Queer Eye brings new charge of inclusivity to retail with QueerEyeStore.com launch

The moment is here; Queer Eye is heading to retail.

Scout Productions – the Emmy and Academy award-winning team behind the hit series – has detailed a multi-layered licensing programme of new products and the launch of QueerEyeStore.com, a platform to bring fans all things fashion, inclusivity, and Queer Eye.

The programme has been created in partnership with the show’s licensing agency, IMG, and features products based on the Enny award-winning television series, including a new apparel line featuring the Queer Eye personalities. The range is available now on Amazon and via QueerEyeStore.com.

Further highlights include the recently launched exclusive home furnishings line at Walmart and a successful line of Queer Eye themed books, including the YA book for pre-teens.

Inspired by the show’s positivity and kindness, the new environmentally friendly apparel line of fashion-forward t-shirts, hoodies/sweatshirts, masks and accessories features artwork from a group of talented designers, who are active members of the LGBTQIA community.

A portion of the proceeds from every sale will benefit the Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest agency dedicated to LGBTQ homeless youth. Each item incorporates the designers’ favorite parts of the show and new items will continue to rollout including a soon-to-be-unveiled winter line.

“Scout is a company that was built to have a positive impact on the LGBTQ community. We are extremely proud of our Queer Eye licensing program and have been overjoyed at the overwhelmingly positive response to all of our products, especially the home furnishings line at Walmart.com where the product continues to be in high demand as soon as it is released,” said Joel Chiodi, SVP of strategic development.

“With the launch of QueerEyeStore.com, we are able to bring thoughtfully designed, environmentally-friendly products directly to the fans, while also raising money for an amazing organization whose positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ youth cannot be understated.”

Cosmopolitan partners with LUXE to launch its own licensed fragrance Eau de Juice

Cosmopolitan, the UK media brand for young women, has partnered with Luxe Brands – the beauty company behind Ariana Grande’s fragrance franchise – to launch its Eau de Juice fragrance to the UK. It follows the fragrance’s successful launch to the US market last year.

The four-scent fragrance collection recently won the prestigious Packaging of the Year award in the 2020 Fragrance Foundation Awards, noted as a tribute to the launch’s ‘unique pop art-inspired juice box packaging.’ Eau de Juice will debut in the UK in time for Christmas.

“We’re so excited to bring Eau de Juice to the UK market,” said Claire Hodgson, editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan UK. “With four bespoke scents, the fragrance offers our highly engaged audience a new opportunity to experience the Cosmopolitan brand.”

In a deal brokered by IMG and available exclusively at The Fragrance Shop, the collection is crafted by renowned perfumers at Firmenich. Each scent within the collection is titled to match a mood: Extra Concentrated, 100% Chilled, Love, Unfiltered and Pure Sugar.

“As an entrepreneurial company, Luxe Brands prides itself on engaging in strategic and innovative partnerships to connect with consumers around the world in the beauty category,” said Luxe Brands CEO, Tony Bajaj. “Our latest venture in business with Hearst Magazines expands our footprint within the industry; we couldn’t be more excited to have the legacy and heritage of Cosmopolitan behind us.”

“Our vision was to create a brand narrative that is aspirational yet relatable, with a wink of humorous sensibility,” notes chief marketing officer of Luxe Brands, Noreen Dodge. “The concept, fragrances and packaging bring this collection to life for our consumer.”

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

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.

Killing Eve spies licensing opportunities with IMG and AMC Networks

AMC Networks and Sid Gentle Films have appointed IMG as the exclusive worldwide licensing representative for Killing Eve, in a move that will bring the hit spy thriller show’s first consumer products to market through selective brand partnerships.

Produced by Sid Gentle Films and distributed by IMG’s partner company Endeavor Content, Killing Eve follows Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh), a smart British intelligence operative tasked with capturing the talented assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer). The hunt results in a mutual obsession between the two and one heck of a game of cat and mouse.

The show’s notable storyline, contrasting female characters, and enviable fashion and style credentials have contributed to its global popularity and numerous Emmy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA award wins and nominations since its premiere on BBC America in April 2018. It recently racked up eight Emmy nominations for 2020 and is shown in more than 140 countries.

The new multi-year licensing partnership will see IMG, Sid Gentle Films and AMC Networks build a robust licensing programme of products, experiences and collaborations focused around themes fans love most about the show, including fashion, beauty, travel and games.

Sally Woodward Gentle, Killing Eve executive producer, Sid Gentle Films, said: “In Killing Eve, the sharpness of the dialogue, and the quality of the performances has always been matched by a strong aesthetic that informs every aspect of the series from the music to costume and production design.  We look forward collaborating with partners who understand the style and ethos of the series.”

Dario Di Zanni, head of franchise, AMC Networks, commented: “At AMC Networks, we’re very proud of the stories we tell and the relationships we develop with fans through those stories. We also believe fan affinity can be served and fostered through consumer end-points, both physical and virtual, that create spaces for personal expression and representation.

Killing Eve is both a brilliant inspiration and canvas for all types of fan affinity, and we are excited to partner with Sid Gentle Films and IMG to expand the reach and success of such a pop culturally relevant and defining show.”

