Category Archives: Lifestyle

WildBrain CPLG to build design-led programme for international artist Romero Britto

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WildBrain CPLG has been appointed to represent international artist Romero Britto across the UK, EMEA and Russia. Under its growing Lifestyle division, WildBrain CPLG will build a design-led programme inspired by Romero Britto’s vibrant and colourful artwork across categories including fashion, accessories, home, paper goods, gifting, and arts and crafts.

Victoria Whellans, Group Brands Director at WildBrain CPLG Lifestyle, says: “There’s currently huge demand for licensed lifestyle products inspired by the art world, as seen in Romero Britto collaborations with Puma and Wilson, that give consumers a chance to ‘own’ a piece of art through more affordable and accessible purchases. With his vast international recognition and uplifting, eye-catching and vivid style, Romero Britto’s brand is perfectly positioned to tap into this trend for the long-term and deliver engaging product ranges that will offer consumers unique ways to connect with his art.”

Lucas Vidal, Global CEO of the BRITTO and Romero Britto Fine Art brands, added: “Romero’s work is instantly recognisable, and we believe that WildBrain CPLG is an important strategic partner to continue to bring his uplifting artwork and designs to a wider audience through innovative consumer products.”

Brazilian-born Romero Britto founded the Happy Art Movement in 1992 with the mission to inspire happiness, fun, love and optimism around the globe. His art uses vibrant colours and bold patterns, and has been described as exuding “warmth, optimism and love” by The New York Times.

Britto’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums in over 100 countries. He is considered the most licensed artist in history and Britto’s Happy Art has leant itself to many collaborations with international brands, such as NetDragon WebSoft, Audi, Bentley, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Walt Disney, Universal Pictures, Evian, Hublot, Invicta, Carnival Cruise Line, Hasbro and Mattel.

Condé Nast opens second Vogue Café in China at Galeries Lafayette Shanghai

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Vogue Café Shanghai has opened its doors as Condé Nast’s second branded property venture in China. The Café opens at luxury shopping destination Galeries Lafayette Shanghai, and follows the success of the opening of Vogue Café Beijing which opened in November 2020. Both of the Vogue Cafés in China operate under license agreement with Beijing Sycamore Seed Advertising & Media Co Ltd.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Beijing Sycamore Seed Advertising & Media Co Ltd and open our second café venture in China’s fashion capital, Shanghai,” says Markus Grindel, Managing Director, Global Brand Licensing, Condé Nast. “Our restaurant ventures are designed to offer consumers a unique luxury experience as a physical extension of our world-leading media brands. Galeries Lafayette is the perfect destination for the Vogue Café which transforms fashion, style and culture into a dining space.”

The 300-square metre space features two dining rooms and a cocktail bar. It offers an all-day dining menu of modern Mediterranean cuisine with some Asian influences, as well as Vogue Afternoon tea and a takeaway menu. In addition to featuring iconic imagery from editions of Vogue around the world, the walls will display exclusive video content, shot by Vogue China’s new Editor in Chief Margaret Zhang.

Vogue Café Shanghai joins Condé Nast’s portfolio of branded property under its global licensing division. Other Condé Nast restaurants around the world include Vogue Cafés in Bangkok, Beijing, Moscow, Porto and Riyadh, Vogue Lounge Kuala Lumpur, Vogue Restaurant Istanbul and GQ Bar Bodrum.

Rovio and Billebeino team up for limited-edition Angry Birds capsule collection

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There’s a new bird in town! Two Finnish companies – Rovio Entertainment and lifestyle brand Billebeino – have collaborated on a new limited-edition Angry Birds capsule collection, in a deal brokered by IMG. The line features Rovio’s iconic Angry Birds characters and a new exclusive character, Bille Bird, based on Billebeino founder and former NHL player Ville Leino. The limited-edition garments land in select retailers and in the Billebeino online store today.

The collection will include unisex casual wear and accessories for adults and children. The garments feature designs that combine the iconic Angry Birds characters with the minimalist and instantly recognisable logo and typeface styles that Billebeino has come to be known for. Bille Bird will appear in graphical placements that play on the fun and destructive nature of the Angry Birds, with kids’ designs incorporating the destructible materials that appear in every Angry Birds game.

Billebeino was founded in 2014 by former NHL player, Ville Leino, whose passion for sports and expression through art came together to inspire the brand. Today, Billebeino specialises in casual wear, all featuring Ville Leino’s designs.

“With Billebeino, we’ve found a partner that’s just as adventurous and fun as Angry Birds,” says Katri Chacona, Director of Licensing at Rovio. “Each brand brings its own unique design approach and offbeat sense of humour into the mix, resulting in a stylish new line that truly stands out from the rest.”

