The UK’s Cribstar and Vintage Supply among wave of European partners for Peanuts Worldwide

The UK’s own baby and kidswear brand, Cribstar and the adult fashion brand Vintage Supply are among a suite of new European partners to sign up with Peanuts, expanding the IP’s activity across fashion, accessories, homewares, and gifts for kids and adults.

The pair make up two new UK additions amid a long list of European partners that include the likes of the Dutch beachwear brand Shiwi, Eastpak who will be delivering a collection of Peanuts backpacks and travel bags, and Leomil who has signed up for a girls and women’s footwear range across the Benelux region.

Meanwhile, WildBrain CPLG’s Germany, Austria, and Switzerland team has extended its PUMA partnership with a second collections of kids’ footwear, apparel, and accessories scheduled for a worldwide launch this month. The premium pet food brand, Platinum has also been signed for a promotional deal, featuring Snoopy as its brand ambassador.

In Spain, Andres Gallardo has launched its second handcrafted Peanuts collection, Dime Que Me Quieres has debuted a handmade artisan jewellery range, and Zara Home has introduced a new line of babywear, towels, homeware, and accessories at its stores. In Greece, meanwhile, Giovas is to launch bags and accessories in a new back-to-school Peanuts collection.

Over in Italy and WildBrain CPLG’s local team has secured a deal with MyBeautyBox which saw the monthly makeup subscription service dedicate its June mystery box to Peanuts, while publishing partner Foto Edizoni is adding Peanuts comic strips to its monthly crossword magazine. It is also launching a bi-monthly Peanuts themed kids and teen crossword magazine.

In France, the Parisian fashion design studio, Sandro has launched a Peanuts men’s capsule collection, while the local fashion brand Cyrillus has unveiled a baby and children’s collection. In Central and Eastern Europe, MPTECH has been signed for stationery and back-to-school items with the first collection launching for back-to-school 2021.

On top of all of this, the licensing agency has also secured the Nordic representation rights for the brand, effective from July 1st this year.

Tara Botwick, senior director, territory management EMEA for Peanuts Worldwide, said: “A key part of our Peanuts brand strategy is ensuring we’re continually innovating and reaching our fans in unique ways. This latest wave of licensees and distinctive new collection launches promises to offer consumers of all ages some really fun and creative ways of engaging with Snoopy and the gang.”

Maarten Weck, EVP and managing director at WildBrain CPLG, added: “The timeless Peanuts brand continues to prove its enduring popularity among a broad range of consumers, retailers and licensees across Europe and beyond, as demonstrated by these latest product ranges from both new and long-term partners.

“With the European licensing programme continuing to diversify and gain further momentum, it’s also fantastic to extend our remit and represent the brand across the Nordic market, which offers significant potential for additional growth.”

Haribo expands its happy world with first 100th anniversary product launches

The global confectionery brand, Haribo is preparing to celebrate its milestone 100th anniversary next year, with the latest launch in a roll-out of consumer products spanning toys, footwear, apparel, and homewares throughout 2021.

Developed through collaborations forged by IMG, Haribo’s consumer products programme kicked off last month with the worldwide unveiling of a partnership with PUMA and the launch of a PUMA footwear and apparel collection. The street wear brand has now released its second drop in the collab, a collection of ‘candy-coloured’ ranges that infuse Haribo’s Goldbears with some of its own classic silhouettes.

The latest launch includes the CA Pro, Street Rider, RS-X3, and Suede all in adult, junior, preschool, and infant sizing.

Further products partnerships and launches will include Haribo branded shoes for kids developed by the European footwear retailer, Deichmann. The line is scheduled to launch at the end of July this year.

Haribo is also moving in on the toys, collectables, and plush sector with a new range launching this autumn thanks to a multi-year, global deal with the US toymaker, Jakks Pacific. Meanwhile, KidsOne will launch branded tableware in Korea.

Andreas Kuhnle, head of global marketing at Haribo, said: “Haribo is undoubtedly one of the best-known and most popular brands in many countries around the world. Our lives are full of adventures and challenges. Every day and all over the world, little and big heroes face new tasks.

