Tommy Hilfiger goes ’90s and ’00s retro in ViacomCBS partnership

The Tommy Hilfiger brand has partnered with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to launch a new capsule collection under the banner A Blast from the Past, tapping into Tommy Jeans’ long history of pop culture collaborations featuring characters and logos from Nickelodeon and MTV.

In a deal brokered by WildBrain CPLG, the partnership will witness the launch of a range of t-shirts, sweats, and hoodies all in a unisex style. The collection will be available across Tommy Hilfiger retail locations, on tommy.com, and through wholesale partners globally.

A Blast from the Past will feature a range of micro-capsules that bring a playful streetwear vibe to the classic oversized and bold colourways that Tommy Jeans fans recognise of the brand, fused with pop culture icons from the late ’90s and early ’00s.

Beavis and Butthead, Garfield, MTV, Ren & Stimpy, and SpongeBob SquarePants will all play starring roles in the collection.

Each micro-capsule remixes the heritage Tommy Jeans flag in unique and surprising ways, such as weaving Beavis and Butt-Head within its red and white blocks or using it as a pattern to fill the MTV logo, adding a fresh twist on timeless favorites.

The deal was brokered by WildBrain CPLG, one of the world’s leading entertainment, sport, and brand licensing agencies.

“There continues to be significant consumer demand, particularly among young adults, for high-end fashion collaborations that utilize retro brands and bring with them a sense of fun and nostalgia,” said Matt Tobia, senior sales manager at WildBrain CPLG.

“This partnership between Tommy Jeans and ViacomCBS Consumer Products is perfectly positioned to meet this demand, as it combines ViacomCBS’s impressive portfolio of iconic TV brands with Tommy Jeans relaxed ’90s aesthetic. We also couldn’t think of a better pairing for our first time teaming up with Tommy Jeans.”

Cath Kidston partners with Moomin Characters for new summer range of clothing, bags, and accessories

The British lifestyle brand, Cath Kidston has partnered with Moomin Charatcers to launch a new Moomin range for summer 2021, refreshing its archive prints – linen sprig and mushrooms – for a collaboration that celebrates ‘love and looking after one another.’

The new products range includes fashion for adults and children, from print dresses and pyjamas to Breton tops and embroidered shirts, as well as a selection of rucksacks, tote bags, and accessories. Stationery, water bottles, travel cups, and lunch boxes will all be available, as well as beakers and plates for children.

The colour palette for the collection is a ‘summery yellow and pink’, and the main characters featured are Moomintroll, Moominmamma, Snorkmaiden and Little My. The range boasts a strong floral theme, with characters depicted gardening, wearing traditional Scandinavian flower crowns, and enjoying meadows full of bright blooms.

Cath Kidston’s creative director, Holly Marler, said: “Nature was such an important inspiration to Moomin creator Tove Jansson – her illustrations are full of magical flowers, fascinating plants, and mysterious forests. We’re delighted to present this collection which takes its cue from Tove’s love of all things floral to celebrate summertime in bright, blooming colours.”

The price range of the collection begins at £7 for a Cath Kidston x Moomin pen and goes up to £75 for a patterned sleeveless midi shirt dress.

The Cath Kidston x Moomin range will be available to purchase from Cath Kidston 180 Piccadilly and cathkidston.com from 21st June.

WildBrain CPLG secures a raft of European deals for the hit video game brand Tetris

WildBrain CPLG has signed a raft of new European deals spanning apparel, back to school accessories, fast moving consumer goods, and homewares, for the world famous video game brand, Tetris.

The newest slate of deals kicks off with the fashion retailer, Zara, who has introduced a collection of ment’s t-shirts featuring vibrant designs inspired by the Tetris brand. The range is now available worldwide across its online retail platform and physical stores.

In Greece, Diakakis Imports SA is on board for a back-to-school range launching this autumn/winter 2021, spanning bags, pencil cases and stationery. Across Central and Eastern Europe, leading Polish distributor of textile products, Carbotex, has been signed for a Tetris-themed home textiles collection, which will see bedding, towels and pillows launch from this October, followed by an apparel range in 2022.

Displate will launch a unique range of hand-crafted metal posters featuring iconic Tetris gameplay images later this year.

Additionally, WildBrain CPLG’s Germany, Austria and Switzerland (GAS) team has inked deals with Natür Food Ventures GmbH that will see a range of Tetris-themed fruit gummies launch under Natür Food’s Powerbeärs brand this month; and with Spreadshirt for an upcoming print-on-demand t-shirt range.