Commenting on the inspiration for the capsule collection, Billebeino founder Ville Leino says: “We wanted this collection to be playful and fun. We used a lot of colours and art on designs so we could get the whole family excited about the collection. It was very inspirational working with an international Finnish company. The most unique thing was designing our own character in the style of the legendary Angry Birds games. For an extra touch, we created a limited-edition Bille Bird plushie and choreographed a Bille Bird dance in cooperation with local dance school, DCA. We hope this collaboration inspires people to move, dance and enjoy life.”

To view the collection, click here.

Cabal rum partners with The Explorers Club for journey of discovery

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Cabal rum is the new official partner of the Great Britain and Ireland Chapter of The Explorers Club, the international organisation dedicated to the advancement of field exploration and scientific inquiry.

Together, they will be hosting a wide range of events and strategic exploration initiatives aimed at supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences, starting with a special evening event on board HQS Wellington in London on 27 November.

Claire Kinloch, CEO of Edinburgh based Harpalion Spirits, owner of the Cabal brand, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with such an inspiring partner as part of our overarching strategy. Cabal rum has been built on an ethos of truth, taste and togetherness, with collaboration and exploration wholly embedded in our product development process, and we have the utmost respect for the legacy of the rum industry and the environment in which we operate. The partnership will provide our other partners, customers and consumers with the opportunity to engage, learn and benefit from the work we will do together, adding value to what we collectively strive to offer and contribute to the sector, society and the planet.”

The Great Britain and Ireland Chapter regionally represents global organisation The Explorers Club, which was founded in New York in 1904. Chapters of The Explorers Club can be found throughout the world, creating individual communities of like-minded people from many different disciplines of exploration.

The Club’s members have been responsible for an illustrious series of famous firsts: first to the North Pole, first to the South Pole, first to the summit of Mount Everest, first to the deepest point in the ocean, first to the surface of the moon – all accomplished by its members.

Patrons in the UK include Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Sir Chris Bonington, Rory Golden, Alexandra Shackleton, Felicity Aston, Levison Wood, Rod McDonald, Sir David Kim Hempleman-Adams, Kenton Cool, Alicia Colson and Neville Shulman.

Explorer, author, speaker and chairman of The Explorers Club GB and Ireland Chapter, Mark Wood, said of the partnership: “We’re really excited to be working with Cabal and the team. They have shown a real understanding of what The Explorers Club is about and what it is trying to achieve. We are really looking forward to working with such an enthusiastic, passionate, committed and engaged team to help us raise awareness and promote the incredible endeavours of The Explorers Club.”

Cabal No.1513, which was officially launched in May 2021, is created using a combination of pot and column distillation techniques with rums from distilleries in Guatemala, Guyana, Trinidad, Panama and the Caribbean, tropically aged at origin. The liquid is then finished in Pedro Ximénez casks in Speyside. There is no added colouring, flavour or sugar, leaving a high-quality, natural rum.

Cabal No.1513 was awarded gold in the super premium golden rum category at the recent Spirits Business Global Spirits Masters 2021 and a silver at the DBSB Autumn Tasting.

Cabal No.1513 is distributed in the UK through bbb drinks and is available to both on-trade and off-trade outlets and online platforms across the UK. Export will also be a key channel and Gold Medal Marketing in Alberta, Canada, has already been appointed as a regional distributor.

Wonder Woman comes to the catwalk with Nivedita Saboo’s latest collection

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Warner Bros Consumer Products and Indian fashion designer Nivedita Saboo have announced a new collection inspired by Wonder Woman, the iconic DC Super Hero. In celebration of Wonder Woman’s 80th anniversary, Nivedita launched her range on October 15 at the St Regis, Mumbai, as a part of The Bombay Times Fashion Week.

The collection draws inspiration from the architecture, history and the spirit of the Amazonian warriors in Themyscira who support and uplift each other.

Vikram Sharma, Head of Consumer Products, Advertising & Partnerships, WarnerMedia India, Southeast Asia & Korea says: “This month marks the 80th Anniversary of Wonder Woman. She has a lasting legacy as a pop culture icon and even today is an inspiration to fans. Nivedita has captured this spirit in her stunning new collection.”

Nivedita added: “This collaboration with Warner Bros to design their prêt and couture collections truly resonates with my signature style. The custom-created digital prints, sharp seams, precision cuts and intricate techniques of detailing infuse the qualities and ethos of Wonder Woman in the womenswear and menswear ensembles. This couture collection is specially created to celebrate our Indian culture, weddings and festivals. Wonder Woman as a superhero is very close to my heart since she resonates with me, my team of wonder women and all the lives that we touch every single day while we create new products and collections. I am looking forward to launching this collection in India.”