“For all of them, we at Haribo create small, carefree moments of childlike happiness with our products. That’s why brands that also stand for these little moments of joy in everyday life are a perfect fit for Haribo.”

Sven Thierhoff, VP of licensing at IMG, added: “It’s amazing to see the happy world of Haribo come to life through such a diverse, colourful programme of products that embody the brand’s quality-first values. Initial collaborations have been extremely popular with collectors and Haribo fans of all ages, and we can’t wait to develop together with Haribo and new partners new thrilling ideas for the centenary of the iconic Goldbear in 2022.”

Hasbro and Reebok combine forces to launch Mighty Morphin Power Rangers footwear collection

The global entertainment powerhouse, Hasbro has partnered with Reebok to introduce a new collection of trainers based on the original ’90s television series, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. The new family footwear collection pairs some of Reebok’s iconic silhouettes with five of the original Power Rangers.

The characters featured in the line-up include the Red Ranger, Black Ranger, Blue Ranger, Pink Ranger, Yellow Ranger, and Megazord, Each of the Reebok models represent their Power Ranger, bringing in elements to connect the show to its corresponding Power Ranger and Zord.

Beyond unique details that relate to each character, each style incorporates a Power Coin, the Power Rangers bolt and materials inspired by the metallic Zords. And if that’s not enough, all six models will be packaged in shoeboxes designed to resemble different elements of the Megazord.

Combine the six boxes and, you’ve guessed it, avid collectors will be able to assemble a limited edition Megazord figure akin to the television show model.

So let’s take a look at those six models in a little more detail.

The range kicks off with the Zig Kinetica II Red Ranger, pairing the Red Ranger’s athleticism and personality with Reebok’s new Zig Kinetica II. The shoe features a jagged toe box to represent the Tyrannosaurus Zord’s teeth with silver Zord accents along the midsole.

Next up is the Nano X1 Black Ranger, inspired by the Black Ranger’s sleek look, agility and speed. The shoe features a heel tab design that references the Black Ranger’s signature ’90s fashion sense.

Cluc C Legacy Blue Ranger pays homage to the Blue Power Ranger’s work through the translucent sole, which shows an imortant aspect of the shoe that is so often shrouded by the outsole. The sneaker also includes a white collar and heel blocking to resemble the design of the Triceratops Zord’s crown.

Reebok’s Freestyle Hi Pink Ranger is the company’s first workout shoe made exclusively for women, designed to represent the Pink Ranger – known for promoting individual empowerment and investing in others by teaching aerobics at her community centre. The shoe incorporates pink stripes down the front of the upper that make reference to the Pterodactyl Zord, as well as a green broken heart on the inside strap that alludes to the Pink Ranger’s relationship with the Green Ranger.

Club C Yellow Ranger, a silhouette known for its’ adaptability from the skate park to the tennis court, matches the Yellow Power Ranger’s signature versatility. In addition to Zord markings, the Club C Yellow Ranger features a wing logo on the back of the tongue as a tribute to Yellow Ranger actress Thuy Trang.

Finally, the Question Mid Megazord features a range of markings to represent the Zord, from the black and yellow logo on the tongue that resembles Zord eyes to the V-printed eyelets that emulate Zord teeth. The shoe also includes a question mark on the right toe with an M for Megazord.

The Question Mid Megazord will be available exclusively at Reebok.com/power_rangers beginning June 29, 2021. All remaining models in the Reebok x Power Rangers collection will be available at both Reebok.com/power_rangers and various additional retailers on June 29.

Currently, Power Rangers is celebrating 28 continuous years on the air, making it one of the longest-running kids’ live-action series in television history, with nearly 900 episodes aired to date.

Created by Haim Saban and launched in 1993 with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the franchise celebrates its 28th season, “Power Rangers Dino Fury,” currently airing on Nickelodeon in the US.

WildBrain CPLG scores wave of new Emoji partners across EMEA spanning fashion, accessories and back to school

WildBrain CPLG has scored a new wave of new deals across EMEA for the globally revered Emoji – The Iconic Brand, adding a selection of new fashion, accessories, and back to school partners to the ever-expanding portfolio.

