Acclaimed British artist Charlotte Posner turns to lifestyle licensing with WildBrain CPLG

The acclaimed British contemporary artist, Charlotte Posner, the mind behind Pop Dolls, a work that sent social media into a frenzy in 2015, has appointed WildBrain CPLG as the European Licensing agent for her move into lifestyle licensing.

Under its lifestyle division, WildBrain CPLG will assemble a design-led consumer products programme inspired by Posner’s vibrant artwork with an initial focus on the UK market. The firm will target categories such as beauty, stationery, homewares and soft furnishing, fashion and accessories, luxury ceramics, and gifting.

John Taylor, VP Northern Europe and managing director UK and France at WildBrain CPLG, said: “Charlotte’s work is captivating and original, both accessible and uniquely creative, and we are excited to collaborate with her to develop innovative and design-led product ranges.

“The licensing programme will sit closely alongside Charlotte’s art, offering fans of her work another chance to own a little piece of Posner magic.”

Posner’s style and popularity exploded onto the public scene in 2014 when she was featured as part of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and was profiled on the BBC’s The Culture Show. A social media frenzy then erupted when she first introduced her ‘Pop Dolls’ series to the public in 2015. Coca-Cola, Walls, Kellogg’s and Cadbury’s all complimented the works, and one piece later became the creative for Magnum’s UK social media platforms.

Posner said: “I am excited to be working with WildBrain CPLG to expand my brand. We are at an exciting stage of development and it is a great opportunity to share our creativity with more companies.”

In the face of severe dyslexia, Posner’s undaunted creative approach shows extraordinary versatility. She has now collaborated and worked with some of the world’s leading luxury brands and retailers including Brown Thomas, Louis Vuitton, Nicholas Kirkwood, Crème de la Mer, London Fashion Week, and Japanese cosmetics brand Shiseido.

Inspired by people, places and popular culture from all over the world, Posner’s signature art style is distinguishable by its expression of shape and form, colour and confidence. She uses her art to transcend the invisible barriers that divide people and evoke emotion. Although working in a variety of media, it is traditional dip-pen and ink with acrylic and watercolour that she has become most noted for.

With an international following and requests for commissioned works by both private collectors and corporations, Posner holds art shows twice a year to showcase her latest pieces. She believes artwork should be accessible, so releases a series of limited edition signed prints of 50-100 for Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter.

Brand Central named global consumer products agency for US YouTube-created lifestyle brand Full Send

Brand Central LLC has been appointed the global consumer products agency for the US lifestyle brand Full Send, a label created by collaborative portfolio of YouTube content creators, including the popular Nelk Boys.

Under the partnership, Brand Central will look to develop strategic collaborations as it extends the Full Send brand into retail, tapping into the popularity of the brand’s collaborative popularity across content creators such as @kyleforgeard, @mtvjesse, and @stevewilldoit.

 The licensing agency is looking to attract licensees and retailers on a mission to tap into the world of digital influencers. Both the FULL SEND brand and the Nelk Boys were founded in 2010 and have to date amassed more than 27 million followers across all social platforms. 

“Our team is thrilled to go all in with Brand Central as they are the go-to licensing experts in digital, lifestyle, and pop culture representing brands such as Jake Paul and Ninja,” said Full Send’s business manager, Drew Hill. 

“We are honored to work with the Nelk Boys and the Full Send brand which is the obsession of millions of young adults fans.  We are confident of the success of Full Send at retail and looking forward put together very compelling collaborations that will be become ‘must have’ products of 2021,” added Ross Misher, Brand Central CEO.

Groovy Chick taps new generation of fans with Organic apparel collection on ASOS

Groovy Chick is tapping firmly into a new generation of fans, having seen its new range of Organic cotton t-shirts not only launch with the online retailer, ASOS this week, but achieve sell-out status on selected lines within only hours of going live.

The newly launched organic collection has proved a hit for Bang on the Door, the Groovy Chick brand owner, who delivered the exclusive range of Organic Cotton T-shirts to the online platform last week. A collection of Organic Cotton Hoodies and Organic Cotton Sweatshirts will follow soon.

Karen Duncan, director at Bang on the Door, said: “In recognising the Climate Emergency, we felt that Groovy Chick should be associated with responsible product and using Organic Cotton was a good starting point in the apparel sector.”

The new range has been developed by Groovy Chick apparel licensing partner, Daisy Street in a partnership brokered by Andrew Levy.

