Tag Archives: Rowing Blazers

Rowing Blazers x Babar debut “Fait du Ski” capsule

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Rowing Blazers has teamed up once again with Nelvana, the international producer, distributor and licensor of children’s animated and live action content, and The Clifford Ross Company, to deliver another collection of distinctive pieces featuring the legendary literary character Babar: a ski-inspired capsule inspired by the 1966 book Babar Fait du Ski. 

The book’s illustrations, along with Babar’s own unique style in the story, provided the inspiration behind Rowing Blazers’ latest collaboration with Babar.

“Some of my favourite Babar illustrations are those of Babar skiing,” says Jack Carlson, Founder & CEO of Rowing Blazers. “I’ve wanted to produce a Babar ski capsule for a long time, both creating ski and après pieces emblazoned with the illustrations, as well as recreating pieces from the books themselves, like Babar’s geometric ski jumper, matching mittens, and his red hat with the ear flaps (how were they supposed to cover his elephant ears anyway?). That’s what we’ve done in this collection, and it’s one of my favourite collections we’ve ever produced!”

The Rowing Blazers x Babar Fait du Ski collection consists of a cotton twill dad hat; a polar fleece hat; lambswool beanies, mittens and sweaters; French terry loopback sweats; a winter jacket; a deep-pile sherpa fleece; heavyweight rugbies; a tee shirt; a canvas bag and a nylon jacket. Each piece features ski-related imagery from the beloved children’s books.

Highlights from the unisex capsule include the Babar Ski Team Patch Sweater, which is a special recreation – made from 100% lambswool – of the sweater Babar wears in the book; a Windbreaker that features a Babar Fait du Ski print, rib knit cuffs and hem, and side-entry pockets, and a Polar Fleece made from deep-pile sherpa fleece and designed with the Babar Fait du Ski pattern.

“We’ve seen massive success with our past Babar collections from Rowing Blazers, which is a true testament to the icon Babar has become since it was first introduced to the world 90 years ago,” says Mellany Masterson, Head of Nelvana Enterprises. “We’re excited to be partnering with Rowing Blazers once again on the new Babar Fait du Ski collection; another line that perfectly embodies the spirit and style of Babar.”

The Rowing Blazers x Babar Fait Du Ski capsule is available now at rowingblazers.com. Prices range from U.S. $48-$398 / U.K.  £40 – £390.

 

New US licensing partnerships for Moomins

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King Features Syndicate has announced a robust new licensing programme for the children’s property Moomin as the brand continues to gain momentum in North America. This growth is supported by new consumer product launches, the recent theatrical release of TOVE – a new biopic about Moomins’ creator Tove Jansson – and a Moomin exhibit now open at the National Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C.

On November 5, Just Peachy, a California clothing and accessories brand, released its line of Moomin-inspired apparel, accessories and novelty items including hoodies, sweatshirts, bags and woven throw blankets. Additionally, the fan-favourite Ripple Junction apparel line has been renewed with Moomin-themed tops, loungewear, joggers, swimsuits, mobile phone accessory, pins and more. Moomin characters will appear on assorted apparel, accessories, footwear and skateboard decks from Rowing Blazers in 2022.

The expanded Moomin licensing programme comes on the heels of the biopic TOVE, which was theatrically released in the U.S. earlier this year. The movie follows the artistic struggles and unconventional personal life of Tove Jansson, who found worldwide success from an unexpected side project: the creation of the beloved world of the Moomins.

Now through January 9, 2022, fans in the United States can experience the magic of Moominvalley in person at the National Children’s Museum in D.C. by visiting the “Moomin Animations – Thrills and Cuddles” exhibit. The exhibit is produced by the world’s only Moomin Museum and brought to the U.S. by the Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C. Combining texts and colourful illustrations, the exhibit retells the story of how the Finnish author Tove Jansson’s beloved Moomin books and comics have been brought to life using animation. Families can enjoy Moomin animation from different eras and parts of the world, from the very first Moomin film to premiere on TV to the most recent, award-winning 3D animation series, Moominvalley. The exhibition is co-produced by the Moomin Museum, the Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C., National Children’s Museum, Gutsy Animations Ltd. and Moomin Characters Ltd., and is supported by Finarte and Lovi Ltd.

As part of the annual Kids Euro Festival in D.C., organised by the EU Delegation to the United States, the Embassy of Finland and National Children’s Museum distributed 400 free tickets to the exhibition this autumn. In addition, the festival offers a variety of free online programming for everyone to enjoy at home. Upcoming events include The Music of Moominvalley (Saturday, November 20, 10:30 am ET), in which composers Samuli Kosminen and Jarmo Saari share how they made the music for the hit TV series Moominvalley (Gutsy Animations, 2019), and Christmas in Moominvalley (Saturday, December 11, 10:30 am ET). Log on to hear a Moomin story written by Tove Jansson and learn about the holiday traditions of Finland.

“Moomin and its charming characters are known around the world for friendship, love and adventure and have become a true cultural phenomenon,” says King Features Vice President and General Manager, Global Head of Licensing, Carla Silva. “We are thrilled to be sharing the Moomin values with consumers in North America through local products and experiences that the whole family can enjoy.”

First debuted more than 75 years ago, Moomin has an extensive fan base across European territories and is now gaining popularity in North America. The 3D CGI series Moominvalley currently airing in multiple territories around the world.