RHS and George at Asda bring second kids’ clothing collection to retail

Following the success of its initial collaboration with the George at Asda brand, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced the arrival at retail of a second collection, again highlighting children’s apparel and accessories for 1-7-year-olds.

As well as being a hit at retail, the first RHS collection from George at Asda won the Best Brand Licensed Children’s Product or Range at the 2022 Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards. This second collection is set to build on that success, and focuses on a carefully selected mix of apparel for wearing out and about, including shirts, t-shirts, hoodies, dresses, shorts and backpacks, as well as sweatshirts, joggers, dungarees, cardigans, clogs and trainers.

As before, the George design team has collaborated with the RHS to create a unique print direction featuring hand-drawn illustrations of colourful plants, vegetables and insects – there’s even a friendly bumble bee-shaped backpack. Slogans encouraging kids to reconnect with nature and grow plants and veg, such as “My hobby is making garden friends”, “Plant some seeds to save the bees” and the collection’s tagline “Let’s go and grow” are highlighted throughout the collection, which can be found in back neck prints, back neck tapes and packaging.

To further underline the joys of gardening, swing tags have again been designed in the shape of flower pots. The RHS branding, highlighting the RHS tree and shield, is clearly visible on the sew-in tags and packaging.

The range is now available in 86 Asda stores and online at George.com, and selling through at an amazing speed, underlining the continuing appeal of the RHS/George collaboration over a year after the first collection hit the shelves.

Launched in 1990, George is now sold in over 580 stores and through George.com with over two million customer transactions per week combined, making George one of the largest fashion retailers in Britain.

Estella Arroyo, Product Design Profession Lead at George, says: “The positive challenge of this latest collaboration was to build on the appeal of our first collection but offering something new and exciting. The response so far has been fantastic! We are thrilled to be collaborating once again with the RHS on this and the clothing and accessories brilliantly combine style, fun and practicality – perfect for getting outside, exploring and growing!”

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, says: “As one of our earliest forays into children’s products – and our very first collaboration on children’s clothing – the RHS collection from George at Asda was an unqualified success, delighting children and parents and brilliantly underlining our key message – to encourage everyone to ’get growing’. We were understandably eager to develop a second collection with the talented George team, and yet again they have excelled themselves.”

River Island and Barbie launch Just Be EXTRA! collection

Barbie – the world’s number-one fashion doll – and high street retailer River Island have teamed up for the second time for another fashionable kidswear collection.

The new collection is inspired by the Barbie EXTRA bold statement fashion dolls, with a range of apparel that includes playful and over-the-top slogan t-shirts, iconic matching lounge sets and more.

The ‘Just Be EXTRA!’ collection marks the second collaboration for the brands, following the sell-out success of their first partnership.

River Island says: “Let your little girl reach for the stars and rock her own unique style with our second RI X Barbie collection. Being a girl has no limits and neither do her clothes. More is always more!”

The collection campaign includes an influencer takeover on River Island’s social channels.

Barbie x River Island is available in 67 stores and online. The range is aimed at girls aged 3-16 years, with prices starting from RRP £15.

 

TOMS and Peppa Pig team up for kids’ shoes capsule collection

Hasbro has unveiled three new kids’ shoes through its TOMS x Peppa Pig collaboration, which are available now for purchase at footwear retail speciality channels and online at https://www.toms.com/us/kids/shoes. Every shoe purchase gives back one-third of profits to efforts around the world that are creating positive change.

Nodding to the kid-favourite Peppa Pig series, the playful TOMS x Peppa Pig capsule collection evokes classic fun with design details inspired by the joy and adventure of Peppa Pig and friends through optimistic sun daisy prints and chambray details.

In Tiny and Youth sizes, the TOMS classic kids’ Alpargata shoe is given a tiny daisy embellishment and a print inspired by the world’s cheekiest little pig. In Tiny sizes, the shoemaker’s classic Cordones Cupsole sneaker takes a cute twist with a print inspired by the much-loved TV character. Prices start at US$ 34.95.

Marks & Spencer launches collaboration with SmileyWorld

Marks & Spencer has collaborated with SmileyWorld to create an exclusive capsule collection of clothing, footwear and accessories for kids, launching in store and online from 10 February.

Designed to celebrate positivity, the unisex pieces feature fun, uplifting slogans, with bright eye catching colours, and include nostalgic tie dye clothing and accessories.

An M&S spokesperson said: “With SmileyWorld being a proven evergreen trend in the kidswear arena, the collaborative collection offers unique prints with SmileyWorld icons. With popping tones and fun shapes, this collection is all about embracing uniqueness and not being afraid to be playful with style.”

The SmileyWorld collection will be available exclusively at M&S Online at www.marksandspencer.com and in-store from 10 February.

Prices range from £10-£20.

Penguin Ventures announces new Peter Rabbit collection from Blade & Rose

Penguin Ventures has announced a new Peter Rabbit apparel collaboration with Blade & Rose, on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co (owner of THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT and part of Penguin Random House).

The leading children’s clothing brand specialises in trend-setting leggings, featuring stylish and quirky designs on the bottom with matching accessories.

The Blade & Rose X Peter Rabbit collection features five distinct designs – Veg Patch, Playtime, Floral, Classic and Festive – which all take inspiration from Beatrix Potter’s Lake District, where Blade & Rose are based. Each set includes a long-sleeved top, matching leggings and socks for babies and preschool children aged 0-4 years and is designed with comfort and longevity in mind.

Jen Greenway, Softlines Category Manager at Penguin Ventures says: “Blade & Rose have done a fantastic job of bringing Peter Rabbit to life in their bold and colourful trademark style. The collection includes their iconic leggings with designs on the bottom and is sure to keep little ones cosy and well-dressed this autumn. Blade & Rose keep quality at the heart of their offering and this, together with an impressive commitment to sustainability, has made them a brilliant partner to work with for Peter Rabbit.”

Amanda Peffer, owner and founder of Blade & Rose, says: “We are so excited to launch an iconic collection featuring none other than children’s favourite, Peter Rabbit himself. Blade & Rose was born in the Lake District from a love of bright design and comfort for children, and we take inspiration from the beautiful countryside around us just as Beatrix did when she was creating her famous Tales. We’re delighted to be on this journey with Peter Rabbit and to have launched this amazing collaboration with Penguin Ventures.”

The Winter range will be launched in January and will be available directly from www.bladeandrose.co.uk