Zavvi launches limited edition, exclusive Pokémon Explorer clothing and accessories collection

The UK online retailer, Zavvi has partnered with the Pokémon Company International to launch an exclusive, limited edition and fully licensed Pokémon Explorer clothing collection. The new range takes inspiration from the anime IP and the ‘sense of adventure’ felt when players explore the outdoors with Pokémon GO.

Designed as an ode to Pokémon GO’s enduring effect on audiences across the world, the Zavvi Pokémon Explorer range is targeted at avid wanderers, and is billed as ‘perfect for trainers setting off into the wildlands of their region to find coveted Pokémon.’

According to the team at Zavvi, the range ‘draws inspiration from the simplicity of the outdoors,’ combining natural and earthy tones with ‘utility themed garments’ emblazoned with some of the most iconic Pokémon characters. T-shirts, hoodies, and military style jackets in the collection feature the likes of Bulbasaur, Charmander, Evee, Snorlax, and Pikachu.

The partnership will also see the launch of a limited edition selection of accessories, including a cap, bucket hat, and a backpack featuring a woven Pikachu Scouts-inspired patch, ‘perfect for venturing out into the wilderness.’

There will also be two limited-edition Zavvi x Pokémon handcrafted canvas high-top designs, featuring Charizard soaring over a mountainous landscape on a white background.

The new merchandise will be available to purchase from 12pm on 25 August 2021, exclusive to Zavvi.com.

WildBrain CPLG unveils new wave of global deals for Yale and Harvard Universities

WildBrain CPLG has signed a new wave of global deals for Yale and Harvard universities, expanding the brands across apparel, accessories, stationery, wall art and more as the agency continues to grow its lifestyle licensing remit.

WildBrain CPLG has signed a partnership with the Australian retailer Cotton On for a spring/summer 2021 range of adult and kids’ apparel, accessories, stationery, wall art, and homewares for the Yale University brand. The range is now available in 880 stores globally across Cotton On and Typo.

Additionally, new European partners include Stationery Team for stationery and bags for Benelux, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France and Poland; Carbotex for home textiles for Europe (excl. UK, Ireland, Germany and Nordics) and apparel and accessories in Central & Eastern Europe (CEE); Sahinler for kids and adult apparel and accessories in France; MLP for kids and adult apparel and accessories for select territories within EMEA; and Creaciones Jugavi for toiletry bags in Spain and Portugal.

In North America, The Forecast Agency is launching a Yale University apparel range into specialty fashion stores this summer. Additionally, Sun CE is on board for Yale apparel, accessories and footwear in the Middle East, and WildBrain CPLG is continuing its existing deal with apparel licensee Park Agencies in the UK and Ireland and also with global fashion retailer H&M.

Meanwhile, for Harvard University new European licensees include Stone Kids and the high-end fashion brand Cyrillus for kids and women’s apparel and accessories, launching in France for Autumn/Winter 2021; Aytex for apparel and accessories launching into multiple European territories; Carbotex for apparel and accessories in CEE, plus homewares in CEE, France, Italy and Benelux; and SkyBrands for kids and adult apparel, accessories and home textiles for the Nordic market.

In the Middle East, WildBrain CPLG has signed Fan Mania for apparel, accessories, bags and footwear, alongside direct-to-retail deals with Max Fashion for apparel, accessories, bags, stationery and footwear to launch for back-to-school 2021, and also with fashion retailer RIVA for a collection targeted at women and girls for Autumn/Winter 2021.

For both Yale and Harvard universities, Contrast is launching apparel, accessories, home textiles and bags for the Nordics; Brand Design is signing up for apparel and accessories across Belgium, Netherlands, Poland and the Nordics; J. Brand International is on board for apparel and accessories for Italy, and Ulupinar Teksil is on board for adult apparel and accessories in Turkey and Cyprus with product available at Mavi, DeFacto and LC Waikiki.

For the UK and Ireland, Brand International Group is on board for kids and adults footwear and accessories, alongside Brand Alliance for apparel, loungewear, nightwear, swimwear and print-on-demand apparel and accessories. WildBrain CPLG has also signed deals for fashion retailers Pull & Bear, Zara, Lefties, Stradivarius and Mango.

Victoria Whellans, groups brands director, Lifestyle at WildBrain CPLG, said: “It’s a privilege to continue representing the iconic and prestigious Yale and Harvard university brands as part of our expanding Lifestyle portfolio. With the trend for products inspired by varsity and US institutions really proving its longevity, which we expect to continue well into 2022 and beyond, there’s significant demand for Yale and Harvard across the globe, as demonstrated by this extensive and distinctive line-up of new licensees and retailers.”

