a new collection of footwear inspired by the popular Candy Land brand. It is the first collection in a series that has been created in partnership with the international toymaker.

‘Inspired by the sweetest of pastimes,’ the TOMS x Candy Land range is a limited edition collection featuring slip-ons for women and children. It features a shimmering Queen Frostine and Princess Lolly as well as a series of four prints including the Candy Land logo on canvas, or a sampling of the game’s treats, all transposed to TOMS’ Alpargata design.

The TOMS x Candy Land range is available from this month with prices ranging from $36.95 to $59.95. TOMS is the original one-for-one company that has spent 14 years on a mission as a business to improve lives.

“Bringing people together has always been a big part of TOMS,” read a press release from the footwear specialist. “The same goes for Hasbro, the brand behind some of today’s most iconic toys and games. Needless to say, TOMS is thrilled to collaborate with a brand that has brought joy, laughter, and time well spent with friends and family to countless players and across generations.”

 

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant lands successful first baby wear range at Matalan

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Elmer the Patchwork Elephant‘s Licensing Agent, Metrostar and licensee, Paul Dennicci have delivered a new first for Elmer with the launch of his latest baby wear range at Matalan. The range comprises a bodysuit, vest set, dress and bib each featuring on-trend monotone graphics alongside Elmer’s signature colourful patchwork.

Working alongside its partner License to PR, Andersen Press supported the range with a coordinated campaign, inviting a select group of influencers to post pictures of their little ones wearing the range. Plush from Rainbow Designs, cards from Hype and a puzzle from Ravensburger also featured in the campaign that reached over 324,000 people.

Paul Black from Andersen Press, said: “It’s great to see Elmer breaking into yet another new retailer and we’ve been bowled over by the social media engagement with Matalan’s new range. We are fully committed at Andersen Press to supporting our licensee’s efforts to secure new distribution channels for their Elmer products, and get as many people celebrating Elmer as possible.”

Claire Potter at Metrostar, added: “Elmer’s messages of friendship and inclusivity are more important and relevant than ever. They mandate us to ensure he is accessible to all, while delivering high quality consumer products. The range at Matalan is an important step in that endeavour.”

Glue Creative Thinking: “There’s always been room for a design-led brand in the pre-school space”

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Glue Creative Thinking refers to itself as a ‘David sized team working with a portfolio of Goliaths’ in its role as brand extension and licensing agency that has seen it not only carve out projects for the likes of BBC Studios’ own London Fashion Week activity, and managing MTV’s Music Meets Fashion competition, but help bring the likes of The Natural History Museum or Tatty Devine into the homeware, fashion, stationery, and accessories sectors in just a few short years.

The outfit, which started out under the guidance of its founder and director Carla Bowden six years ago, recently made the industry headlines for its latest partnership with the fledgling children’s brand Lemon Ribbon and its plans to build out the branding and consumer product programme across the UK’s children’s sector.

Licensing.biz catches up with the team at Glue Creative Thinking to explore the potential for the lifestyle brand, the company’s successes in the licensing business, and what the future holds for the space from here on out.

Hello team! To start, can you tell us about Glue Creative Thinking? Who’s in the team, how long have you guys been in the licensing business, and what does Glue Creative bring to the licensing space?

Glue Creative Thinking is a brand collaborations and licensing agency built of a team of creative yet commercially aware individuals. Carla Bowden, founder and director, started the go-to agency six years ago after 20 years of experience of licensing, fashion and retail with Blu-chip names such as Disney, Boots and Habitat. She sourced; Jess Brown, account director, due to her experience and knowledge within the licensing and buying arenas from her time at Nickelodeon, Warner Bros and Disney, Saskia Anderson Harper, project and account manager, for her fashion knowledge, and Martin Williamson, designer and office manager to ensure the team is well equipped to deliver above expectations.

With a clear understanding of entertainment, fashion and licensing industries, the team can bring them all together momentously with ease.

Can you talk us through the Glue Creative Thinking portfolio? Who are you guys working with and what makes a brand/client a perfect fit for you?