Levy said: “Not only have we insisted on Organic product, but we have reduced packaging by using a sticker in the product pack. Early sale indications are extremely positive, with one line selling out within hours and Groovy Chick trending on Twitter – demonstrating the enduring appeal of Bang on the Door’s Groovy Chick and that she has a new generation of fans.”

H&A teams with Beano Studio to launch mischief-making bath accessories range

The health, beauty, and bath accessories specialist, H&A has partnered with Beano Studio to launch a new and exclusive range of products inspired by the iconic British comic into Boots stores across the UK. The partnership was brokered by Beano’s UK licensing agency, Rocket Licensing.

Each product in the range will feature an extra element of mischief, such as a whoopie cushion, mini comic book, jokes and more, aligning the collection firmly with the Beano brand ethos. Highlights of the range include a MEga Stink Bath Set, Stink Bath Bomb, and Deniis Mug and Socks.

Licensing and marketing manager at H&A, Holly Orton, said: “We’re really excited to see this hit the shelves. Beano is a brand loved by generations and we’ve had fun developing the range. There’s definitely nothing else like it in the market and we’re looking forward to supplying some entertainment for Boots customers and their loved ones this Christmas.”

The new range from H&A forms part of an extensive licensed product offering for Beano, which continues to grow ahead of Dennis’ 70th anniversary next year.

Vanessa Andreis, franchise planning and partnerships director at Beano Studios, added: “This fantastic H&A range has allowed us to bring our unique creativity and mischievous fun to the health and beauty category. We’re thrilled to have Boots as our retail partner for this range and can’t wait for Beano fans young and small to be able to buy it or receive it across the festive period.” 

Sony, Penguin and Clarkson Potter cosy up with Outlander Knitting

Clarkson Potter, Penguin Random House, and Sony Consumer Products are cosying up this autumn to launch Outlander Knitting, a collection of knitting projects inspired by the hit TV series Outlander, an adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling novels.

The new launch will feature 20 projects for apparel, accessories, and home decor that relate to specific episodes of the TV series, allowing fans to recreate rustic knits – both those worn on the show and other items imagined from the story of Jamie Fraser and Claire Beauchamp Randall.

Fans will be able to knit the capelet cowl that Mrs. Fitz gives to Claire at Castle Leoch, warm their feet with Clan Mackenzie Boot Socks, swaddle the bairn with the Mo Chridhe Baby Blanket, and dress their very own Jamie in a warm waistcoat. From beginner-friendly chunky knits to more advanced Celtic cables, each project includes a clearly written pattern, photography, and scenes from the set.

Billed as ‘a love letter to the fans’, Outlander Knitting aims to ‘transport you back in time to the Scottish Highlands.’

“We are very excited to partner with Clarkson Potter|Penguin Random House on Outlander Knitting. The book happens to be a passion project of mine because it not only rounds up and beautifully displays the unique pieces of knitwear seen on the show, but it also encourages fans to tap into their creativity to make their favorite Outlander-inspired knits that they can proudly say they created on their own,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP, worldwide consumer products, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“With projects for beginners to advanced knitters, Outlander Knitting is sure to keep fans entertained when they are watching the show and even when they are not.”

WWE steps into the ring with Wines that Rock for first WWE Wines collection

WWE has stepped into the ring with the entertainment and lifestyle wine company, Wines That Rock, to launch a new WWE Wines collection, featuring WWE Legend, The Undertaker, and WWE Hall of Famer, The Ultimate Warrior.

Both special vintages of limited edition wines developed in collaboration with WWE have been chosen to represent each wrestling Superstar’s unique personality and will feature individually numbered labels, unique glass, artwork, and the winemaking talents of 2020 Wine Enthusiast’s 40 under 40 Tastemaker, Andrew Nelson.

They will be available for pre-sale beginning today via wwewines.com with a shipping date of Thursday, October 22 in time for the holiday season.

“We knew these bottles would look amazing and be perfect for collectors and fans alike but wanted the quality of the wine to ultimately be the real winner here,” said Wines That Rock winemaker, Andrew Nelson.

“For The Undertaker’s Limited-Edition 30 Barrel Series, we used 100 per cent premium Cabernet Sauvignon from Lodi, California aged in oak. For The Ultimate Warrior, we looked to Mendocino County for a high quality, full bodied and flavorful Zinfandel.”

The Ultimate Warrior was one of the most iconic Superstars in WWE history and captivated audiences around the world with his distinctive ring entrances and larger-than-life personality. The powerful and flavorful wine features a rich and dark 80 per cent Zinfandel and 20 per cent Sangiovese blend from the Northern Coast of California.

