Olympia le Tan celebrates 62 years of Paddington with exclusive clutch bag collection

The French boutique retailer, Olympia le Tan, has partnered with Copyrights to launch am exclusive Paddington clutch bag collection, based on the first edition cover of Michael Bond’s ‘A Bear Called Paddington.’

The limited edition clutch features one of the most iconic illustrations by Peggy Fortnum and celebrates Paddington’s 62 year publishing and merchandising heritage.

Olympia le Tan is known for its beautifully designed, hand-stitched clutch bags, taking inspiration from literature, art and film. Each collection is limited to 77 pieces and each bag can take up to 300 hours to produce, creating a unique look and feel. 

The deal was brokered by StudioCanal Licensing, the agent for Paddington in France.


Valérie Rolandez-Barrios, director of licensing and partnerships at StudioCanal Licensing, said: “It is such a delight to work on Paddington and help develop the brand in France. Seeing this collaboration with Olympia le Tan come to life is wonderful. The Paddington clutch bag is a beautiful item and the result of a unique partnership.”

Aude Sergent, general manager for Olympia le Tan, added: “Collaborating with Paddington felt natural for our brand. We observed that we are all related to Paddington, we all know his crazy adventures and his unconditional love for marmalade.

“Embroidered on our bags, this classic of contemporary English literature gives us the opportunity to pay a tribute to this mythic book through the original illustration of Peggy Fortnum.”

Phat Kandi makes licensing move for Spain and Portugal with Mondo TV

The hit character and lifestyle brand, Phat Kandi, is making its way to the Spanish and Portuguese licensing space thanks to a new partnership with the European content specialist and third-party licensing company, Mondo TV.

A diverse brand that champions individuality, Phat Kandi has found success in the fashion market and is now looking to replicate that across a wider licensing arena. Its output already includes t-shirts, leggings and hoodies, each illustrated in the brand’s unusual design style.

Described as a bold statement brand with an edgy, Japanese twist, Phat Kandi suggests that its style lends itself to consumer products in categories such as fashion, personal care, stationery and digital. Mondo TV will look to take the brand into these categories as it works to secure partners across Spain and Portugal.

Created by the fashion designer and digital artist, Mel Williams, Phat Kandi is aimed at all consumers regardless of age, gender or social backgrounds.

Meanwhile, the appointment for the Phat Kandi brand is the latest addition to a growing list of prestigious third-party representations for Mondo, which also includes the international hit brands The Gruffalo and Feisty Pets.

Julia Gutiérrez, licensing manager, Mondo TV for Iberia, said: “We are very excited about this collaboration with Phat Kandi. We needed an iconic and lifestyle brand in our portfolio – and this is just what we were looking for.

“We are confident that the market will respond with the same enthusiasm. We can’t wait to bring Phat Kandi and its amazing creative assets to consumer products in Iberia.”

Mel Williams, creative director at Phat Kandi, added: “We are delighted to have Mondo TV represent Phat Kandi across the Iberia Region. The Mondo team are hands-on, which we’re thrilled about, and very enthusiastic about Phat Kandi – which we love.”

Poetic Brands launches baby apparel and accessories division with Tiny Tatty Teddy partnership

The apparel specialist, Poetic Brands, has signed a new deal with Carte Blanche Greetings to create a babywear collection based on the classic Tiny Tatty Teddy property. The deal arrives as Poetic Brands expands its successful business with the establishment of a baby apparel and accessories division.

The Tiny Tatty Teddy range will include a wide range of baby products. Poetic Brands will also be creating a range of girls and adults daywear based on Tatty Teddy, the grey bear with the blue nose and patches. 

Tiny Tatty Teddy is the nursery proposition within the now iconic Me to You brand with the signature character Tatty Teddy. Launched in 1995 with a handful of greeting card designs, the brand has successfully grown to witness a licensing portfolio covering 12 categories, with representation in 110 countries around the world.

Shortlisted for the Best Classic Licensed Property Award in this year’s Licensing Awards and currently celebrating 25 years of Sharing the Moments that Matter, Me to You is recognised as an evergreen brand.

“Me to You is a classic and much-loved character with fans all over the world. Our team at Poetic Brands have worked with the Me to You brand over the years and have identified some key areas for further growth and development,” said Anne Bradford, director, Poetic Brands.

“We’re super excited to be working with Talia and the team and are already creating innovative new ranges and collections offering full category activation opportunities.”

Talia Tester, licensing manager, Carte Blanche, added: “I am very pleased to be collaborating with Poetic Brands in such a core category for us. They truly understand the values, positioning and vision for our brands and am confident that this is the beginning of a fantastic partnership. 

“We already have very strong business within apparel thanks to our existing long-term partners, and working with Poetic will allow us to move into additional areas that grow this even further. The concepts shared so far are very exciting and I can’t wait to see where they take it, they have already hit the ground running.”