Sherikay Chaffee, vice president of licensing, IMG, added: “Killing Eve hits on multiple notes and nuances of human behavior that naturally translate into licensing. Aside from being one of the most popular and loved shows on TV, it’s also one of the most clever and stylish.

“The dual aspect and opposing nature between its two lead characters can be used to tell a story about a product. For example, the unconventional and the conventional, the good and the bad, and every degree in between.”

The merchandise and licensing rights for Killing Eve are owned by AMC Networks in North America and Sid Gentle Films for the rest of world.

IMG renews representation agreement for French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot

IMG has renewed its exclusive representation agreement with Family Trademark to continue its work developing fashion collaborations for the icon of French new wave cinema, Brigitte Bardot.

The screen legend of ‘And God Created Woman,’ ‘The Contempt’ and other movies remains a style icon whose classic beauty and distinctive style continues to inspire generations of models and leading fashion designers. Throughout the 1960s and ’70s, the Bardot ‘look,’ including smoky cat-eye makeup, kitten heels and gingham capri pants, the off-the-shoulder top and bouffant hairstyle all established an unmistakably personal style that continues to influence fashion today.

Since 2015, IMG has been working with fashion labels to develop capsule collections and items that celebrate the Bardot legacy and the many fashion styles she made famous.

In January, IMG worked with designer Anine Bing following a personal letter by the latter to Bardot herself, describing the French icon as her “first inspiration” and “muse.” The resulting collection of three monochrome pieces depicting Terry O’Neill’s iconic images of Brigitte Bardot was worn by celebrities including Kate Bosworth and Poppy Delevingne and quickly sold out in Anine Bing stores around the world.

In addition to her film and fashion credentials, the rebellious star known as ‘B.B.’ is renowned for her lifelong advocacy for animals and the environment. This is reflected in various B.B. collaborations, including a new two-piece t-shirt collection featuring Terry O’Neil’s famous images with Massimo Dutti’s environmentally-friendly ‘Join Life’ label, launched in Massimo Dutti stores around the world and online this month.

This year has also seen the launch of a vegan, cruelty-free luxury haircare range with Brigitte Bardot’s signature citrus floral scent, available now from retailers including Urban Outfitters, Pretty Little Thing and Fenwick.

Additional recent collaborations have included collections with Mango, Joyrich, and Snidel, as well as a new range with Swedish high-end fashion brand Limitato which will arrive to stores later this year.

“Our work on the Brigitte Bardot brand with IMG bears witness to a mutual trust. Our aim is to pay homage to the fashion legacy of Brigitte Bardot with products that invoke the timeless glamour of her style and era with quality products that can be enjoyed by many and not only the ‘happy few,’” said Tanguy Toulemonde, CEO of Family Trademark.

Bruno Maglione, president of licensing, IMG, added: “Brigitte Bardot is a beauty and fashion icon without rival in terms of the continued relevance and aspirational appeal of her style.

“Bardot’s signature looks are so established that her name has become interchangeable with them. Our aim is to bring authentic images and storytelling to the many brands and designers who continue to be inspired by B.B. and her legacy.”

Italian motorcycle brand MV Augusta revs up global licensing efforts with IMG

The Italian motorcycle brand, MV Augusta, has appointed IMG as its exclusive worldwide licensing representative in a move to expand its global presence through a new range of consumer products and partnerships. Its initial focus will be on apparel, motorcycle and fashion accessories, video games, and collectables.

Through the new multi-year partnership, IMG will work with MV Agusta to build a licensing programme focused on brand extensions and lifestyle products that reflect the company’s commitment to performance, quality, innovation and consumer engagement within local communities.

“IMG is the best possible partner for what we have in store for our fans around the world,” said Timur Sardarov, CEO MV Agusta Motor S.p.A.

“This strategic partnership accelerates the execution of our five-year expansion plan. MV Agusta has tremendous brand equity; it’s a truly beloved brand and an icon of design and technology in the motorcycling world. Working with IMG, the most authoritative and experienced specialist in the field, will help take MV Agusta to the next level as a lifestyle brand with a series of thoughtful, high-profile merchandising initiatives.”

Marcelo Cordeiro, associate vice president of licensing, IMG, added: “MV Agusta is an iconic Italian brand with a passionate consumer base who revere the brand for both its performance and design attributes. Amongst true motorcycle fans, its bikes are considered to be nothing less than motorcycle art.

“We intend to deploy IMG’s global reach and specialised licensing expertise in the automotive space to extend the brand into a range of consumer products through selective brand partnerships and collaborations.”

Rovio taps IMG as worldwide licensing agent for Angry Birds

Rovio Entertainment has tapped IMG as its worldwide consumer products licensing agent for the popular Angry Birds franchise. The new deal will give Rovio a ‘one-stop shop’ global partner to develop a consumer products programme that spans all of the Angry Birds’ franchise’s content and platforms.

The first Angry Birds game launched on mobile devices back in 2009, when it rocketed to viral status and spawned a brand that today continues to draw millions of active users to its games and animated content.

