Category Archives: Lifestyle

RHS continues homeware expansion with Sofas & Stuff partnership

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Continuing the successful expansion of the RHS brand into homeware, the Royal Horticultural Society has announced a major new partnership with British company Sofas & Stuff Ltd, a creator of bespoke sofas, chairs, beds, footstools and more.

The agreement will see RHS-inspired designs adapted for fabrics that can be used across any of the Sofas & Stuff range of handmade furniture, or purchased as fabrics for curtains and blinds or other soft furnishing projects.

Titled the RHS 22 Fabric Collection, the designs will be based on the vast range of assets available to RHS licensees from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art. The RHS 22 Fabric Collection draws from a broad span of the RHS archive, taking inspiration from botanical artists and garden designers from the 17th through to the 20th centuries.

The new collection will be exclusively previewed at the Soane House Installation, Stand AR597, at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show between 23 and 28 May 2022.

Sofas & Stuff was chosen by the RHS not just for the durability, quality and British craftsmanship essential to its output but also for its strong environmental credentials. The company is committed to creating and promoting eco-friendly furniture; this includes sustainable sofas and fabrics and cushions made from recycled plastic.

The collection will be available to purchase exclusively through Sofas & Stuff, both in-store at the company’s 20 showrooms across England and Scotland, and online. Details of availability will follow in due course.

Andrew Cussins, Founder of Sofas & Stuff, says: “It was a real honour to be given the opportunity to delve into the world-renowned horticultural archives of this great British charity to select drawings and designs I could rework to create the first official fabric collection in collaboration with this iconic heritage organisation. Our customers expect quality, diversity and richness in design, and we are excited to be unveiling a preview of the RHS 22 Fabric Collection at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year, showcasing the designs in a situation that reflects both their origin and inspiration.”

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, says: “Sofas & Stuff craftspeople are true experts in making and upholstering bespoke sofas, chairs, beds and sofa beds, and these glorious new fabric designs are a delight. This is British craftmanship of the highest quality and we are delighted to endorse it – and indeed, to help inspire it.”

Reemsborko signs on as EMEA agent for Gloomy Bear, All Purpose Bunny and Mimi & Neko

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Reemsborko, the licensing agency specialising in animé and animé-adjacent properties, comics, films, TV and tattoo art, has teamed with Octas to bring Mori Chack’s Gloomy Bear and other IPs to EMEA.

Created by Japanese illustrator Mori Chack in 2000, the cute-yet-edgy, cuddly-but-violent Gloomy Bear took hold when counter-culture enthusiasts embraced him as the perfect antithesis to the typically cute but harmless kawaii characters loved by the mainstream.

Now, fueled by 30 short humorous animé episodes that will stream everywhere, Gloomy Bear is being licensed around the globe, with Funko, Bioworld, Isaac Morris, ID Supply, GE Animation and Fossil already on board as partners.

A long-form Gloomy Bear anime series is also planned, which will stream globally.

Other Mori Chack properties that will be represented by Reemsborko across EMEA include All Purpose Bunny – a genetically modified test-lab rabbit with strange properties and unnaturally long ears, who finally retaliated against humans for years of abuse. All Purpose Bunny and Gloomy Bear often team up to attack humans and get their revenge.

Also included in the Mori Chack portfolio are Mimi and Neko, a friendly duo of a cat and a bunny with cute bum cheeks as their charm point. Their origin story begins with Mimi and Neko as regular pets who aspired to become human. Suddenly, a magic star came along and granted their wish – but the wish was only 50 per cent effective. Mimi & Neko now have hands and feet, and distinctly cute behinds.

Max Arguile of Reemsborko commented: “Reemsborko continues to sign the most interesting IP out there. Octas are masters in securing very cool properties that will delight anime fans everywhere. There are some great partners on board already and if this looks right for you, please email max@reemsborko.com.”

Vince Shortino of Octas commented: “Octas brings Japanese artists and their IP to the world. We are delighted to have Reemsborko as the agent for all our cherished properties and look forward to the hustle they will bring.”

Octas was established in 2018 by Shortino, the founder of Crunchyroll Japan. With a mission to connect Japanese creators and their IP directly to fans around the world, Octas provides artists with collaboration opportunities, marketing support, brand management and business development.

 

 

 

VeryNeko creates magic with Fantastic Beasts collection

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VeryNeko, “the home of all things cute and retro”,  has launched an exclusive clothing collection based on The Wizarding World. The range launches in line with the latest instalment of the Fantastic Beasts franchise, which landed in cinemas at the beginning of April, and joins a host of other Wizarding-world items on the VeryNeko website.

The new range includes a range of oversized tees, a hoodie and a sweatshirt, and four reversible bucket hats that feature the colours and crests of the Hogwarts houses.

The clothing pieces have been inspired by the origins of the Wizarding World, embossed with books such as ‘Jinxes for the Jixed’, ‘Sonnet of a Sorcerer’ and ‘Extreme Incantations’. The hoodie features the crest of the ‘International Confederation of Wizards’ on its chest, whilst the Dumbledore crest is also recognisable on items in the collection.