The bottles will feature three unique corks produced with different images and quotes from the WWE Hall of Famer, hand-filled and expertly hand wax-dipped in his signature bright neon colors.

“It was an amazing experience to collaborate with the team at Wines That Rock on this special Ultimate Warrior wine project,” said Dana Warrior. “From the quality of the wine, to the unique bottle, label and signature wax colors, it was clear they were committed to capturing his essence and honoring his legacy with impeccable attention to every detail.”

The Undertaker Limited-Edition 30-Barrel Series is a premium Cabernet Sauvignon wine consisting of a 30-barrel production run honoring his 30-year anniversary with WWE. Each bottle is marked with an individual number and the barrel it came from, hand-filled and expertly hand wax-dipped using his signature purple color while featuring a unique tombstone shape and glow-in-the-dark label.

“Our collaboration with WWE has taken our creative and winemaking teams to a new level. Working together with their team to define the first two releases has been fun personified,” said Wines That Rock’s senior project manager Heather Hudson.  “Our goal is always to create premium, limited-edition wines that we as fans want to own. These first two releases for WWE Wines are stellar. To quote WWE’s Ultimate Warrior: ‘Live Strong, Act Bold, Be Brave. Nothing’s too hard to do, always believe.”

As part of its Rock ‘N Roll tradition, Wines That Rock has also produced one-of-a-kind branded electric guitars for both The Ultimate Warrior and The Undertaker.

The Royal Mint unveils its Winnie-the-Pooh commemorative coin collection

The Royal Mint has partnered with Disney to reveal its latest commemorative coin, bringing the original and much-loved illustrations of the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh to the 50 pence for the first time. The new coin forms forms part of a wider collection of special 50p coins featuring Winnie-the-Pooh and friends.

Developed in collaboration with Disney, the 50 pence coin uses the original watercolour illustrations of E.H. Shepard, with the first coin in the series featuring Winnie-the-Pooh alongside his jar of honey.

The limited edition coin is available in a range of finishes, including base metal, Silver and Gold. Shepard’s illustrations have been digitally printed on each, which the Royal Mint says ‘brings them alive in vivid detail and colour.’

Daniel Thorne, product designer at The Royal Mint and part of the collaboration to have worked on the Winnie-the-Pooh collection, said: “Working with original illustrations from E.H. Shepard, supplied to us by Disney, my biggest priority with the coin’s design was to ensure we do these wonderful images justice.

“As the original maker of coins, The Royal Mint has a long history of exquisite craftsmanship and this coin is no exception. Bringing the illustrations of E.H. Shepard to life took a lot of craft and care.

“From the honey bee motif that runs throughout the series, to the grassy mound Pooh is sitting on, we tried many different techniques to create the flawless effect of watercolour on the coin, eventually settling on the one you’ll see on the final version.

“I’m honoured to have been able to work on this exciting coin. Winnie-the-Pooh was a huge part of my childhood and forms some of my fondest memories. So I wanted to make sure this series of coins truly encapsulated the spirit of Pooh Bear and all his friends.

“Creating these coins was a labour of love and I hope that collectors can appreciate the beauty in each and every design in the range.”

James Campbell at The Shepard Trust, added: “It’s wonderful to see the beloved Winnie the Pooh immortalised on an official UK coin for the first time. The craftsmanship involved in replicating E.H. Shepard’s original watercolour illustrations is truly remarkable.

“The Royal Mint has done an exceptional job in creating a collection that will be treasured for years to come by Winnie the Pooh fans of all ages.”

Clare Maclennan, divisional director of Commemorative Coin and The Royal Mint Experience, at The Royal Mint, said: “Over our 1,100-year history we’ve minted coins to commemorate key moments and figures in Britain’s history, including literary icons, like Shakespeare and Wordsworth through to Beatrix Potter’s mischievous Peter Rabbit, and we’re delighted to now add A.A. Milne’s loveable Winnie-the-Pooh to the list.

“Our childhood character coins are encouraging a new generation of coin collectors and we’re delighted to add this iconic character and his friends, to our range. We’ve all grown up with Winnie-the-Pooh and he remains a cherished character, not only in Britain but across the world.

“We anticipate the coins being hugely popular, especially in the lead-up to Christmas and look forward to both children and adults alike, enjoying the collection.”

Along with the Winnie-the-Pooh coin, The Royal Mint also revealed the next two coins in the collectable series, which feature Christopher Robin and Piglet respectively. These will be available later in the year.

Winnie-the-Pooh was first published in 1926 by A.A. Milne and was inspired by his son, Christopher Robin Milne, who was born 100 years ago this year. Winnie-the-Pooh was based on Christopher’s teddy bear, Edward.