Over the last decade, the Angry Birds characters have been developed into a multi-platform entertainment franchise with two blockbuster movie releases, animated series, location-based entertainment and consumer products. Angry Birds mobile games have been downloaded over 4.5 billion times.

Rovio Entertainment Corp. CEO Kati Levoranta commented: “Over the years Rovio has worked with a number of agents around the world, supporting us greatly in making Angry Birds available to fans everywhere in various physical forms.

“While we continue to focus on developing and publishing memorable gaming experiences and content, in IMG we have found a partner with whom we aim to deliver a more strategic and globally consistent licensing programme that’s aligned with our core business. We’re excited to begin this new chapter of the Angry Birds brand together with IMG.”

Bruno Maglione, president of licensing, IMG added: “The evolution of Angry Birds from mobile game to worldwide global pop culture fixture is perhaps one of the most impressive achievements in recent times in new original animated character creation. Working closely with Rovio, we are enthusiastic about the potential to take this franchise to new levels of success as it embarks on its next decade.”

Ascot Racecourse renews its global licensing partnership with IMG

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.”

 

 

Netflix series Queer Eye moves into furniture with Dorel Home

The hit Netflix series, Queer Eye, is making its debut in the home furnishings sector thanks to a new, fashion-forward, furniture collection courtesy of the US specialist, Dorel Home. The launch arrives as part of a deal brokered by IMG.

Launched this week, after the recent debut of the seven-time Emmy Award winning series fifth season, the Queer Eye furniture collection debuted exclusively on Walmart.com in North America and features updated-industrial designs for living room, bedroom, office, dining room, and outdoor patio spaces.

The Netflix series introduces audiences around the world to a modern aesthetic, diverse perspective and the Fab Five: Antoni Porowski (Food and Wine), Bobby Berk (Interior Design), Karamo Brown (Culture), Jonathan Van Ness (Grooming) and Tan France (Fashion). Past seasons of Queer Eye were filmed in communities in Atlanta, GA, Kansas City, MO, and the current season set in Philadelphia, PA. There is even a bonus season in Tokyo, Japan.

The Fab Five forge relationships with men and women from a wide array of backgrounds and beliefs often contrary to their own, touching on everything from LGBTQ rights and social commentary to how to make the best farm-to-table guacamole. The Dorel Home furniture line is crafted to capture the aesthetic and spirit of what the show represents.

“We’re excited to work with such an inspiring series and to become part of the Queer Eye family,” said Claudia Grundman, senior director and brand manager of Dorel Home.

“Their message for encouraging holistic change, not only in one’s lifestyle but also across cultural acceptance is something we want to get behind and watch blossom. We are especially excited to be partnering with Walmart to offer our stylish Queer Eye collection at incredibly affordable prices. We believe that shoppers will be thrilled with the quality and designs we’re offering.”

“We are thrilled that fans of the show will be able to bring the spirit of Queer Eye into their own homes,” said Joel Chiodi, SVP strategic development at Scout Productions. “The experts at Dorel Home have created a line we can’t wait for everyone to check out, with standout pieces that are easy to mix and match to perfectly reflect fans’ own personal style.”

Netflix series Queer Eye moves into furniture with Dorel Home

The hit Netflix series, Queer Eye, is making its debut in the home furnishings sector thanks to a new, fashion-forward, furniture collection courtesy of the US specialist, Dorel Home. The launch arrives as part of a deal brokered by IMG.

Launched this week, after the recent debut of the seven-time Emmy Award winning series fifth season, the Queer Eye furniture collection debuted exclusively on Walmart.com in North America and features updated-industrial designs for living room, bedroom, office, dining room, and outdoor patio spaces.

The Netflix series introduces audiences around the world to a modern aesthetic, diverse perspective and the Fab Five: Antoni Porowski (Food and Wine), Bobby Berk (Interior Design), Karamo Brown (Culture), Jonathan Van Ness (Grooming) and Tan France (Fashion). Past seasons of Queer Eye were filmed in communities in Atlanta, GA, Kansas City, MO, and the current season set in Philadelphia, PA. There is even a bonus season in Tokyo, Japan.

The Fab Five forge relationships with men and women from a wide array of backgrounds and beliefs often contrary to their own, touching on everything from LGBTQ rights and social commentary to how to make the best farm-to-table guacamole. The Dorel Home furniture line is crafted to capture the aesthetic and spirit of what the show represents.

“We’re excited to work with such an inspiring series and to become part of the Queer Eye family,” said Claudia Grundman, senior director and brand manager of Dorel Home.

“Their message for encouraging holistic change, not only in one’s lifestyle but also across cultural acceptance is something we want to get behind and watch blossom. We are especially excited to be partnering with Walmart to offer our stylish Queer Eye collection at incredibly affordable prices. We believe that shoppers will be thrilled with the quality and designs we’re offering.”

“We are thrilled that fans of the show will be able to bring the spirit of Queer Eye into their own homes,” said Joel Chiodi, SVP strategic development at Scout Productions. “The experts at Dorel Home have created a line we can’t wait for everyone to check out, with standout pieces that are easy to mix and match to perfectly reflect fans’ own personal style.”