Finally, Tendam is on board for a line of t-shirts and pyjamas, which will be available in multiple territories across Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East starting in July.

Pau Pascual, VP Southern Europe and MD Iberia and MENA at WildBrain CPLG, said: “We continue to see significant licensing opportunities for gaming properties particularly with brands, such as Tetris, that bring a strong sense of nostalgia and resonate favourably with consumers.

“As we accelerate the Tetris brand’s consumer products footprint in key markets, it’s fantastic to welcome these new partners who have successfully utilised the brand’s iconic gameplay and imagery to develop fun, unique and creative product ranges.”

Maya Rogers, president and CEO of Tetris, said: “Never before has the Tetris brand offered such an amazing range of fun, modern lifestyle products for consumers across Europe and the Middle East.

“We are continuously impressed with WildBrain CPLG’s ongoing effort to grow the brand’s presence in these markets with unique merchandise collaborations that truly speak to the varied interests of fans. We look forward to seeing fan reaction as each product line hits stores.”

WildBrain CPLG represents the Tetris brand across Benelux; the Nordics; Central and Eastern Europe; Iberia; Turkey; Middle East and North Africa; Russia; and Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

WildBrain CPLG secures a raft of European deals for the hit video game brand Tetris

WildBrain CPLG has signed a raft of new European deals spanning apparel, back to school accessories, fast moving consumer goods, and homewares, for the world famous video game brand, Tetris.

The newest slate of deals kicks off with the fashion retailer, Zara, who has introduced a collection of ment’s t-shirts featuring vibrant designs inspired by the Tetris brand. The range is now available worldwide across its online retail platform and physical stores.

In Greece, Diakakis Imports SA is on board for a back-to-school range launching this autumn/winter 2021, spanning bags, pencil cases and stationery. Across Central and Eastern Europe, leading Polish distributor of textile products, Carbotex, has been signed for a Tetris-themed home textiles collection, which will see bedding, towels and pillows launch from this October, followed by an apparel range in 2022.

Displate will launch a unique range of hand-crafted metal posters featuring iconic Tetris gameplay images later this year.

Additionally, WildBrain CPLG’s Germany, Austria and Switzerland (GAS) team has inked deals with Natür Food Ventures GmbH that will see a range of Tetris-themed fruit gummies launch under Natür Food’s Powerbeärs brand this month; and with Spreadshirt for an upcoming print-on-demand t-shirt range.

Finally, Tendam is on board for a line of t-shirts and pyjamas, which will be available in multiple territories across Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East starting in July.

Pau Pascual, VP Southern Europe and MD Iberia and MENA at WildBrain CPLG, said: “We continue to see significant licensing opportunities for gaming properties particularly with brands, such as Tetris, that bring a strong sense of nostalgia and resonate favourably with consumers.

“As we accelerate the Tetris brand’s consumer products footprint in key markets, it’s fantastic to welcome these new partners who have successfully utilised the brand’s iconic gameplay and imagery to develop fun, unique and creative product ranges.”

Maya Rogers, president and CEO of Tetris, said: “Never before has the Tetris brand offered such an amazing range of fun, modern lifestyle products for consumers across Europe and the Middle East.

“We are continuously impressed with WildBrain CPLG’s ongoing effort to grow the brand’s presence in these markets with unique merchandise collaborations that truly speak to the varied interests of fans. We look forward to seeing fan reaction as each product line hits stores.”

WildBrain CPLG represents the Tetris brand across Benelux; the Nordics; Central and Eastern Europe; Iberia; Turkey; Middle East and North Africa; Russia; and Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Lifestyle brand HYPE partners with Hasbro to launch exclusive NERF capsule collection and accessories

The popular lifestyle brand, HYPE. is continuing its collaborative efforts with global toy players, this time with the launch of a new capsule collection and line of limited edition blasters with Hasbro’s NERF franchise.

The 40-piece apparel and accessory kidswear collection boasts ‘all-over prints, reflective detailing, and unisex shapes for kids aged four to 14’ in a range that is designed for all genders while utilising NERF’s core colour palette of orange and blue. It’s a range that according to the firm, ‘cements NERF’s position in the fashion and lifestyle space.’

“We are delighted to be partnering with Hype on this much-anticipated fashion collaboration which supports our strategy to elevate NERF into a true lifestyle brand, for all genders,” saidSally Carnota, UK licensing director at Hasbro. “The collection showcases a blend of the Hype signature design with key NERF iconography and we are so excited for the launch.”