GQ partners with NIO Cocktails to launch luxury gift box of themed cocktails

GQ is letting its hair down through a new partnership with NIO Cocktails to develop a ‘unique and luxurious’ tasting experience through a collection of cocktails that aim to ‘fuse hedonism, style, and luxury with all five senses.’

Produced by NIO Cocktails and designed exclusively for the taste of GQ, the collection is sold as a hand-crafted gift set made with 100 per cent recyclable materials, and is available to buy online and ready to taste in the comfort of your own home.

The luxury gift box launch encompasses what it calls “an aesthetic diary for a sensorial journey: four cities, four capitals of taste, four different styles.” It delivers four exclusive cocktails created by NIO Cocktails’ master mixologist Patrick Pistolesi for GQ, four original glasses, each distinctly unique to enhance the taste, one ice mold and four luxury prints for decoration.

The collection features Milan’s The Milanese Bianco. London’s The Dandy, New York’s The Big Apple, and Tokyo’s Sensei.

The Milanese Bianco celebrates the Milanese tradition while providing a twist on a classic Negroni cocktail, mixing Tanqueray Gin, Bitter Bianco Luxardo and Cocchi Americano Bianco for a mature palate. Meanwhile, the Dandy is billed as a sober cocktail, based on Gin Tanqueray, with a touch that gives sparkle, ginger liqueur, light and of a slight amber color.

The Big Apple is the name of a cocktail that celebrates the iconic figure of contemporaneity, including a green apple liqueur with a fruity base that recalls the healthy world. The apple liqueur is suited to the sweet and deep notes of Bourbon Bulleit.

Finally, Tokyo: Sensei is described as a technically perfect citrus cocktail with a strong yellow color. The typical Japanese Yuzu liqueur, mixed with Blended Whiskey, fragrant and round with a fruity and exotic Lychee Syrup, very popular in Japan.

NIO Cocktails is the Italian startup leader in artisanal blending of ready to drink cocktails. All the cocktails are exclusively created with premium ingredients, signed by the well-known mixologist Patrick Pistolesi and contained inside a 100 per cent recyclable pack.

Lisle Licensing lands aspirational lifestyle duo Style Sisters

Lisle Licensing has secured the UK licensing rights to one of the country’s most sought-after aspirational lifestyle duo’s, Style Sisters.  

In just two years the two long-term friends have shot to stardom and celebrity status with their fashion and interiors ‘know-how’, giving both interior and wardrobe advice that can transform the lives of their follower fan base and celebrities. 

The appointment of Lisle Licensing will enable the Style Sisters to engage with consumers who are not only inspired by their style, but also aspire to their way of life by being able to purchase the duo’s own portfolio of home and lifestyle products.

Collectively, Gemma Lilly and Charlotte Reddington have more than 15 years’ experience in the fashion and interiors space, and since forming Style Sisters have notched up a social audience thanks to lifestyle and fashion images in collaboration with UK celebrities including Amanda Holden, Rochelle Humes, Stacy Solomon, and Billie Faiers.  

With more than 204,000 Instagram followers, and garnering an average 2,000 more week on week, the pair reach 14.4 million page impressions per week.  Affiliate product promotions with the likes of Swyft Home and Attic Self Storage have been integral to growth and procuring their own brand awareness as a result of follower and hyperlink interactions.

Licensing has now been earmarked as the natural next step for the two friends. The team at Lisle Licensing will focus on building a Style Sisters’ lifestyle product range across furniture, home accessories, storage solutions, wallpaper/paints, candles and fragrance plus kitchenware and home textiles. 

Francesca Lisle, MD at Lisle Licensing said: “2020 has meant we’ve spent more time than ever in our homes which has reignited the home styling and DIY sector. The Style Sisters appeal to a broad range of ages with their enthusiastic passion for home styling and have a natural ability to engage with consumer tastes; we can’t wait to build a broad range of products that solidify their position as experts in their field.”

Gemma Lilly and Charlotte Reddington, added: “We couldn’t be more excited about the next chapter of our journey, creating our own brand and products has always been the long-term vision and we couldn’t be happier to be working with Lisle so that they can help bring that vision to life.”

Nickelodeon and Spin Master team with ParkAcre for PAW Patrol and SpongeBob kids’ vitamins

The UK nutraceutical manufacturer, ParkAcre has launched its new PAW Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants vitamin ranges for kids across the country, made available exclusively at Holland & Barrett. The new range encompasses Multivitamin Fizzy Drinks and vitamin Chewables, developed to support the all-round health of young children.

Designed for pre-school kids, the PAW Patrol range features the rescue pups from the hit series produced by Spin Master Entertainment and broadcast on Nickelodeon. Meanwhile, for slightly older children, the SpongeBob SquarePants range has been inspired by SpongeBob’s nautical adventures under the sea in Nickeldeon’s hit animated television series.

