Tag Archives: fashion

Vans celebrates pop cultural icons The Simpsons in new collection

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Icons of animation and longest running US sitcom series, the now Disney-owned The Simpsons has teamed up with the lifestyle specialists Vans to launch a new collection spanning footwear, apparel, and accessories.

An American icon in its own right, Vans uses its collaborations o pay tribute to American culture, this time launching a new range that pays homage to the popular animated series that leapt onto the pop culture scene over 30 years ago to provide a satirical insight into suburban family life in the US.

‘This season, Vans honours The Simpsons with a vibrant collection of footwear, apparel, and accessories that celebrate iconic moments from the historic series,’ read a statement from the lifestyle brand.

The new collection will be available from August 7th this year.

 

Ascot Racecourse renews its global licensing partnership with IMG

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Ascot Racecourse has renewed its exclusive global licensing representation and on-site retail agreement with IMG through to 2025. Since being appointed in 2016, IMG has curated a robust year-round licensing programme for the iconic racecourse.

Highlights of the brand collaborations and products inspired by the 309-year-old racecourse and its flagship racing festival, Royal Ascot have included collections with British brands such as Favourbrook, TM Lewin, Oliver Brown, Radley London, Christy’s Hats, Christy, Charbonnel & Walker, and more.

Products are now sold around the world in licensees’ standalone stores, as well as concessions and online.

Under the renewal, IMG will continue to manage the on-site retail operation on behalf of the racecourse, having expanded the retail experience at Royal Ascot from three stores in 2017 to eight in 2019, spanning all four enclosures.

Juliet Slot, chief commercial officer at Ascot Racecourse, said: “Fashion, accessories and food are key facets of everyone’s experience at Ascot. We have worked hard to create and grow a retail experience for our customers that matches their expectations, and we are delighted that so many wonderful brands are working with us, both on-site and through high-street retail partners.

“We are excited to continue our relationship with IMG and look forward to further expanding our offering in the future.”

 Tim Smith, senior licensing director at IMG, said: “In just a few years, together with Ascot Racecourse, we have developed a carefully curated portfolio of premium partners and products that reflect the brand’s rich British heritage, along with its unique sense of occasion.

“We are thrilled to extend our relationship with Ascot Racecourse and are looking forward to further expanding its licensed product portfolio, in addition to continuing to build the on-site retail experience.”

 

 

WildBrain CPLG partners leading Italian design school to celebrate 65 years of Miffy

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The entertainment, sport, and brand licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG has teamed with the Italian design school Istituto Europeo di Design for a new fashion project that celebrates the 65th anniversary of Mercis BV’s character brand Miffy.

The project has seen students from award-winning design schools in the UK, Hong Kong, Italy, Mexico, and the Netherlands create limited edition Miffy plush, which are now on display in an exhibition titled ‘Miffy: 65 Years a Source of Inspiration’ at Centraal Museum in Utrecht.

Massimo Giacon, tutor and professor at IED, said: “I was delighted to oversee this design project – the Miffy character is known and loved all over the world, and it was an invigorating creative challenge. My priority was to demonstrate the story behind Miffy, and emphasise the character’s innocence and magic – harnessing the youthful energy and hope of our students as a lens for the project.

“Even if in our contemporary world there seems to be no space for simplicity and goodness, actually there is a great need for beauty. The final results created by IED students were so amazing they inspired me to create my own Miffy designs, and I’m sure all visitors to the exhibition will feel the same type of magic from this adorable character.”

Maria Gurrieri, managing director at WildBrain CPLG Southern Europe, added: “It has been a real pleasure to collaborate with Mercis BV and IED Milano on this project to celebrate young artists and design excellence as part of Miffy’s 65th anniversary. Creative partnerships such as these are an integral part of our strategy for Miffy in Italy as we look to build upon the brand’s legacy while also introducing Dick Bruna’s iconic creation to a new generation.

“We are delighted to see all the fantastic designs the students have created, which are testament to the inspiration Miffy has provided for designers over the last 65 years.”

In total, 86 Miffy plush designs were created by the international design students and are now on display at Centraal Museum Utrecht. This includes 20 designs from the 15 students involved at IED, across the institution’s Visual Arts, Fashion, Design and Communication courses.

The designs selected for the exhibition include Miffy in a space suit inspired by the film 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Miffy in an haute couture dress. The ten best designs have been selected by a jury of prominent fashion designers.

A compilation of ten designs from all participating academies will form the limited edition collectible collection which will be made available later this year.

Skateboarding brand DGK carves out new Otter Pops collab for US nostalgia chasers

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The skateboarding and lifestyle specialist, DGK has struck up a new partnership with Jel Sert to bring the popular US brand Otter Pops onto the skating scene with a new, nostalgia-driven collection of apparel, accessories, and skateboards. The deal was brokered by the licensing agency Lisa Marks Associates.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Otter Pops, the capsule collection will be launched with Zumiez and other key DGK accounts.