The collection is available exclusively on VeryNeko with prices starting at £7.99.

MAD:BOXX to release the latest officially licensed Popeye NFT series

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Popeye the Sailor Man is partnering with UNDONE, the world’s leading custom watch brand, and MADworld to release an NFT collection across Asia.

The POPEYE METAVERSE MADNESS tells the story of Popeye in different parallels, where the balance of time and space is broken and chaos occurs. The programme will include more than 4,000 Popeye character variations dressed in an assortment of costumes, set against a variety of backgrounds, and released in the form of algorithmically generated NFTs. The deal was brokered by MEDIALINK, Popeye brand owner King Features’ local agent in China.

The first drop of 2000 Popeye NFTs will be sold in the form of MAD:BOXX blind boxes, to help ensure random distribution of the NFTs across all three tiers and create a fair environment for buyers.

The Whitelisted Mint date will be on May 18, 2022. The Public Mint date will be on May 20, 2022. Information regarding the whitelisting campaign, minting link, and scheduling will be released in a later official announcement.

 

 

Fashion and music come together in Wrangler x Fender collection

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American heritage brand Wrangler and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, the world’s leading guitar manufacturer, today announced an exclusive collaboration marking 75+ years of cultural influence.

The two brands have come together to launch Wrangler x Fender, an exclusive collection of denim and graphic tees bringing to life the heritage and history of each icon. The collaboration is built around the defining black and blue lived-in denim uniform worn by guitarists for decades.

“Wrangler and Fender each have origin stories rooted in the creation of practical and functional products,” says Holly Wheeler, VP Global Marketing, Wrangler. “As denim styles have evolved over the years through fits, finishes and function, the driving role guitar-driven music has played in fashion is undeniable. We’re excited to have these two American icons join together to launch the Wrangler x Fender collection as we honour the artists and legends who have inspired us, and celebrate with the fans who have been moved by the music.”

The Wrangler x Fender launch campaign features several notable faces from the music industry, including rock ‘n’ roll progeny and acclaimed fashion model Georgia May Jagger, country artist and songwriter Orville Peck, and country artist Stephanie Quayle.

“As trends in music and fashion continue to evolve, Fender remains at the forefront of championing new soundtracks to match new styles. Through partnering with Wrangler, Fender is able to inspire musicians, creatives and fashionistas alike,” says Richard Bussey, Vice President Accessories, Lifestyle and Licensing at Fender. “At its core, both music and fashion are about expressing your truest self. The exclusive Wrangler x Fender collaboration forms a tightly woven bond between the music and fashion industries, inviting all generations of creatives to celebrate their personal flair.”

The Wrangler x Fender collection of styles features details designed to fit every musical preference including vintage-inspired graphic tees, fringe and paisley prints. The collection also features patched, distressed and classic denim with built-in guitar pick sleeves.

Wrangler and Fender fans alike can also look forward to an expansion of the collection late this summer, which will include unique guitar accessories featuring authentic Wrangler denim and materials.

These co-branded accessories, including straps, cases and picks ranging from $9.99 to $249.99, will be available on Fender.com and at select dealers globally.

The Wrangler x Fender hero collection launching today is available on Wrangler.com, Fender.com and in key stores including Nordstrom, Boot Barn, Cavenders, Buckle, Urban Outfitters and Free People. Retail prices range from $35-$189.

 

LEGO Group debuts Star Wars Luke Skywalker Landspeeder set

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The LEGO Group has announced the new LEGO Star Wars Luke Skywalker Landspeeder set – the latest in the LEGO Ultimate Collector Series (UCS). A faithful recreation of Luke’s battered vehicle, the new 1,890-piece model is designed to appeal to Star Wars and LEGO fans alike.

In the Star Wars universe, X-34 Landspeeders are typical civilian transports, designed to withstand the roughest terrains. The Landspeeder was first seen in Star Wars: A New Hope, where Luke used the vehicle extensively as part of his farm work, travelling across Tatooine’s harsh deserts. Accompanied by C-3PO, Luke used the Landspeeder to locate R2-D2, when he was discovered by Obi-Wan Kenobi.  It was also the vehicle they were travelling in when Obi-Wan used a Jedi mind trick to get past stormtroopers guarding entry into Mos Eisley. Eventually Luke sold the Landspeeder to pay for his transport to the planet Alderaan.

The LEGO Star Wars Luke Skywalker Landspeeder building set is 49cm long when complete and features the two-seater cockpit, the turbine engine without a cover, the iconic curved cockpit windscreen and an exclusive C-3PO minifigure (with 2K moulded legs and a side print) and Luke minifigure – complete with lightsaber.

The new set forms part of the LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series sets, which also include the Millennium Falcon, the A-Wing, the Republic Gunship, and the recently released AT-AT.