 The launch marks the start of ParkAcre’s partnership with ViacomCBS to bring its beloved characters out of Adventure Bay and Bikini Bottom and into the homes of kids everywhere. As the UK’s leading health and wellbeing store Holland & Barrett will be stocking the range in-store and online, with full exclusivity until the end of 2020.

 “We are so excited to be launching both these ranges today with ViacomCBS,” said James Caseley, commercial director at ParkAcre.

“At ParkAcre we strive to create the highest quality vitamins, minerals and supplements, and we believe that PAW Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants are the perfect brands to bring these products to life. During these uncertain times we hope that combining our expertise with these beloved characters will keep both parents and their kids happy and healthy.”

 Mark Kingston, senior vice president, international, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, added: “These new vitamin ranges capture the fun and adventure of PAW Patrol and happiness and humour of SpongeBob SquarePants. We’re always looking for new ways to reach our fans and this product is one that will appeal to kids and parents alike.” 

 Sophie Rose, director of VHMS, Holland & Barrett, added: “As the UK’s leading health and wellbeing store we are delighted to be the exclusive UK launch partner for the new PAW Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants vitamin ranges. Recently we’ve seen a significant rise in the demand for kids’ vitamins, and this range is the perfect way to get children excited about vitamins.”

The PAW Patrol range includes a selection of tasty Apple and Blackcurrant flavoured products, including a Multivitamin Fizzy Drink and a range of vitamin Chewables: Multivitamins; Bones and Teeth; Immune Support; and Vitamin D.

Meanwhile, bringing a slice of SpongeBob’s pineapple-under-the-sea to the new range of vitamins, the range includes, a Tropical flavoured Multivitamin Fizzy Drink and a range of Orange and Pineapple flavoured vitamin Chewables: Multivitamins; Brain Formula; Immune Support; and Vitamin D.

 To give parents a helping hand both ranges are vegan and vegetarian approved, as well as gluten-free, GMO-free, lactose-free and contain no added sugar, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. They are also certified Made in Britain and PETA UK certified as cruelty-free.

The RHS launches its own wine with Babylonstoren ahead of RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021

The Royal Horticultural Society has secured a partnership with the historic South African fruit and wine farm, Babylonstoren to produce its own branded RHS rosé wine.

The wine will launch just before the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on May 17th, 2021, for which it will be the official rosé wine. Visitors to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be the first to taste the special vintage.

Listed as a fresh fruity rosé, Babylonstoren will harvest and bottle the grapes only a few weeks before the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021, before rushing the first shipment to London. The rosé will feature a designation label on the front of the bottle. The RHS logo and information about Britain’s favourite gardening charity will appear on the label on the back of the bottle.

Babylonstoren RHS Rosé will be available at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021 and for a limited time at some RHS gardens. It will also be available throughout 2021 via Babylonstoren’s friends in the UK, The Newt in Somerset at shop.thenewtinsomerset.com, as well as a variety of independent wine stores and hospitality outlets throughout the UK.

The license includes an agreement that Babylonstoren will be the non-exclusive supplier of rosé wine at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021.

As with French rosé, the varietal Mourvèdre is being used for Babylonstoren RHS Rosé.

Charl Coetzee, the Babylonstoren Cellarmaster, said:We keep it on skins for a mere one to two hours, to ensure a liquid the colour of a delicate sunrise. The result is a fuller and rounder rosé, with a lovely floral character. Its flavour incorporates creamy rhubarb, sweet freshness of watermelon and subtle punch of acidity. The style is elegant and ethereal.”

This is a first for the RHS. The charity has a wine club for members and has also in the past endorsed a limited edition honeybee gin with Warner’s Distillery. However, it has never licensed a specific wine before. 

Cathy Snow, licensing manager, RHS, said: “Rosé is an ideal spring and summer wine, and the first-ever RHS-endorsed rosé calls to mind flowers, gardens and the outdoors, with the promise that warmer days are on the way. What better way could there be to welcome Britain’s best-loved flower show? We’re delighted to be partnering with Babylonstoren on this wonderful wine.”

Coetzee added: “Babylonstoren RHS Rosé is an ideal accompaniment for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, both of which celebrate spring and the coming of summer. We’re thrilled to be working with the RHS and, like our partner in this exciting initiative, we’re looking forward enormously to our first sip of Babylonstoren RHS Rosé.”

Sleep specialist Mammoth launches Men’s Health and Women’s Health mattresses

The sleep, health, and wellbeing specialist, Mammoth, has partnered with Hearst UK to launch a new mattress collection with Women’s Health and Men’s Health UK magazines. The range is now available exclusively at Argos.

