Category Archives: Lifestyle

Skullcandy taps Beanstalk to extend its lifestyle audio brand

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Lifestyle audio brand Skullcandy has selected global brand extension licensing agency Beanstalk to extend its brand into new product categories, including audio equipment, consumer electronics, sporting and outdoor goods and accessories, apparel and accessories, collaborations and experiences.

Skullcandy has become the number-one-selling brand in Stereo Headphones and True Wireless Earbuds. The Skullcandy licensing programme will encourage both existing and new fans to “tune into their own Skullcandy lifestyle and express their individual personalities”. Beanstalk will leverage the distinct aesthetic of the Skullcandy brand to further extend its unique voice, style and purpose from audio to lifestyle.

Allison Ames, President and CEO of Beanstalk, says: “We are truly excited to be partnering with such an adventurous and inclusive brand as Skullcandy. It has all of the right ingredients for successful brand extensions. It’s accessible and doing great things in the tech space. It’s diverse and progressive. It understands its audience and in a sea of sameness, Skullcandy stands out from the crowd. This provides us with a wonderful opportunity to create a licensing programme that speaks to Skullcandy’s fans’ lifestyles, interests and values.”

Beanstalk extends global reach with new offices in Mexico and Brazil

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Buffbunny collaborates with TikTok star Nancy Gonzalez for size-inclusive Journey Collection

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Influencer-founded activewear company Buffbunny has collaborated with TikTok sensation Nancy Gonzalez for its size-inclusive Journey Collection.

The collection is Buffbunny’s first inspired by an athlete. A spokesperson said: “Nancy helped every step of the way to make the designs come to life with her vision, and the playful colours, patterns and silhouettes of the collection were chosen to reflect her bubbly personality.

“It was important to her to include pieces that make her feel confident and comfortable at the gym and in everyday life. The collection is truly about embracing your own path and loving every step in your journey. It is up to us which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to.”

The size-inclusive collection pieces range range from US $40-70 in sizes XXS – XXXL.

Adidas unites with Peloton for apparel capsule celebrating the digital fitness community

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Adidas has unveiled its latest apparel capsule with ongoing international partner Peloton, designed to celebrate the global fitness community.

The collection has been made in part with recycled materials and is crafted with signature adidas performance technology that supports workouts across fitness disciplines, from cycling, to running, strength, yoga and more.

In a nod to the digital connection found through the Peloton fitness platform, the performance pieces take cues from Peloton graphics and icons, including dot textures with arrows evoking movement and progress.

Alongside the performance garments, the drop offers lifestyle apparel for pre- and post-workout activities, crafted with comfort in mind.

The activewear is available in inclusive sizing as well as offering a range of men’s, women’s, and all-gender pieces.

“As home fitness continues to grow, the importance of connectivity to a fitness coach and a fitness community is a must,” says Aimee Arana, General Manager, Global Training at adidas. “This was the inspiration for this new adidas x Peloton collection – featuring digitised graphics that celebrate the digital connection between the community and their favourite Peloton instructors. And just because the athletes are working out at home, the capsule still needs to deliver on style and making them look and feel great.

“With the key performance pieces, we have integrated signature adidas technology such as Heat.rdy, which keeps the athlete feeling cool and helps them stay in their zone on the bike or on the mat, so they can finish their workout strong.”

The adidas x Peloton capsule includes tanks, tights, shorts, tees, crewnecks, sports bras, jackets and joggers, available from US$35-$90. The collection can be shopped at adidas.com, apparel.onepeloton.com and select adidas stores throughout the US, Canada, the UK and Germany.

ARTiSTORY launches artist collaborations programme

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Art and cultural IP specialist ARTiSTORY has taken the next step in its licensing model by launching its artist collaborations programme.

The partnerships with living artists will see three-way co-branding between brands, artists and museums and gives established and emerging artists the chance to draw inspiration from the rich cultural and artistic treasures of the archives of ARTiSTORY’s museum partners, and create fresh, contemporary artwork in their own unique personal style.

By bringing together cultural IP, international artists and global brands, ARTiSTORY will further expand museums’ licensing programmes and service the rapid increase in demand for art and cultural IP through its “Artefacts to Merchandise” and digital storytelling model.

“This is a win-win for everyone,” says Alicia Chen, Country Manager of ARTiSTORY’s Singapore Office, who is managing the artists programme. “Artists get the opportunity to be associated with the world’s top museums, brands can provide consumers with access to their favourite artists via uniquely designed products endorsed by museums, and museums can engage new audiences, particularly a younger demographic who follow and support their favourite designers on social media.”

Two famous international artists, Ukrainian artist Sveta Dorosheva and British artist Laura Greenan, are working on new artwork inspired by ARTiSTORY’s museum partner Dunhuang. Dunhuang was an essential meeting point on the Silk Road for travellers passing between East and West one thousand years ago and this gathering of diverse people and cultures led to the creation of great legacies such as the world-famous stucco sculptures and the murals of Mogao Caves, which are now providing rich inspiration for artists to continue the cultural creativity of Dunhuang for a new era.