Yale is an historic institution and houses 14 residential colleges, each with its own shield, motto, cheer and mascot. The university is also famous for its athletic facilities, which includes the Yale Golf Course, built in 1926, the 61,000-seat Yale Bowl (American Football), as well as one of the largest gymnasiums in the world. It also houses the second largest university library in the world. Many notable alumni have graduated including five US presidents, 19 US Supreme court justices and 500 members of the US Congress.

Established in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world and is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning and research and to developing global leaders in many disciplines.

Ajax and adidas channel Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds in new tribute kit

The Bob Marley family has teamed up with Ajax and adidas to release the 2021/2022 Ajax third kit, a tribute to its fans and a shared love for the reggae legend Bob Marley and the iconic song Three Little Birds.

Developed in collaboration with the family, the black kit features red, yellow, and green details, while on the back of the jersey, just below the collar, is a subtle reference to the iconic song with three little birds sitting on Amsterdam’s Andreas crosses. The kit will be worn in this season’s European matches, alongside Ajax’s home kit.

For over a decade, Ajax has had a strong tie to the Bob Marley song, Three Little Birds that started in August 2008 when the team played a friendly match in Cardiff against Cardiff City FC. The Ajax fans were asked to remain in the stands after the game. To keep them entertained, the stadium DJ played several tracks, one of which was Three Little Birds.

The song has since been embraced by Ajax fans who now sing it at every game, regardless of the score of the game.

Bob Marley is often remembered as an active and dedicated fan of football, a point that, according to the family of the reggae legend, makes the collaboration and the collective love for his music form Ajax fans particularly poignant.

“I am beyond touched that Ajax has taken Three Little Birds and made it their anthem. Stories like this warm my heart and show how impactful songs like Three Little Birds can be. Soccer was everything to my father…and to use his words ‘football is freedom’” said Cedella Marley, daughter of Bob Marley.

The kit features a jersey, shorts and socks. On the socks, Amsterdam’s Andreas crosses are prominently highlighted. The range also includes a track top, track pant, sweater, t-shirt and Samba footwear. Samba footwear originates from football but has become a global fashion icon in its own right. With stripes in red, yellow and green, the footwear also features the Ajax crest on the tongue of the shoe and the three little birds on Amsterdam’s Andreas crosses on the heel tab.

All product is available from August 20 onwards, and available on ajax.nl/shopadidas.com, in Official Ajax Fanshops (ArenA, Kalverstraat and Bataviastad) and through selected retailers around the world.

Beano Studios and Radley London partner on exclusive accessory collection housed at landmark exhibition

Beano Studios is continuing to celebrate 70 years of Dennis the Menace, this time with the launch of a limited edition accessory collection developed in collaboration with the fashion brand, Radley London.

The partnership will see a selection of Beano’s comic strips styled by Radley London into expertly crafted, collectable designs in a range featuring illustrations of Dennis, Gnasher, Minnie, and Radley’s own Scottie dog across a line of bags, card holders, and purses. The collection will be available exclusively in Radley’s London and Glasgow stores, selected concessions, and online from October 4th this year.

The coillection will reference Dennis’ black and red stripes throughout, including the Breaking Rules Book Street bag, which features screen prints and foil embossing on leather. The large black tote has appliqué badges of the Beano characters and slogans and includes a detachable striped Scottie dog key fob who dons his own red and black striped jumper.

The collection also includes a collectible leather card holder which features the Dennis and Gnasher fan club logo. The Dennis fan club was originally created in 1976 and this is the first time it has been brought to life in a licensed deal.

Vanessa Andreis, franchise planning and partnerships director, Beano Studios, said: “In this momentous year for Dennis we’ve chosen iconic partnerships to commemorate his 70 years. Bringing a bit of Dennis’s loveable mischief to Radley London will be a special part of Dennis history and thanks to their incredible craftsmen we’re sure these collectible products will still be around for the next 70 years of this iconic character.”

Radley London is an official partner of Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules – a major exhibition at Somerset House. Radley’s rebellious collection of Beano-inspired handbags and accessories will be available to buy within a special pop-up shop at Somerset House during the exhibition, which runs from 21 October 2021 until 6 March 2022.