The range highlights HYPE.’s signature camouflage print with numerous NERF references, while boasting host of a graffiti-spray, galaxy space and gradient effects in t-shirts, crop tees, long-sleeved tees, hoodies, joggers, tracksuits, leggings and shorts. Meanwhile, the collection’s featured heat map print nods to thermal vision, displaying the inspiration behind the collection combined with additional features such as MA1 pockets, rip stop panels and pocket overlays.

In the accessories range, kids can stay hydrated with the reusable metal water bottles, designed with the collaboration’s core prints, with matching backpacks in HYPE.’s traditional shape and lunch boxes, finished with dart storage holders.

Alongside the collection, HYPE. x NERF have come together to gift a limited number of blasters designed in the heat map and graffiti prints, complete with co-branded darts to influencers and competition winners. These will not be available at retail.

The collaboration collection launches exclusively via HYPE.’s Shopping App, available on Android and Apple on May 27th 2021 and online at www.justhype.com and retailers around the world on May 28th 2021.

Barbie on a mission to grow licensing portfolio in Japan with fashion name ITOCHU

Mattel is looking to expand the global licensing programme for its iconic fashion doll brand, Barbie, having entered into a multi-year agreement with ITOCHU for the Japanese market.

ITOCHU is a recognised leader in the region’s fashion sector with a portfolio that currently boasts over 100 well-known fashion brands, including the likes of Paul Smith, FILA, and LeSportsac. Under the partnership, Barbie will look to expand into fashion related product launches and brand collaborations across Japan.

“For more than 60 years, Barbie has proven herself as a timely and timeless fixture in pop culture globally,” said Roz Nowicki, head of global consumer products and franchise marketing, Mattel. 

“ITOCHU’s leadership in the fashion industry in Japan makes them the perfect partner for Barbie. We look forward to working with the ITOCHU team to further drive Barbie’s fashion and purposeful narratives in this important market.”

In a statement issued this week, ITOCHU said: “Barbie’s brand philosophy – about empowering the limitless potential in every girl – is highly relevant in Japan. We look forward to partnering with Mattel to promote this brand purpose and develop a range of products and programs for Japanese consumers with high fashion sensibilities, further increasing the reach of the Barbie brand in Japan.”

Barbie has always been at the intersection of fashion and pop culture, and continues to represent global diversity in the fashion doll aisle by showcasing a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion. Named the 2020 Top Global Toy Property of the Year, according to the NPD group, the brand engages consumers through new product innovation, cultural relevance, digital dialog, and the celebration of female role models.

Paddington sets fresh paws down in South Korea with luxury retailer Hazzys

The Copyrights Group has struck a new retail partnership for a bespoke Paddington clothing, accessories, and golf line in South Korea with the luxury retailer, Hazzys. The deal will witness the launch of a dedicated range of co-branded apparel and accessories across all 35 of the retailer’s stores in South Korea.

Creative director Hun Kim, currently the head of design at Karl Lagerfeld and previously in senior design positions at Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Converse, has been appointed to work on this new collaboration.

The range is currently available in-store and online at Hazzys.com. To further extend the reach of the Paddington range and build additional engagement with South Korean fans, a seasonal golf collection and associated apparel and accessories will launch in late Spring 2021.

“We see that this collaboration will strongly appeal to young Korean customers who have purchasing power. Hazzys’ brand concept of British casual looks and the adorable Paddington graphics are a perfect match,” said Jung Hyuk Park, senior manager, global business for HAZZYS. 

“We are thrilled to be working with Hazzys on this fantastic collaboration. We feel the pairing of these two iconic brands offers something new and exciting to the market,” said Polly Emery, SVP brand and international licensing, The Copyrights Group.

Hazzys first started in 2000 in Korea as a men’s British traditional casual brand. Since then, it has expanded to various areas including Ladies clothing, Accessories, Golf and Kids, offering a lively look with an urban feel. Over the years, HAZZYS has grown beyond Korea’s domestic market to become a global brand appreciated by consumers across the globe.

WildBrain and The Teletubbies show support of LGBTQ community with first adult fashion collection ahead of Pride Month

WildBrain is partnering with GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer LGTBQ media advocacy organisation, to support 2021 Pride Month this June with the launch of its first Teletubbies fashion collection for adults.

Proceeds from sales of the collection will benefit GLAAD to support its culture-changing work to accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ community.

The Teletubbies Pride Collection will feature ’90s-inspired streetwear and be centered around two themes – “Big Hugs, Big Love” and “Teletubbies Love Pride” – with custom graphic treatments, prints and cues from the Teletubbies, such as their signature colors and antennae shapes.