Originally from Ukraine and currently based in Israel, Sveta’s narrative art and detailed illustration reveals her fascination with myth and fairytales. Sveta has published best-selling books and has been shortlisted twice for the World Illustration Awards. For ARTiSTORY’s artist programme, Sveta is creating canopies, murals and flying images of Dunhuang, taking inspiration from the murals of the Mogao Caves.

Laura Greenan’s style has been described as “Jelly Candy Pop Art”. Her vibrant, joyful illustrations include elements of psychedelia, Art Deco and fantasy, and she takes influences from the 1960s as well as current popular culture including computer games and films. Laura has previously worked with Vogue Japan, Francis Wren Candle and The Wall Street Journal. She is currently working on creations inspired by Dunhuang’s architecture, canopies and Mojing patterns which will be licensed by ARTiSTORY for co-branded products.

ARTiSTORY strengthens UK sales team with the appointment of Caroline High

The Memento Group launches UFC Collectibles memorabilia platform

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The Memento Group has launched its new memorabilia platform, dedicated to official licensed UFC memorabilia. The new online ecommerce platform, UFC Collectibles, features an extensive and exclusive collection of authentic UFC memorabilia. Under the terms of the agreement brokered by IMG, TMG has become UFC’s global distributor of official licensed UFC memorabilia.

Last year, the Memento Group announced a multi-year partnership deal with UFC – the world’s leading mixed martial arts organisation – which allows it to host a new website in collaboration with the popular combat sport. TMG will offer fans access to exclusive, limited-edition and rare pieces of UFC event memorabilia, from fight-worn gloves and fight kits, to fight night posters and photographs signed by their favourite UFC athletes.

Items will each feature an authentic hologram that can be registered digitally and which will be accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. All products will be delivered to customers in premium packaging for the ultimate experience.

UFC has more than 625 million fans and 166 million social media followers. The organisation produces more than 40 live events annually, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 175 countries.

Philip Danglidis, Commercial Director of The Memento Group, commented: “We’re excited to finally reveal UFC Collectibles, our new venture in partnership with UFC. Our new platform will present unrivalled memorabilia to fans of UFC all over the world, delivering the action of the Octagon directly into their hands.

“With this new memorabilia experience, we hope to give fans the chance to own their favourite moments, bringing them closer to UFC than ever before.”

UFC Collectibles is now live with plans for more products to land on the site throughout 2022 and beyond.

The Point.1888 signs three new world-famous artists and designers

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The Point.1888 is starting 2022 with some new colour, pattern, and impact thanks to the signing of three renowned artists as new clients: Ben Eine, Emily Burningham and Real Hackney Dave.

They will be joining The Point.1888’s existing book of artists and designers which includes leading British interior design brand MissPrint and award-winning artists and designers Rachel Ellen, Jimbobart and I Like Birds as they continue to meet the growing demands from consumers for products that express their personalities and inject colour and life into their homes.

Known for his iconic use of type, Ben Eine is a world-famous grafitti artist whose work can be found on the streets of London, LA, Mexico City, Paris, Tokyo, Dublin and Stockholm. He has collaborated with Banksy and his work was once given to Barack Obama as a gift from the British Prime Minister.

Dave Buonaguidi, AKA Real Hackney Dave, is a London-based artist known for making work that creates a reaction by combining the visual and verbal language of advertising and propaganda with unique imagery and materials of found objects and ephemera. He is best known for printing his bold trademark pink typography onto vintage maps and photographs and even makes art out of decommissioned hand grenades and 1000lb bombs.

London-based print designer Emily Burningham has a passion for pattern and colour and has featured in Liberty, House & Garden and Ideal Home, among others. Her sophisticated designs explore the relationship between distinct eras of art and design.

Both Ben and Emily have previously benefited from brand licensing activity, having worked with Paul Smith and Louis Vuitton; and Liberty, Waterstones and Paperchase respectively.

During the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, The Point.1888’s artist and designer clients saw soaring interest in their designs and a multitude of deals including placement on Fy for MissPrint, Thermos for Rachel Ellen, and a homeware deal for Jimbobart. The Point.1888 also signed new sub-agent deals for I Like Birds in Japan, as well as sub-agents in Iberia and the US for Jimbobart.

Janine Richmond, Head of Product & Brand at The Point.1888, commented: “Artists have been an important focus for The Point.1888 for many years, not least because of their ability to respond quickly to new consumer desires and trends. For example, MissPrint’s bold colourways and nod to the biophilic trend was of great appeal to consumers wishing to bring nature indoors.

“Thanks to our talented team of specialists and our keen eye on retail trends, we’ve been able to bring our clients great success over the past few years and we’re confident we can build long-term, sustainable partnerships with Ben Eine, Real Hackney Dave and Emily Burningham too.”

Conversations with first-phase partners for the artists are underway.

The Point.1888 launches dedicated retail services arm

Royal Mail to honour The Rolling Stones with a set of 12 special stamps

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Royal Mail has revealed 12 new special stamps to honour 60 years of the legendary rock group, The Rolling Stones.