Jackie Hay, Radley London, chief product officer, added: “We are so delighted to join with Beano and Dennis in this very special year. Our Design Team had enormous fun creating a playful collection which brings Dennis and his friends into our world.

“The exclusive Picture Bag designs are made by hand by our artisan craftsmen – including cutting, dying, stitching and printing – and we can’t wait to see our collection run riot this Autumn on our handbags, purses and of course our very own Dennis fan club card wallet.”

The landmark exhibition, Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules at Somerset House will explore the relationship between Beano and contemporary art pieces with unruliness and irreverence, through the eyes of the artists who embody the Beano sensibility of rebellion.

The major exhibition will feature original comic drawings, never previously seen in public, selected across its 4,000-plus editions (to date) and rare archive artefacts, alongside works from leading artists and designers, imbued with the same Beano spirit of breaking the rules.

Recently announced contributors include artists Nicola Lane and Peter Leversidge and editorial cartoonist Martin Rowson.

Beano was first published by DC Thomson in July 1938 and is still put together in its original Dundee headquarters and printed in the UK each week. Beano has an ABC of 45,644 – an increase of 9.0 per cent YOY. The brand reaches over 5m kids a month on its digital network, centred around multi-award winning Beano.com and fans in more than 100 countries across the world can watch Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed!, the Emmy nominated TV series.

Beano Studios and Radley London partner on exclusive accessory collection housed at landmark exhibition

Beano Studios is continuing to celebrate 70 years of Dennis the Menace, this time with the launch of a limited edition accessory collection developed in collaboration with the fashion brand, Radley London.

The partnership will see a selection of Beano’s comic strips styled by Radley London into expertly crafted, collectable designs in a range featuring illustrations of Dennis, Gnasher, Minnie, and Radley’s own Scottie dog across a line of bags, card holders, and purses. The collection will be available exclusively in Radley’s London and Glasgow stores, selected concessions, and online from October 4th this year.

The coillection will reference Dennis’ black and red stripes throughout, including the Breaking Rules Book Street bag, which features screen prints and foil embossing on leather. The large black tote has appliqué badges of the Beano characters and slogans and includes a detachable striped Scottie dog key fob who dons his own red and black striped jumper.

The collection also includes a collectible leather card holder which features the Dennis and Gnasher fan club logo. The Dennis fan club was originally created in 1976 and this is the first time it has been brought to life in a licensed deal.

Vanessa Andreis, franchise planning and partnerships director, Beano Studios, said: “In this momentous year for Dennis we’ve chosen iconic partnerships to commemorate his 70 years. Bringing a bit of Dennis’s loveable mischief to Radley London will be a special part of Dennis history and thanks to their incredible craftsmen we’re sure these collectible products will still be around for the next 70 years of this iconic character.”

Radley London is an official partner of Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules – a major exhibition at Somerset House. Radley’s rebellious collection of Beano-inspired handbags and accessories will be available to buy within a special pop-up shop at Somerset House during the exhibition, which runs from 21 October 2021 until 6 March 2022.

Jackie Hay, Radley London, chief product officer, added: “We are so delighted to join with Beano and Dennis in this very special year. Our Design Team had enormous fun creating a playful collection which brings Dennis and his friends into our world.

“The exclusive Picture Bag designs are made by hand by our artisan craftsmen – including cutting, dying, stitching and printing – and we can’t wait to see our collection run riot this Autumn on our handbags, purses and of course our very own Dennis fan club card wallet.”

The landmark exhibition, Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules at Somerset House will explore the relationship between Beano and contemporary art pieces with unruliness and irreverence, through the eyes of the artists who embody the Beano sensibility of rebellion.

The major exhibition will feature original comic drawings, never previously seen in public, selected across its 4,000-plus editions (to date) and rare archive artefacts, alongside works from leading artists and designers, imbued with the same Beano spirit of breaking the rules.

Recently announced contributors include artists Nicola Lane and Peter Leversidge and editorial cartoonist Martin Rowson.

Beano was first published by DC Thomson in July 1938 and is still put together in its original Dundee headquarters and printed in the UK each week. Beano has an ABC of 45,644 – an increase of 9.0 per cent YOY. The brand reaches over 5m kids a month on its digital network, centred around multi-award winning Beano.com and fans in more than 100 countries across the world can watch Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed!, the Emmy nominated TV series.

Dreamtex Ltd launches Bluey bedding produced in first partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative

The boutique bedding specialist Dreamtex Ltd has partnered with the Better Cotton Initiative for the first time as it prepares to launch its new, sustainably focused Bluey bedding in time for autumn 2021.