Founded in Hollywood in 1970, Otter Pops is a beloved treat and pop culture icon that has captivated hearts across the US for generations. Otter Pops is widely recognised as the number one selling ice pop on the west coast with national distribution and a cast of classic characters.

DGK is Dirty Ghetto Kids, a clothing, skateboard, and accessories line created by Stevie Williams in 2002. Growing up on the streets of Philadelphia, Williams and his crew of friends took to calling themselves “Dirty Ghetto Kids”. Years later, Dirty Ghetto Kids is now seen on street smart folks all over the place, with worldwide recognition of the DGK brand, and its graffiti-inspired designs.

“The new DGK x Otter Pops program will be loved by DGK and Otter Pops fans across America,” said LMA president Lisa Marks. “What better way to celebrate fan favourite Otter Pops 50th Anniversary than with an awesome DGK tee shirt, sweatshirt, socks and skateboards.”

“Otter Pops is essential to the streets like DGK,” said Williams, founder/owner/pro skateboarder of DGK. “The best go-to freezer snack in the game mixed with skateboards. A true kids favourite.”

“We couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity and timing to partner with DGK for Otter Pops 50th Anniversary,” said Kyle Harrington, brand manager of Otter Pops. “An Otter Pop in one hand and a skateboard in the other – name a better combo.”

 

Sagoo signs fashion brand Difuzed for Rilakkuma apparel, fashion bags and more

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The fashion and lifestyle brand Difuzed has partnered with the independent licensing agency Sagoo to launch a range of apparel for kids and adults, as well as fashion bags, backpacks, and accessories, inspired by the Japanese character brand, Rilakkuma.

The new line will include tech accessories including phone cases and tablet and laptop covers and sleeves featuring the popular bear character and his friends. The complete range will retail throughout Europe.

Launched in Asia in 2003, Rilakkuma embodies relaxation and a stress-free lifestyle. The chilled-out bear cub quickly became popular in Japan, Asia and the US as it began life as an illustration on products such as stationery. The licensed merchandise quickly grew, and to date, 5.8 million of the Rilakkuma story books have been sold, while the new apps launched monthly have over half a million members. In total, over 20,000 Rilakkuma products have launched in Japan.

Now a Netflix star and hugely popular on social media, Rilakkuma is beginning to see the same trajectory of success throughout Europe and leading licensing agency, Sagoo, is partnering with best in class licensees to build a robust consumer products offering in the territory.

Jeremy Orriss, licensing director of Difuzed, said: “We are very happy to be part of the lovely Rilakkuma family and we are confident that the cooperation between Difuzed and the Sagoo team will be stress-free just like Rilakkuma and it will create great results. We cannot wait to develop Rilakkuma apparel and accessories collections and have them in retailers all around Europe.”

Veronique Pichon, president, Sagoo, added: “We’re excited to welcome Difuzed on board for the rapidly growing Rilakkuma brand. The property is showing signs of the same popularity in Europe as it has enjoyed in Asia and the US, and these new lifestyle products will be perfect for the Rilakkuma fans.”

 

Kids’ lifestyle brand Lemon Ribbon looks to licensing with Glue Creative Thinking

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The children’s lifestyle brand, Lemon Ribbon, has tapped Glue Creative Thinking to expand its consumer awareness and engagement through licensed product and brand collaborations by working with influential children’s brands and licensees that ‘complement the Lemon Ribbon aesthetic.’

The firm, one that started out life designing for major international children’s wear, homeware, stationery and trend companies itself, is looking to plug into home, fashion, toys, animation, publishing, gift, and stationery markets. To do so, it will utilise its bright and bold style as well as its ‘refreshing, inclusive and joyous characters.’

Together Lemon Ribbon and Glue Creative Thinking will look to bring families closer together with the refreshingly creative, fun and educational characters that includes, Lion, Panda, Cat, Bunny, Monster and Croc. With licensed product already available across eleven countries, including USA, Spain, China, Russia and Taiwan with Licensees such as Adalberto, K Stationary and NICI, the cast of characters is awaiting a warm welcome here in the UK.

“The team and I have been keen to work with Glue for some time now,” said Edward Weale, director of Lemon Ribbon. “Though it’s certainly been an unnerving couple of months for all, we’re ready and excited to welcome the wider UK market to the world of Lemon Ribbon. We hope our inclusive, cheerful messaging will enlighten and educate both parent and child.”

Carla Bowden, founder and director of Glue Creative Thinking, added: “We’ve been huge fans of Lemon Ribbon Studio for a while, we are so thrilled and honoured we’re on this journey with them to expand the Lemon Ribbon brand here in the UK. It’s an incredibly relevant brand right now, their creative, cheerful and educational messages are enchanting and uplifting, we can’t wait to see it come to life through product.”

Glue Creative Thinking is actively building the Lemon Ribbon licensed portfolio, starting with a three-year comprehensive strategy.