Nivedita is an award-winning designer who has showcased her collections at fashion weeks in London, Paris, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, Colombo and all major cities in India. The collection will be available at her stores in Pune and Mumbai and on her online store at www.NiveditaSaboo.com

“Radically inclusive” fashion brand T.W.I.N. marks White Cane Safety Day with release of new Braille T-shirt collection

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To mark White Cane Safety Day (15 October), which celebrates the achievements of blind and visually impaired people, fashion company T.W.I.N. today launched its new Braille collection.

The range consists of three colourways of the 02 Braille Layered T-Shirt ($65), imprinted with T.W.I.N.’s logo in Braille. Made of sustainable deadstock fabric, the T-shirts come in a genderless design to suit everyone.

An estimated 253 million people are visually impaired worldwide and as a whole, disabled people represent one in four shoppers. A portion of the proceeds of sales of T.W.I.N.’s T –shirts will be donated directly to VISIONS, an NYC-based non-profit that provides services for the blind and visually impaired community.

To further promote and bring awareness to issues faced by the blind and visually impaired community, T.W.I.N. has teamed up with blind award-winning creator and NYC-based musical artist Lachi, who stars in the collection’s campaign. Lachi is an award-winning recording artist, producer and disability activist.

Founded by Isabella and Alicia Serrani, T.W.I.N. (That’s What I Need) is a twin-owned, Toronto-born, New York-based company “focused on making good products, honestly”. The Braille campaign is part of T.W.I.N.’s mission to promote radical inclusivity across the spectrum of race, gender, and ability both in representation, and their creative process.

 

WildBrain CPLG turns up the volume with MTV x Eastpak collaboration

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Leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agency WildBrain CPLG has secured a global deal with Eastpak for a collection inspired by ViacomCBS Consumer Products’ iconic pop culture and entertainment brand MTV. The range launched earlier this month and during MTV’s 40th anniversary year, and spans backpacks, a duffel bag and bum bag, all featuring bold hand-drawn elements and bright 1980s-inspired graphics. The deal was brokered by WildBrain CPLG’s Benelux team.

The MTV x Eastpak range is now available at Eastpak’s stores and website globally and is being supported by an extensive marketing and social media campaign.

Peter Evers, Commercial Director Benelux at WildBrain CPLG, says: “There continues to be significant demand from consumers for merchandise that evokes a feeling of nostalgia and transports them back to a moment in time. Through this loud and bold collection, we’ve brought together two decade-defining brands from the 1980s to create a line that celebrates not only the importance of both MTV and Eastpak during that era, but also their continuing appeal with young adults today.”

Maxime Morel, Senior Merchandiser Special Projects at VF International – owner of the Eastpak brand – added: “Our new collaboration with MTV reimagines our classic designs in the style of the world’s most iconic entertainment brand. We translated the nostalgic MTV graphics into a capsule collection that features three vibrant prints, and each design stands out with co-branded MTV and Eastpak logos. The boombox-inspired MTV Duffle bag is exclusive to this collection, paying homage to the 1980s era.”

WildBrain CPLG represents additional pop culture and retro ViacomCBS Consumer Products brands in multiple territories, including MTV, Star Trek, Twin Peaks and 90210. This MTV x Eastpak collaboration builds upon WildBrain CPLG’s recent deal for ViacomCBS Consumer Products with Tommy Hilfiger, which saw the successful launch of ‘A Blast From The Past’ capsule fashion collection this summer. The Hilfiger range features iconic characters and logos from Nickelodeon and MTV across a range of T-shirts, sweats, and hoodies.

Nelvana and Juniper Creates launch ‘Max & Ruby’ throwback merch line for Millennial and Gen Z fans

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Nelvana, international producer, distributor and licensor of children’s animated and live-action content, and direct-to-consumer merchandise manufacturer Juniper Creates  have partnered to deliver childhood nostalgia with a new Max & Ruby clothing line targeted at Millennials and Gen Zs who grew up with the series.

The Max & Ruby Remix Collection is an homage to the show and its dedicated fan-base, and portrays the beloved brother and sister bunny duo in a creative and colourful way. The line is available to shop now on www.maxandrubyremix.com.

“Millennials and Gen Zs all over the world have fond memories of watching Max & Ruby as preschoolers,” says Mellany Masterson, Head of Nelvana Enterprises. “Tapping into the power of nostalgia and drawing insights from the viral success we’ve had on TikTok, this new collection captures the playfulness and fun of Max & Ruby.”