Its partnership with the initiative is reflective, says the company, of its commitment to sustainability in licensing and within the bedding industry. The BCI is a global not-for-profit organisation recognised as the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world. It has been formed in order to improve the global cotton production industry and the environment, and as a means to safeguard the future of the sector.

The popular preschool property, Bluey will adorn the first roll-out developed in partnership with the BCI, marking what Dreamtex has billed as a ‘welcome addition to the preschool bedding portfolio.’ Available in single size and made from 100 per cent BCI cotton, the launch duvet focuses on character artwork from the series.

Jo Duckworth, director of Dreamtex Ltd, said: “The team has been excited to bring Bluey homewares to the UK for a long time now. We all know how popular the TV series is in Australia and it’s no surprise it is performing so strongly on CBeebies since making its on-air debut earlier this year. We’re looking forward to bringing in the collection of Bluey bedding, cushions, blankets and towels later this year.

“We’ll be supporting the new collection with PR and influencer gifting to spread the joy of Bluey and her family, and to also promote the introduction of BCI cotton into our manufacturing as we strive to deliver on our commitment to sustainability in licensing.”

Dreamtex Ltd launches Bluey bedding produced in first partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative

The boutique bedding specialist Dreamtex Ltd has partnered with the Better Cotton Initiative for the first time as it prepares to launch its new, sustainably focused Bluey bedding in time for autumn 2021.

Its partnership with the initiative is reflective, says the company, of its commitment to sustainability in licensing and within the bedding industry. The BCI is a global not-for-profit organisation recognised as the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world. It has been formed in order to improve the global cotton production industry and the environment, and as a means to safeguard the future of the sector.

The popular preschool property, Bluey will adorn the first roll-out developed in partnership with the BCI, marking what Dreamtex has billed as a ‘welcome addition to the preschool bedding portfolio.’ Available in single size and made from 100 per cent BCI cotton, the launch duvet focuses on character artwork from the series.

Jo Duckworth, director of Dreamtex Ltd, said: “The team has been excited to bring Bluey homewares to the UK for a long time now. We all know how popular the TV series is in Australia and it’s no surprise it is performing so strongly on CBeebies since making its on-air debut earlier this year. We’re looking forward to bringing in the collection of Bluey bedding, cushions, blankets and towels later this year.

“We’ll be supporting the new collection with PR and influencer gifting to spread the joy of Bluey and her family, and to also promote the introduction of BCI cotton into our manufacturing as we strive to deliver on our commitment to sustainability in licensing.”

The Tom Gates kids’ book series taps back to school market with Sainsbury’s campaign

The first range of products based on the popular Tom Gates children’s books, and The Brilliant World of Tom Gates TV series are landing in store at Sainsbury’s and Argos this month, with a back-to-school promotion supported by a month-long POS campaign and a national competition.

Developed by The Point.1888, the retail promotion will form part of the UK licensing agent’s wider brand programme to encourage kids to get creative through doodling, music, and crafting. A total of 275 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK – as well as online across Sainsbury’s and Argos – will be selling the exclusive back-to-school range, which includes gel pens, backpacks, doodle books, lunchbags, sipper bottles, and more.

The line will be tied together with a range of the popular Tom Gates books, while the launch will also be supported by a ‘summer doodle’ competition in Sainsbury’s stores run by Tom Gates Entertainment with a range of prizes including an exclusive doodle by creator Liz Pichon.

A writer and illustrator, Pichon has produced 19 award-winning, multi-million-copy-bestselling Tom Gates books to date. Translated into 45 languages, the stories are written to be warm and funny, full of family, friends and treats, and ‘bursting with creativity and music.’

The books are published by Scholastic in the UK and have won over 25 awards and sold more than 11m copies worldwide.  The 19th book in the series, Random Acts of Fun is published in October.

Meanwhile, the TV series, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates (produced by TG Entertainment) launched first on Sky Kids in the UK and Ireland and is now being enthusiastically received by Tom Gates fans around the globe. A range of Tom Gates licensed products have launched in the UK in summer 2021 and roll out internationally in 2022.

Tessa Moore, head of marketing at Tom Gates Entertainment, said: “The Tom Gates brand is warm and funny, bursting with creativity, and much loved by families across the globe. We are excited to launch this exclusive new range with Sainsbury’s supported by a fantastic competition encouraging children to get creative in their summer holidays and win some special prizes.”

