Unlimited Footwear Group (UFG) has announced a new strategic licensing partnership with Paul Frank to design, produce, market and distribute Paul Frank-branded footwear in 50 countries, including the entire European Union, Eastern Europe, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Scandinavia.
Paul Frank began in 1995 in a small Huntington Beach garage when Paul Frank himself began sewing custom wallets as gifts for his friends, featuring characters with names like Julius and Skurvy. These adorable characters rapidly became pop culture icons, known and loved worldwide by many generations.
The UFG footwear collections will embody Paul Frank’s youthful, fresh, fun and accessible approach with a spark of humour. The first Paul Frank footwear collection for men, women and kids is scheduled to launch in spring/summer 2023.
“UFG is excited to add yet another great brand to its licensing portfolio,” says Bart van Helvoirt, CEO Unlimited Footwear Group. “We look forward to working closely with the Paul Frank team on many fun footwear collections to come. The 30-plus years of experience in the footwear industry and international focus that UFG brings to the table make a perfect fit for the Paul Frank brand. We look forward to our contribution of further international growth and brand awareness of the Paul Frank brand ”
Michael Puglisi, Futurity Brands Licensing Manager, adds: “Futurity Brands and the Paul Frank team are equally excited to partner with UFG. As part of our rebuild and positioning strategy, it is important for us align with strong partners like UFG. We look forward to growing the category of footwear for the Paul Frank brand alongside the experienced UFG team.”
The Heritage Footwear Company, part of Unlimited Footwear Group, will manage the footwear collections for Paul Frank. The Heritage Footwear Company plans to launch two collections a year at a mid-price level and will distribute through its international sales network of both multi-brand fashion and sports retail and through wholesale and various online platforms.
UFG’s dedicated Paul Frank team will operate from Utrecht, the Netherlands, through UFG’s The Heritage Footwear Company division.