WildBrain CPLG’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) team has inked a deal with Yellow Flower (Premium Brands) for an Emoji apparel line spanning babywear and kids’ t-shirts, now available at Carrefour stores across the Middle East. Additionally, Andy Enterprises has developed a new line of Emoji face masks, which has launched at 45 Brands for Less stores in the region.

The new partnership joins the previously detailed deal with the Kuwaiti sports and high street fashion retailer, Al Nasser, who has now introduced its first Emoji brand apparel range for kids and women. Meanwhile, the local high-end fashion retailer RIVA has just launched its second Emoji brand collection for teens and women.

Over in Central and Eastern Europe, WildBrain CPLG is building upon its long-term relationship with the Polish market leader for school supplies, St-Majewski, with the launch of a new range of Emoji stationery and gifts, including crayons, colouring pencils, notebooks, backpacks, diaries and money boxes. The line is now available online and at stores across Poland and Europe, with the support of an extensive marketing and PR campaign.

In a further local deal, WildBrain CPLG has signed Utenos who will launch an apparel collection for kids, tweens and young teens this summer.

Marco Huesges, CEO and founder of the Emoji company, added: “An integral part of our Emoji brand strategy is ensuring there’s always a fresh and enticing range of on-trend products available to consumers of all ages. WildBrain CPLG continues to secure best-in-class partnerships and these new deals are no exception – we’re sure these new ranges will be a huge hit with our fans across EMEA.”

Roberto Pallottini, licensing manager MENA at WildBrain CPLG, said: “The instantly recognisable Emoji brand continues to go from strength to strength particularly across the MENA region, where it’s become a key property for retailers, especially those within the fashion space. With its distinctive, vast and universal language, Emoji offers endless possibilities for licensees and retailers to get creative, as demonstrated by this latest wave of products that offer consumers some really fun and unique ways to express themselves.”

WildBrain CPLG represents the Emoji brand across the UK and Eire, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, across Benelux, Turkey, CEE, Spain and Portugal. It also reps the brand in Russia, France, MENA, Nordics, Italy, Greece, Poland, and Ukraine.

Additionally, WildBrain CPLG is handling worldwide licensing and merchandising rights for emojitown®, a new digital-first series and consumer products extension of the Emoji brand, for which the agency is developing a cross-category merchandise offering targeted at teens and young adults.

Underwear brand MeUndies steps into Bravado partnership for The Rolling Stones collection

The men’s and women’s underwear, sleepwear, and loungewear brand, MeUndies, has partnered with Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management company Bravado to launch a limited edition collaboration with The Rolling Stones.

The new MeUndies x The Rolling Stones collection will feature the band’s iconic tongue and lips logo on underwear, socks, bralettes, and loungewear.

“The Rolling Stones was one of my favorite bands growing up, and I was lucky enough to see them live for their 40 Licks tour while backpacking in Hamburg, Germany in 2003,” said Jonathan Shokrian, founder and CEO of MeUndies. “This collaboration allows both The Rolling Stones fans and our MeUndies community to celebrate legendary music and rock out in epicly-soft Undies.” 

Designed in 1970 by English artist John Pasche, The Rolling Stones logo is one of the most famous graphics in rock ’n’ roll history. The new MeUndies collection featuring the logo was created to celebrate the band, which has been promoting self-expression and inspiring fans to challenge the status quo and embrace their individuality since 1962.

“This limited-edition collection gives Rolling Stones fans a new way to show their love for the band,” said Christine Buckley, vice president, global brand management, Bravado. “MeUndies shares the same commitment to unself-conscious free expression that Mick and the band have always embodied, which is why this collab is such an exciting one.”

The collection is now available for purchase exclusively on MeUndies.com. All prints from MeUndies, including The Rolling Stones collection, are limited-edition, so once they sell out, they won’t come back.