Archie Comics partners with Kate Spade New York for Betty Cooper and Veronica Ledge collection

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Kate Spade New York is to launch a collection of handbags, tote bags, backpacks, and more featuring characters from and with a look inspired by the classic 1940s Archie Comics.

In a deal brokered by King Features Syndicate, the likes of Betty Cooper and Veronica Ledge will now appear across a selection of Kate Spade New York bags and accessories. The classic comic book friends will come with their differing personal styles; Betty’s classic preppy flair, and Veronica’s sleek dark style, to bring the look at the comics to the collection.

“When you think of best friends, the first people that come to mind are Betty and Veronica,” said Archie Comics CEO and publisher Jon Goldwater. “Having the chance to partner with Kate Spade for this amazing collaboration is a dream, and Betty and Veronica are a perfect match for the Kate Spade New York brand.”

King Features Syndicate is the home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters and is the licensing agent for Archie Comics. Archie Comics’ own library consists of the likes of Archie, Jughead, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Katy Keene, and Josie and the Pussycats.

“We are thrilled to be working with Kate Spade New York on behalf of Archie Comics to bring Riverdale High’s most fashionable duo to fans across the nation and select markets around the globe,” said King Features vice president and general manager, global head of licensing Carla Silva. “This collection not only celebrates Betty and Veronica’s unique sense of style, but also the special bond of their friendship.”

The Kate Spade x Betty and Veronica collection is available worldwide at Kate Spade New York Outlet stores.

Other product launches King Features has recently fostered on behalf of Archie Comics include a Betty & Veronica x Torrid x Project Runway All-Stars apparel collaboration, apparel from Bioworld and Philcos, a gaming app from Ludia, collectable toys from Funko, toys from Super7, statues and miniatures from Icon Heroes, puzzles by Outset Media, Zynga slot machines and more.

H&M launches its Minions Kids Collection globally

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Universal has launched its global partnership with the fashion retailer H&M to bring Minions back to the high street (and online) with a new apparel and accessories collection.

The Minions x H&M Kids Collection has launched to the global stage, with a range that includes ‘mischievous and sweet graphic tees’, to modern and relevant accessories.

Ranging in price from £5 to £20, the first of its kind product collection includes graphic and applique t-shirts, trainers, hats and socks, water bottles and backpacks, as well as a football kit and ball, plus more.

The Minions x H&M collection for kids is now available at HM.com and in H&M stores.

 

Art Ask Agency signs Italy’s Yamamay for new Pet Rocks nightwear and loungewear collection

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Art Ask Agency has partnered with the Italian intimates retailer, Yamamay to launch the first stage of its Pets Rock collection of nightwear and loungewear in over 500 stores in Italy and worldwide, as well as online.

June witnessed the launch of the summer range with maxi t-shirts and short PJs. The winter range, to be launched in September, will included warmer nightwear for the whole family. The collection carries the signature comical and light-hearted feel that the Pets Rock brand is known for across the globe.

“These characters, that combine two apparently different universes, the animal world and the one of celebrities and VIPs, create an ironic effect that plays on a subtle humour, typically British, that we are sure that our Italian and foreign customers will appreciate,” said Gianluigi Cimmino, CEO of Pianoforte Holding – Yamamay.

“When we were offered this collaboration, we thought it would be perfect for our audience, and it seems that now it will be even more: after such harsh times, we definitely need to add to our days a bit of lightness, positivity and humour.”

Kate Polybank, managing director of Takkoda, Pets Rock, added: “We are excited to be working with Yamamay on this fun collection. Who wouldn’t want these items to snuggle down in at home? Thanks to the expertise of Yamamay the products will surely be a great success.”

Established in 2001, Yamamay is an Italian brand that has become a world leader in the underwear and beachwear markets, developing a network of over 700 stores worldwide. Its product range includes underwear, lingerie, corsetry, swimwear, nightwear, clothing, and accessories, all of which offer customers an internationally renowned level of glamour and elegance.

Licensing Link Europe scores Phat Kandi for the UK and Eire

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Licensing Link Europe is continuing to build its portfolio, this time with the addition of the popular, bittersweet character brand, Phat Kandi, an IP that is inspired by ‘rule breakers and misfits.’

The partnership will see Licensing Link Europe manage the brand’s licensing opportunities across the UK and Eire. The team joins a wider network of licensing agents for the brand which already includes EASIA’s Empire Multimedia corp and Italy’s Brand Licensing Studio Di Ambra Farioli.

Licensing Link Europe currently represents brands such as Molang, Build a Bear Workshop, The Van Gogh Museum, and Pantone within its portfolio.

“Chris and I are both flattered and really excited to be working with such an enthusiastic and proactive licensor,” said Ian Wickham, director at the agency.  “The brand DNA, the handwriting and delivery are going to make for a strong lifestyle statement at a time when individuality is very much embraced.”

Phat Kandi has been described as a bold statement brand with a Japanese, edgy twist that lends itself to consumer products in categories such as fashion, personal care, stationery, and digital campaigns