The new launch, an exciting partnership brokered by Golden Goose, arrives as an extension of Hearst’s successful Women’s Health and Men’s Health licensing programmes. The line of mattresses have been developed for the fitness enthusiast market, tapping into Mammoth’s own reputation as a go-to provider for the sporting elite.

The range features two mattresses – the Fit and the Lift – both with pocket springs, memory foam and soft CoolPlus heat and moisture wicking fabric. At the core of every mattress, Mammoth’s naturally cooling Medical Grade foam, provides postural support and aids circulation so sleepers can wake feeling refreshed and pain free.

Mammoth is backed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and its unique comfort technologies are scientifically tested and shown to improve sleep – making the brand the perfect fit for top-selling Men’s Health and Women’s Health, trusted sources for those passionate about health, fitness and mental wellbeing.

John Tuton, founder and CEO of Mammoth, said: “With health and wellbeing at the forefront of everyone’s minds during the Covid-19 pandemic, there has never been a more important time to focus on our sleep to support both our bodies and minds.

“Mammoth is the healthy choice – and our reputation as innovators in the sector makes us the ideal choice for these industry giants. It truly reinforces our commitment to the retail sector, as we continue to invest in our brand and seize the opportunities to promote Mammoth and our partners. I have great confidence for the future and our continued success through the pandemic and beyond.”  

The announcement marks a new chapter in the relationship between the brands and reinforces the importance of good sleep to support better health and wellness, increase productivity and improve performance.

Angela Kim, international licensing director of Hearst, said: “We are excited to be launching our first dual licensed product that has been strategically developed with Argos and will no doubt deepen our highly successful and already well-established brand partnership.” 

Dr Seuss walks into Irregular Choice partnership for The Cat in the Hat collection

The shoe and accessory brand, Irregular Choice has walked into a new partnership with Dr Seuss Enterprises to launch a new collaborative collection based on the iconic The Cat in the Hat.

Brokered by WildBrain CPLG, which represents Dr. Seuss Enterprises across EMEA, the deal will launch an adult collection that includes heeled shoes, boots, sneakers, bags and tights – all featuring the iconic Cat and Thing One and Thing Two from the famous picture book.

The collection is now available worldwide on the Irregular Choice website, and will also launch at Irregular Choice stores across the UK. To support the collaboration, Irregular Choice and Dr. Seuss are promoting the range on social media, with Irregular Choice also executing influencer outreach and installing branded window displays across its UK stores.

John Taylor, VP Northern Europe and managing director UK and France at WildBrain CPLG, said: “Irregular Choice is celebrated for creating unique, bold and eye-catching products that stand out from the crowd. As we continue to expand the merchandise offering for adults who’ve loved The Cat in the Hat since childhood, we knew Irregular Choice would be an ideal partner to capture the brand’s mischievous and energetic spirit, and we can’t wait to see fans enjoying the collection.”

Susan Brandt, president of Dr Seuss Enterprises, added: “Dr. Seuss books are not your typical books, and shoes from Irregular Choice are not your typical shoes. That’s why we believe this collaboration is so well paired and this expressive collection really speaks to the originality of both brands.”

Dan Sullivan, founder and designer at Irregular Choice, added: “Irregular Choice’s ethos is to ‘Recapture your freedom which eloped with your youth’, and better than anyone, Dr. Seuss epitomises that freedom of thought, and unstifled creativity.

“Not only amazingly inspirational, but words to live your life by. There are so many thought provoking quotes, stories and images, which when growing up drove my young mind, and I have tried to take them with me throughout my life. To have the chance to even slightly tap into that world of fun filled imagination, has been a dream fulfilled.”

Caroline Mickler named UK licensing agency for Surge Brands’ Toxic Waste Sour Candy

Caroline Mickler Ltd. has been appointed as the exclusive UK Licensing Agency on behalf of Surge Brands Inc, to develop a brand licensing campaign for Candy Dynamics Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour Candy.

“I am thrilled to be representing this dynamic brand which has a huge following,” said Caroline Mickler. “Launched in the UK in 2005 by distributor Newbridge Confectionery, the brand is recognized as the number one sour novelty product in the market place and has achieved extensive retail distribution including in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Martin McColls, B&M, The Range, Home Bargains and Spar.”

Recent times have seen kids and adults alike take on the Toxic Waste extreme challenge, a game played where the winner is able to hold the ultra-sour candy in their mouth for at least 60 seconds and claim the honour of becoming a Full Toxie Head.

The challenges are uploaded on YouTube by fans of all ages.

Toxic Waste was featured on Channel 4’s “Heston Blumenthal Fantastical Food” as the Ultimate Super Sour Product currently available today.

Targeted licensed product categories will initially include Food & Beverage, Apparel & Accessories, Health & Beauty and gifts.