MeUndies designs ultrasoft basics, including underwear, socks, sleepwear, loungewear and, now, swimwear for both men and women. The brand is committed to celebrating comfort, creativity and self-expression and is renowned for its ethos of inclusivity, body positivity and transparency, its MeUndies Gives program, and its frequent drops of colorful, trendy prints in its MicroModal line.

Tutu du Monde brings Mattel’s Barbie to the world if high end fashion for children

Mattel’s iconic fashion doll brand, Barbie is making its latest statement in the world of high end fashion for children via a partnership with Tutu du Monde and the global launch of a range of tutu dresses, day wear, and accessories for 2022.

The new collection will draw inspiration from the Barbie brand to deliver a collection of designs reimagined in the fashion dolls’ recognisable palette of power pastels and rainbow touches, complete with Barbie motifs to create a new collection for designed for kids.

The collection will be stocked at the likes of Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty, Bloomingdales, Saks, Harvey Nichols, and OUNASS among others.

Each Tutu Du Monde piece will be uniquely designed, tapping into the Barbie brand’s values of empowering limitless potential in girls. With a shared desire to celebrate little girls’ imaginations, each piece has been carefully designed to allow little ones the opportunity to dance, play and explore joyfully.

“When Barbie was created in 1959 by Ruth Handler for her daughter, her entire philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, the little girl could be anything she wanted to be. Over 60 years on, Barbie continues to empower girls through imagination. This beautiful collection with Tutu du Monde of keepsake items can be worn for lasting memories that can be treasured forever,” said Gemma Daniels, head of softlines, UK and EMEA, Mattel.

Created in 2009 by the celebrated designer Andrea Rembeck, Tutu du Monde is based on the creative’s commitment to authenticity, quality and craftsmanship. The brand was born when Rembek’s daughter requested a tutu. Not inspired by the options on the market, Andrea turned to her talent and created her own.

Each Tutu Du Monde item is designed in Australia and produced in India by a team of artisans. The brand aims to capture the style of French ballet costumes.

Lion Brand Yarn Company launches official Schitt’s Creek line to help fans recreate the show’s iconic looks

The hit Canadian sitcom series, Schitt’s Creek is embarking on a new licensing venture, enabling fans of the ‘must-watch TV series of the pandemic’ to recreate some of the most iconic looks from the pop culture phenomenon.

In partnership with ITV Studios – the global distributor of the award-winning Schitt’s Creek series – Lion Brand Yarn Company is helping the series’ biggest fans create those chic sweaters, tops, and outfits, thanks to its upcoming line of official products.

“We are excited and proud to be partnering with ITV Studios and launching a product line inspired by ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ a show that has captured the hearts of TV viewers in multiple countries,” said Chris Mills, president and CEO of Lion Brand Yarn Company.

“In addition to releasing exclusive yarns and patterns that will allow fans and crafters to recreate their favorite garments, we’re honored to be associated with a show that promotes positivity, warmth, and inclusivity – messages that are integral to Lion Brand’s mission as a company.”

Lion Brand’s line of Schitt’s Creek products will include varying styles and colors of yarn – including white, heather grey, blush, and jet black – all of which will bear an exclusive “Schitt’s Creek” label. It will also include a wide variety of patterns for both adults and children, with detailed instructions on how to create the clothing inspired by the “Schitt’s Creek” characters: David Rose’s unforgettable collection of sweaters; Alexis Rose’s spirited, bohemian cardigans; and more.

Matching merchandise such as pillows and throw blankets will also accompany the line.

“We were thrilled with the opportunity to work with Lion Brand on this first-of-its-kind Schitt’s Creek product line,” said Kim Dingler, CCO global entertainment, ITV Studios.

“Thanks to Lion Brand, a company that shares the Schitt’s Creek ethos of community, consumers and crafters will have a one-stop shop and be able to make their own ‘Schitt’s Creek’ outfits.”

Created by father-and-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, who also star in the show opposite Catherine O’Hara and Annie Murphy, the Canadian comedy series Schitt’s Creek first debuted in 2015, before a migration to Netflix set it on course to become a worldwide phenomenon.