The main set of eight stamps features images of the band performing at venues all around the world at various points during their career: Hyde Park, London, UK, July 1969; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, August 2019; Rotterdam, Netherlands, August 1995; Tokyo, Japan, March 1995; New York City, USA, July 1972; Oslo, Norway, May 2014; Knebworth, Hertfordshire, UK, August 1976; Düsseldorf, Germany, October 2017.

An additional four stamps, presented in a Miniature Sheet, feature two shots of the band together and of two of the many posters which have promoted their worldwide tours over the years.

In 2005, the Rolling Stones were awarded the accolade of greatest touring band of all time at the World Music Awards. They have sold an estimated 250m records and in the UK have eight no.1 singles and 13 no.1 albums. Their countless awards include four Grammys, three MTV Music Awards and nine NME Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

Celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2022, the Rolling Stones become only the fourth music group to have a dedicated Royal Mail stamp issue – following on from The Beatles in 2007, Pink Floyd in 2016 and Queen in 2020.

David Gold, Director of Public Affairs & Policy, Royal Mail, said: “Few bands in the history of rock have managed to carve out a career as rich and expansive as that of the Rolling Stones. They have created some of modern music’s most iconic and inspirational albums, with ground-breaking live performances to match.”

The collaboration was brought together and facilitated by Bravado, Universal Music Group’s leading brand management and lifestyle division.

The stamps are available to pre-order from today (11 January) at www.royalmail.com/rollingstones and by phone on +44 (0)3457 641 641.

The stamps go on general sale on 20 January.

 

Motul appoints Ingram as licensing agent for Japan

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Motul has appointed Ingram as its agent for Japan.

Founded in 1992, Ingram (International Guidance Research And Management) has been a leading name in the Japanese licensing business for nearly three decades, and specialises in developing well-known global properties in the Japanese market and bringing popular Japanese brands to the international market.

Ingram’s homegrown clients include Rilakkuma, Mamegoma and Tarepanda, while its overseas properties include UCLA, Nesta and Cambridge University, and a number of major lifestyle brands including Norton, Santa Fe and Route 66.

The partnership continues Motul’s expansion as a major lifestyle brand, targeting a wide range of categories ranging from apparel, stationery and houseware to backpacks, phone covers, kitchenware and, of course, car accessories.

Ben Kato, founder and owner of Ingram, says: “We are thrilled to be working with Motul, a renowned company in motor sports, as its licensing agent in Japan. By combining Motul’s powerful brand identity with our strength in licensing and promotion, we expect to build a strong presence in Japan for Motul and a diverse range of products across many sales channels. Motul is a genuinely exciting prospect in this market, and I am looking forward enormously to working with this property.”

Managing the Motul campaign is Laurent Taieb, a licensing specialist with over 25 years’ experience. He says: “Motul is a globally recognised name that is perfectly positioned to become a popular lifestyle brand in multiple categories and markets. We are delighted to be working in the key Japanese market with Ingram, an established and respected name with a strong international reach and a powerful reputation for working with both overseas and lifestyle brands.”

Motul appoints Blue Chip Brands as its agency for Australia and NZ

Kidrobot debuts ‘Elvis’ Dunny in partnership with The Andy Warhol collection

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Kidrobot, producer of limited-edition art toys, signature apparel and lifestyle accessories, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts have announced the newest addition to the Kidrobot x Andy Warhol collection.

The Andy Warhol 20-Inch “Elvis” Dunny Sculpture pays homage to perhaps the most famous of Warhol’s subjects, Elvis Presley, who would have celebrated his 87th birthday this January. Warhol created a series of works in the early 1960s based on an image of Elvis from a publicity still for the movie Flaming Star, one of Presley’s most popular Western films.

The extremely limited edition is capped at 15 pieces worldwide and is available exclusively at Kidrobot.com.

Each “Elvis” Dunny sculpture is 20 inches tall, made of premium fiberglass with no articulation and is hand-painted in North America using high-quality paint for enhanced clarity and long-lasting quality. Each sculpture comes packaged in a premium Kidrobot x Andy Warhol wooden crate with a Certificate of Authenticity, and is priced at $2500 USD.

Kidrobot unveils new Dunny series with the Met including Monet and Hokusai-inspired designs

 

Disguise announces Squid Game costume and accessory launch

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Disguise, the costume division of JAKKS Pacific, is currently designing and developing costumes and masks based on Netflix’s hit series Squid Game for launch in North America and APAC in autumn 2022.

Disguise will design, market, manufacture and distribute a range of costumes and costume accessories featuring characters from the show. These styles will include a red Triangle Guard jumpsuit and teal “Player 456” Track Suit as well as a Squid Games Front Man mask and masks for Square and Triangle Supervisors.

Korean series Squid Game became a fast favourite on Netflix this year with over 142M views in just 4 weeks, becoming their most watched show to date.

“Squid Game is a perfect addition to our vast array of costumes and offerings that cater to fans demanding a higher quality and a more detailed design that fully embodies the characters,” says Tara Hefter, EVP and GM of Disguise, Inc. “The show sets the stage for the perfect Halloween group dress-up opportunity and we anticipate the sell-in for this line to be incredible.”

All Squid Game costumes and accessories will be widely available at retailers in North America and APAC in store and online in 2022.

Disguise signs multiyear deal for Disney costume rights in EMEA