Janine Richmond, head of product and brand at The Point.1888, said: “School has been disrupted over the last two years and we hope this new Tom Gates range will help young fans across the country get excited about being back and having fun in the classroom.”

The Tom Gates kids’ book series taps back to school market with Sainsbury’s campaign

The first range of products based on the popular Tom Gates children’s books, and The Brilliant World of Tom Gates TV series are landing in store at Sainsbury’s and Argos this month, with a back-to-school promotion supported by a month-long POS campaign and a national competition.

Developed by The Point.1888, the retail promotion will form part of the UK licensing agent’s wider brand programme to encourage kids to get creative through doodling, music, and crafting. A total of 275 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK – as well as online across Sainsbury’s and Argos – will be selling the exclusive back-to-school range, which includes gel pens, backpacks, doodle books, lunchbags, sipper bottles, and more.

The line will be tied together with a range of the popular Tom Gates books, while the launch will also be supported by a ‘summer doodle’ competition in Sainsbury’s stores run by Tom Gates Entertainment with a range of prizes including an exclusive doodle by creator Liz Pichon.

A writer and illustrator, Pichon has produced 19 award-winning, multi-million-copy-bestselling Tom Gates books to date. Translated into 45 languages, the stories are written to be warm and funny, full of family, friends and treats, and ‘bursting with creativity and music.’

The books are published by Scholastic in the UK and have won over 25 awards and sold more than 11m copies worldwide.  The 19th book in the series, Random Acts of Fun is published in October.

Meanwhile, the TV series, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates (produced by TG Entertainment) launched first on Sky Kids in the UK and Ireland and is now being enthusiastically received by Tom Gates fans around the globe. A range of Tom Gates licensed products have launched in the UK in summer 2021 and roll out internationally in 2022.

Tessa Moore, head of marketing at Tom Gates Entertainment, said: “The Tom Gates brand is warm and funny, bursting with creativity, and much loved by families across the globe. We are excited to launch this exclusive new range with Sainsbury’s supported by a fantastic competition encouraging children to get creative in their summer holidays and win some special prizes.”

Janine Richmond, head of product and brand at The Point.1888, said: “School has been disrupted over the last two years and we hope this new Tom Gates range will help young fans across the country get excited about being back and having fun in the classroom.”

Floral Street channels Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers in first of its kind fragrance partnership

The independent, sustainable British Brand, Floral Street has struck up a collaboration with the internationally revered Van Gogh Museum in a deal that will see fine art meet fine fragrance for the first time.

Under the partnership, Floral Street has developed a new fragrance that channels the Dutch artist’s passion for the natural world and nature, ‘bringing to life the optimism of one of the world’s most famous masterworks in both scent and floral design,’ taking on the fragrance and artistic appeal of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.

Described as a fruity-citrus fragrance, the new launch is both a vegan and cruelty free, luxury eau de parfum that ‘arrives bursting with rays of optimism,’ as intentioned by its creator, the master perfumer, Jerȏme Epinette.

Epinette is known for his mastery of sustainable natural raw materials, which are traceable from source to scent.

“The idea was to capture the vibrance and beauty of the South of France, while also somehow painting the passage of the day. I started with an impactful top where a burst of morning sun comes alive in the citrus and fruits, while the heart brings the heat of the afternoon with a rich and colourful floralcy,” said Epinette. “The back then carries us into early evening with a poppy sweetness and a touch of unexpected warmth that makes it fun, yet truly luxurious.”

Ian Wickham of Licensing Link Europe, said: “This is the first product to launch within the Floral Street range of personal and home fragrances and we are super excited by the reaction the product is getting from retailers around the world.

“What Floral Street has delivered is a superb example of an incredible quality product created through a thorough understanding of the story behind Sunflowers and then delivered in a completely sustainable way – even the packaging cartons that hold the bottle are fully biodegradable and can be reused as seed planters once finished with.”

Among the ingredients used in the fragrance is natural bergamont fro Calabria in Italy to provide a fresh, peppery herbaceous scent “that is lightly sweet and brings a unique sparkle to this citrus composition,” as well as mandarin which brings a bright, summery hue to the fragrance.

The perfume also features a warm honey accord – a nature identical, vegan synthetic blend created to mimic the aroma of fresh honey, and a Bellini accord – described as “a fantasy note that brings an effervescent ‘pop’ to the perfume.”

The new Sunflower Pop fragrance is available from August 1st, 2021, on www.floralstreet.com, in the Van Gogh Museum and retailers worldwide.