We’ve worked on some incredible projects with globally influential entertainment names that we’re really proud of, including; launching BBC Studio’s #SustainableMe Halo activity at London Fashion Week and mapping out the brand collaborations and licensing strategy to follow. Most recently we’re managing MTV’s ‘Music Meets Fashion Competition’ with ViacomCBS; a global student competition in collaboration with the British Fashion Council, River Island and designer, ICEBERG.

Through our licensing arm, we’ve brought iconic names such as The Natural History Museum, Tatty Devine and Barbara Hulanicki (the founder of Biba) into the world of Homeware, Fashion, Stationery and Accessories.

We are a David sized team that works as an extension to these Goliath names, helping them weave the market and innovatively adapt to propel their message forward.

 Focusing on the recent announcement around your plans for the Lemon Ribbon brand, what attracted you guys to the children’s lifestyle space? What are your plans for the brand? 

We first discovered the Lemon Ribbon brand about three years ago and have been actively talking to the team for about two years. As soon as we saw the brand the whole team fell in love with it. We were instantly drawn to the design aesthetic with its playfully bright and bold colour palette and the fun and engaging characters.

We have worked with the team at Lemon Ribbon Studio to build a three-year strategy to kick start the licensing journey for the brand here in the UK. Initially we are planning to launch with brands collaborations across lifestyle categories including Apparel, Homewares, Stationery and Gifting, and we will look to complement this with a master toy licensee. From there we will be building a core licensing programme across all categories as we move into years two and three.

As the brand continues to evolve there will also be animation by Cloth Cat Animation coming through as part of the new content pipeline and as this develops, we will incorporate this into the brand’s consumer product strategy.

Why is now the right time to be developing the Lemon Ribbon licensing programme? Do you think ‘lockdown life’ has underscored the value in the children’s market/lifestyle space?

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic we felt there was room for a new design-led brand in the pre-school market, one like Lemon Ribbon, which could resonate with children and parents alike and the lockdown has definitely amplified this.

Lemon Ribbon has the great ability to engage and inspire families. Now more than ever we appreciate how important it is to enrich pre-schoolers minds and this is supported by the science which tells us 90 per cent of a child’s brain development happens before the age of five. Through their refreshing, inclusive and joyous characters Lemon Ribbon will captivate children’s imaginations and ultimately, we want to bring these characters to life through the range of consumer products we are aspiring to create through a program of brand collaborations and licensees.

The team at Lemon Ribbon have already embraced the principle of play led educational content in their current partnership with ‘Imagine That Publishing’ who have produced 10 books utilising their characters and unique design aesthetic. However, we are now actively looking to build on this, and we are starting the process of talking with new publishing partners.

How has business been for Glue Creative Thinking over the past few months? How has the current situation influenced or impacted upon the licensing strategies you look at?

Fortunately for Glue, we’ve always been a remote, global team so there wasn’t much of an adjustment period when lockdowns occurred and due to our knowledge and size, we were able to act fast on the changing needs of our clients and their consumers.

We’ve been keeping an eye on the market; on which industries and brands are leaving this period stronger than before as well as which trends and innovations are working in this elevation of digital importance.

What do you think the future of licensing will look like as we emerge from this pandemic?

We’re incredibly optimistic for the future of the licensing industry and how we, as an industry, can provide consumers with what they’re looking for.

Working with influential brands we look to bring nostalgia to the public with innovative and engaging experiences, both physical and digital, especially now when igniting memorable connection is more important than ever.

The landscape is changing, and we’re excited for the new opportunities that digital provides.  We’re especially supportive of the growing desire for sustainability to be at the forefront of the conversation and how the two can support one another’s growth.

 What’s the next big step for you guys?

We’re here to support our clients through this next phase, helping them meet targets and reach consumers authentically, whatever the future may bring.

We’re excited to bring Lemon Ribbon to the wider UK market and are actively looking for partners. The third instalment of the ‘Music Meets Fashion Competition’ launches at London Fashion Week this September, we’ll be releasing some exciting updates, so keep your eyes peeled for that! We’ve also been actively looking ahead to 2021, working on a few different proposals for the gaming and TV worlds; we’ve been, gratefully, very busy!