The range includes a bucket hat, sling bag, muscle tee and tube socks, as well as a limited quantity of bespoke, made-to-order two-piece suits.

Michael Riley, chief brands officer at WildBrain, said: “The Teletubbies have always embraced their own offbeat quirkiness and sense of style. This Pride Month, we’re celebrating that ‘love who you are’ spirit through our collection of ready-to-rave fashion that makes Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po very proud.

“We’ve taken the most iconic elements fans know and love about the Teletubbies and designed a playful Collection with fashion flair that we hope fans will love to wear this Pride Month and all year-long.”

John McCourt, senior director at GLAAD, said: “This Pride Month, the iconic Teletubbies brand is celebrating the importance of self-expression and acceptance in a unique and uplifting way, while giving back to create change. Proceeds from this collection will support GLAAD’s culture-changing programs, including our work to expand LGBTQ images and inclusion in kids’ and family programming.”

The Teletubbies Pride Collection is now available at www.teletubbiespride.com or via @TeletubbiesHQ on Instagram and Twitter with prices starting at $10.99 USD.

Brand Alliance welcomes LIFE to portfolio of global brands in Bulldog partnership

Brand Alliance is to launch a range of adult apparel based on the LIFE brand thanks to a new partnership with the European agency, Bulldog Licensing.

A creative fashion-focused designer and manufacturer, Brand Alliance boasts more than 20 years’ experience in apparel. The deal will see the team launch a range of day wear and night wear based in the LIFE brand, tapping into its network of key retailers.

The LIFE brand combines the iconic LIFE logo – made famous by the eponymous magazine – with pictures from the brand’s extensive photographic library. LIFE magazine photojournalists captured some of the 20th century’s most defining events, historic figures, and nature, making up an enormous 10 million images. 

With such a vast resource available for licensing, the LIFE collection has enjoyed a key presence across UK fashion retailers with strong sales in the categories of greetings cards, calendars and wall art, as well.

It now joins a roster of major brand names to have partnered with Brand Alliance, who portfolio includes the likes of Coca Cola, VW, Polaroid, UFC, Jeep, and more. 

Rob Corney, MD, Bulldog Licensing, said: “Brand Alliance is a perfect fit for LIFE, its fashion forward, high quality ranges have a great synergy with the brand, and we’re looking forward to seeing the first designs.

“The LIFE brand offers a wealth of material for licensing partners, giving them a free rein with creative direction, while also offering immediate recognition with consumers throughout Europe.”

Van Gogh Museum partners with Australia’s Anthea Crawford to launch 19-piece collection

The Australian womenswear designer, Anthea Crawford, has partnered with the Van Gogh Museum to launch a limited edition autumn/winter 2021 collection to international retail, thanks to a deal brokered by IMG.

Launched on May 14th, the new line features Vincent van Gogh’s iconic artwork, bold colours, and signature styles in a 19-piece collection of dressed, blouses, t-shirts, trousers, coats, and jackets. The range has been developed in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Anthea Crawford brand.

The range will be available worldwide from www.antheacrawford.com.au, as well as David Jones and Myer department stores across Australia, with prices ranging from AUD $149 to $699. The first 500 customers to purchase through the Anthea Crawford website will also receive a complimentary ‘Sunflowers’ sketch tote bag.

“It’s our 45th year of Australian style and to celebrate we have collaborated with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam,” said an Anthea Crawford spokesperson. “Timeless beauty, expressive colour and irresistible texture plays have always been central to Anthea’s vision. It’s been a great honour to work so intimately with the priceless masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh, which have inspired us for so many years.”

Mark Minkman, managing director (a.i.), Van Gogh Museum, commented: “We are very proud to collaborate with Anthea Crawford and develop these sophisticated garments together, especially in these challenging times. This partnership enables us to inspire people with the art and heritage of Vincent van Gogh combined with the quality and characteristic prints of Anthea Crawford. Every purchase of this Anthea Crawford x Van Gogh Museum collection supports the work of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.”

Diana De Jesus, licensing manager, IMG, added: “Vincent van Gogh’s work has become a mainstay of culture and the Van Gogh Museum’s mission is to inspire present and future generations by making it more accessible. We are really excited to see the launch of this collaboration with Anthea Crawford, which perfectly captures the iconic beauty and legacy of Van Gogh’s exceptional prints.”

A portion of proceeds from each purchase will support the work of the Van Gogh Museum which houses more than 200 Vincent van Gogh paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 written documents.