Over the past 18 months, Max & Ruby enthusiasts on TikTok have generated over 127 million uses of the hashtag #maxandruby. The three different trends that went viral include a remix dance, classic cake remakes and theme song origins. By exploring styles that appeal to this Max & Ruby audience, the Max & Ruby Remix Collection line was created to capture the essence of the brand but still be easily integrated into day-to-day wear. Pieces from the line include tops, overalls, oversized fashion earrings, and a Max & Ruby version of the trendy blanket sweater.

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Nelvana, this time with the Max & Ruby franchise as it nears its 20th broadcast anniversary in May 2022,” says Shawn Curtis, Director of Partnerships at Juniper Creates. “The team is developing exclusive and limited-edition merchandise that ties into the nostalgia of the IP appealing to broad audiences that grew up watching this brother and sister bunny duo. We’ll bring the Max & Ruby Remix Collection to market, leveraging our full supply-chain and technology platform, manufacturing and fulfilling orders globally via a dedicated Direct to Consumer storefront, maxandrubyremix.com”.

Fans can still watch all their favourite episodes of Max & Ruby on Treehouse and live and on demand with STACKTV, available through Amazon Prime Video Channels.

 

 

Nelvana and Juniper Creates launch ‘Max & Ruby’ throwback merch line for Millennial and Gen Z fans

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Nelvana, international producer, distributor and licensor of children’s animated and live-action content, and direct-to-consumer merchandise manufacturer Juniper Creates  have partnered to deliver childhood nostalgia with a new Max & Ruby clothing line targeted at Millennials and Gen Zs who grew up with the series.

The Max & Ruby Remix Collection is an homage to the show and its dedicated fan-base, and portrays the beloved brother and sister bunny duo in a creative and colourful way. The line is available to shop now on www.maxandrubyremix.com.

“Millennials and Gen Zs all over the world have fond memories of watching Max & Ruby as preschoolers,” says Mellany Masterson, Head of Nelvana Enterprises. “Tapping into the power of nostalgia and drawing insights from the viral success we’ve had on TikTok, this new collection captures the playfulness and fun of Max & Ruby.”

Over the past 18 months, Max & Ruby enthusiasts on TikTok have generated over 127 million uses of the hashtag #maxandruby. The three different trends that went viral include a remix dance, classic cake remakes and theme song origins. By exploring styles that appeal to this Max & Ruby audience, the Max & Ruby Remix Collection line was created to capture the essence of the brand but still be easily integrated into day-to-day wear. Pieces from the line include tops, overalls, oversized fashion earrings, and a Max & Ruby version of the trendy blanket sweater.

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Nelvana, this time with the Max & Ruby franchise as it nears its 20th broadcast anniversary in May 2022,” says Shawn Curtis, Director of Partnerships at Juniper Creates. “The team is developing exclusive and limited-edition merchandise that ties into the nostalgia of the IP appealing to broad audiences that grew up watching this brother and sister bunny duo. We’ll bring the Max & Ruby Remix Collection to market, leveraging our full supply-chain and technology platform, manufacturing and fulfilling orders globally via a dedicated Direct to Consumer storefront, maxandrubyremix.com”.

Fans can still watch all their favourite episodes of Max & Ruby on Treehouse and live and on demand with STACKTV, available through Amazon Prime Video Channels.

 

 

RHS partners with Annie Sloan for decorative decoupage papers

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The Royal Horticultural Society and Annie Sloan, one of the world’s leading authorities in paint, colour and style, have announced a partnership for decoupage papers, a form of household decoration that simply and cost-effectively transforms a wide range of pieces in any home.

With her design team, Annie Sloan carefully searched through the RHS Lindley Collections – the world’s largest collection of botanical art – to find illustrations to cut out, repeat, combine and colour to match some of the 47 colours from Annie’s famous Chalk Paint palette, a versatile decorative furniture paint designed by Annie Sloan in 1990.

There are 12 individual designs with two large sheets of decoupage paper per pack. The RHS name and logo are prominently highlighted on the front of the packaging. The back of the packaging includes information about the RHS and its aims, alongside a practical guide to using the decoupage papers.

Annie Sloan and her team are working towards a global launch in late autumn 2021 – online and in physical stockist shops around the world. Annie Sloan sells through a network of independent shops in more than 55 countries.

Annie Sloan offers a wide selection of home decoration products, ranging from fabric, waxes and finishes to stencils, tools and of course her world-famous Chalk Paint.

Amy Honour, Head of Marketing, Annie Sloan Interiors Ltd, says: “Annie’s ambition has always been to inspire individuals with the confidence to bring colour, character and design into their homes. For this range, that colour, character and design has come about with help from the RHS – the passionate force at the heart of horticulture for more than two centuries. The result, we think, is both beautiful and memorable.”