Father and son then named him ‘Winnie’ after a black bear called Winnie that lived in London Zoo and ‘Pooh’, after a swan they met on holiday.

These stories from a father to his son have now been published in countries across the world, making Winnie-the-Pooh a global icon and a key part of the childhood and lives of millions of people.

H&A takes the plunge with The Simpsons health, beauty and bath range for Superdrug

The beauty and bathing specialist, H&A is taking the plunge with The Simpsons this gifting season to release a range of health and bath time goodies based upon some of Springfield’s most popular residents. Developed exclusively for Superdrug, the new collection spans the likes of lip balm, face masks, and Duff Beer bath bubbles.

The longest running primetime scripted show in history, The Simpsons launched onto the scene in 1990 becoming a cultural phenomenon, and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises for the past 30 years. It is currently in production of its 32nd season.

In partnership with Superdrug, licensee H&A is reinvigorating the health and bath time aisle with a new collection of products taking inspiration from the town of Springfield. The new range includes treats such as a Squishee Lip Balm, Patty & Selma Face Masks, and a Kwik-E-Mart Beauty Basket packed with SPringfield-inspired goodies.

Fans will also be able to relax in a foamy filled bath with the Duff Beer Bubbles, while enjoying a sweet lather with the Donut Bath Sponge.

H&A’s licensing and marketing manager, Holly Orton, said: “We’re really excited to see this range hit the shelves. The Simpsons is an iconic, much-loved brand with a broad audience. There is something for everyone in the collection; current beauty and bathing trends are combined with pastel shades and novelty packaging to give a retro feel.”

The Simpsons was named the Best Show of the 20th Century by Time Magazine, called the Greatest American Sitcom by Entertainment Weekly in 2013, and declared The Best TV Show Ever in 2016 by vulture.com

H&A takes the plunge with The Simpsons health, beauty and bath range for Superdrug

The beauty and bathing specialist, H&A is taking the plunge with The Simpsons this gifting season to release a range of health and bath time goodies based upon some of Springfield’s most popular residents. Developed exclusively for Superdrug, the new collection spans the likes of lip balm, face masks, and Duff Beer bath bubbles.

The longest running primetime scripted show in history, The Simpsons launched onto the scene in 1990 becoming a cultural phenomenon, and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises for the past 30 years. It is currently in production of its 32nd season.

In partnership with Superdrug, licensee H&A is reinvigorating the health and bath time aisle with a new collection of products taking inspiration from the town of Springfield. The new range includes treats such as a Squishee Lip Balm, Patty & Selma Face Masks, and a Kwik-E-Mart Beauty Basket packed with SPringfield-inspired goodies.

Fans will also be able to relax in a foamy filled bath with the Duff Beer Bubbles, while enjoying a sweet lather with the Donut Bath Sponge.

H&A’s licensing and marketing manager, Holly Orton, said: “We’re really excited to see this range hit the shelves. The Simpsons is an iconic, much-loved brand with a broad audience. There is something for everyone in the collection; current beauty and bathing trends are combined with pastel shades and novelty packaging to give a retro feel.”

The Simpsons was named the Best Show of the 20th Century by Time Magazine, called the Greatest American Sitcom by Entertainment Weekly in 2013, and declared The Best TV Show Ever in 2016 by vulture.com

Sanrio partners with London kids clothing brand Cribstar for Mr Men Little Miss launch

Sanrio has partnered with the independent London-based children’s clothing brand, Cribstar to launch an exclusive, new capsule collection inspired by the globally popular Mr Men Little Miss brand.

Combining the iconic cast of characters from Mr Men Little Miss with Cribstar’s motto of ‘making little ones stand out from the crowd,’ the new unisex collection features a series of bold retro prints and patterns.

 Two sets of designs have already launched with the brand, including a Mr Happy ‘happy days’ set and a multi-character ‘don’t kill my vibe’ design, both of which landed on September 18th. Each designs boasts a collection of matching jumpers, leggings, and stand out t-shirts.

 Silvia Figini, chief operating officer, Sanrio, said: “We’re so excited to partner with Cribstar on this collection. We love their design aesthetic and the fun, playful unisex designs fit perfectly with Mr. Men Little Miss.”

Jadwiga Batatawala from Cribstar, added: “It was a dream come true to design a collection with the iconic Mr Men Little Miss characters. Together I think we have created a collection which really captures the fun spirit of Mr Men Little Miss but with a Cribstar twist.”

 The full collection is available now from Cribstar’s website – https://www.cribstar.co.uk/