Over five years and six seasons, the story of a wealthy family displaced and brought down to earth in a modest small town exploded in popularity, and for its final season, it won nine awards at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, as well as two Golden Globes.

Throughout its run, Schitt’s Creek became as beloved for its bold fashions as it did for its characters and storylines. The unique knits and patterns worn by David Rose (Dan Levy), Moira Rose (O’Hara) and Alexis Rose (Murphy), specifically, inspired countless Halloween costumes as well as major clothing retailers and fashion designers.

“For Lion Brand, the combination of the show’s striking knitwear and its warmhearted themes were a perfect match,” said Mills. “With everything we do, we strive to create a more colorful, connected, comforting, and caring world, and that’s exactly what the world of Schitt’s Creek is. We can’t wait for our customers to make, wear, and enjoy the stunning styles of that world.”

Emoji partners with Nice ioi to launch new women’s fashion line in Taiwan

Emoji – The Iconic Brand is expanding its presence across Taiwan through a new partnership with the local fashion brand, Nice ioi and the launch of a new apparel collection designed for the urban woman. The new deal has been developed in tandem with Medialink Animation International Limited.

Nice ioi has billed the partnership as a major coup for the Taiwanese fashion label, championing Emoji as a global phenomenon and gobally recognised brand with product presence in over 130 countries worldwide.

“Partnering with Emoji is an important tool for Nice ioi,” said Katarina Cheng, CMO of Ioi. “We could not be more exited and look forward to seeing stunning results from the collision of the two well-loved brands. Nice ioi has just given the world another reason to be in love with the Emoji brand.”

Nice ioi is recognised for its focus on delivering customers fast, fashionable products. The new Emoji collection will be targeted towards woman with an urban style.

We’re proud to partner with Nice ioi who has done an amazing job in developing an emotional apparel collection for women in Taiwan. They are a highly respected partner of ours,” said Marco Huesges, CEO and founder of the Emoji Company.

Emoji partners with Nice ioi to launch new women’s fashion line in Taiwan

Emoji – The Iconic Brand is expanding its presence across Taiwan through a new partnership with the local fashion brand, Nice ioi and the launch of a new apparel collection designed for the urban woman. The new deal has been developed in tandem with Medialink Animation International Limited.

Nice ioi has billed the partnership as a major coup for the Taiwanese fashion label, championing Emoji as a global phenomenon and gobally recognised brand with product presence in over 130 countries worldwide.

“Partnering with Emoji is an important tool for Nice ioi,” said Katarina Cheng, CMO of Ioi. “We could not be more exited and look forward to seeing stunning results from the collision of the two well-loved brands. Nice ioi has just given the world another reason to be in love with the Emoji brand.”

Nice ioi is recognised for its focus on delivering customers fast, fashionable products. The new Emoji collection will be targeted towards woman with an urban style.

We’re proud to partner with Nice ioi who has done an amazing job in developing an emotional apparel collection for women in Taiwan. They are a highly respected partner of ours,” said Marco Huesges, CEO and founder of the Emoji Company.

Animaccord partners with Havaianas to launch Masha and the Bear flip flops to global markets

Animaccord, the studio behind the global hit animated series, Masha and the Bear has partnered with Alpargatas, the parent company of the Brazilian fashion brand Havaianas to launch a new, officially licensed collection of flip flops.

The first licensed baby Havaianas hit the market in early Q1 this year, rolling out to the Asia Pacific region, with further distribution to Europe, Latin America, and other territories in the second quarter of the year. The collection will be available both online and in selected stores across the markets.

Maria Fernanda Albuquerque, Havaianas global communication director, said:Kids licenses are a great opportunity for Havaianas to be connected with a younger target. Now, with Masha and the Bear in our portolio, we expect to go even further in building our strenght amongst this target.”

Manaf Hassan, sales director at Animaccord, EMEA and Americas, added: “We are very excited about this partnership. Being loyal to the brand and owning several pairs of Havaianas flip flops, just like most of us do, makes this partnership special for myself as well. This success story is just another proof that Masha and the Bear is a great match for iconic fashion brands, alike Havaianas.”