The Landspeeder building set has been created by LEGO set designer César Carvalhosa Soares, who says: “It’s been an amazing adventure creating Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder in LEGO brick form. It is such an iconic vehicle in the Star Wars saga. We’ve ensured no detail has been forgotten and have even included some of the scratches.  The finished product makes an incredible display and is the perfect addition to the UCS collection.”

The LEGO Star Wars Landspeeder set is available for LEGO VIPs (LEGO.com/VIP) from 1 May 2022 and everyone from 4 May 2022 from LEGO Stores and at LEGO.com/star-wars, at the recommended retail price of $199.99 / £174.99 / € 199.99.

VeryNeko unveils Disney Women’s Empowerment collection

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For the first time (in forever), online retailer VeryNeko has collaborated with four of its ambassadors; @disneymadmum, @kateballamy, @abritofcharlie, and @krystaleverdeen to launch a bespoke Disney Princess collection centred around women’s empowerment.

Now live on VeryNeko.co.uk, the new range features four mini collections, each focusing on a chosen Disney Princess: Cinderella, Rapunzel, Belle and Ariel.   

The mini collections are made up of three items; a printed t-shirt, a printed hoodie or sweatshirt, and a reversible bucket hat, all uniquely designed in the iconic colours of each princess. 

To see the full collection, visit Disney Princess Collection | VeryNeko

Sproutl forms strategic partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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Sproutl, the new curated online gardening marketplace with a mission to make gardening easy, is to form a strategic partnership with the world-famous plant science institution, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 

Alongside Sproutl becoming an official stockist of Kew’s merchandise and brand partners’ products, the partnership will include the launch of co-curated ‘Kew X Sproutl collections’ later this summer. By combining Sproutl’s technology platform with Kew’s vast scientific and horticultural expertise, the partnership will bring Kew plants directly into people’s homes for the first time. 

During the pandemic, the number of gardeners in the UK rose by three million. Nearly half of these new gardeners are under forty-five and are therefore digital natives. The partnership between a tech startup and the world’s most famous science and horticulture institution will bring Kew directly to both lovers and visitors of the gardens as well as a new and rapidly expanding demographic of younger gardeners. 

Anni Noel-Johnson, CEO & co-founder, Sproutl, says: “Sproutl is so proud to be partnering with RBG, Kew. This partnership is the perfect marriage of a tech startup with the world’s most famous science and horticulture institution. This will allow Sproutl customers to access Kew’s branded products and help introduce a new audience to Kew. We are also excited to be launching new co-curated Kew x Sproutl collections later in the year.”

Sproutl was created in 2021 to take the pain out of online selling for horticultural suppliers and integrates with their systems. Sproutl manages logistics, packaging sourcing, delivery, online marketing, and customer services, allowing independent local garden centres, shops and nurseries to effortlessly develop their online presence and reach new national audiences.

Kew is famed for its 260 years of plant science expertise and outstanding plant collections, making it one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Kew Gardens is also a Unesco World Heritage Site and major international visitor attraction with over 2.5 million visits every year .

Customers can sign up to be the first to receive updates on the new Kew X Sproutl Collection. 

Mighty Jaxx debuts new phygital F1 collectibles

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Culture company Mighty Jaxx (the Worldwide Exclusive Collectible Partner for F1) is back with a new edition of AllStars collectibles, inspired by the popular sport. Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Valtteri Bottas and more have all received the star treatment with a number of fresh looks.

Launching to the public on April 21, the AllStars F1 collectibles feature this season’s 20 drivers in their official race suits, with each athlete holding a removable team emblem.

Sculpted and designed by acclaimed studio YARMS, every 8in premium vinyl figure features geometric planes and clean contours that capture each likeness in a timeless, minimal style, while the phygital collectibles go beyond the track via unique digital experiences.

Single driver collectibles are $159 USD, team bundles (two drivers) are $318 USD.

Any purchase made between launch and April 23 (9am ET) will receive an exclusive, metal commemorative print. Team bundle orders also receive commemorative prints.

Via the AllStars’ Xtended Xperience®, fans can digitally authenticate their collectibles, tap into gamified offerings, showcase their pieces and customise digital displays through various skins.

Kokomo teams with Barbie for Primark beauty collection

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Award-winning licensed toiletry specialist Kokomo has debuted a collaboration with the iconic Barbie brand across a new Health & Beauty range.

The brands have collaborated on a dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring collection for consumers, that celebrate diverse dolls, iconic Barbie logos and graphics, and encompass the Kokomo brand missions; ‘Be Kind to Your Mind’ and ‘Just as You Are’.

The collection of 17 products launches exclusively at Primark across accessories, skincare and cosmetics and is available in-store now. The range has been designed to provide a one-stop-shop for adult Barbie fans with items ranging from £1.50 – £7.00.

Laura Jealous, Kokomo’s Sales & Marketing Director, says: “We are delighted to be working with Mattel on such an iconic brand with an important message to inspire and empower. Working together we have designed a beautiful collection of Health & Beauty products which we can’t wait to see in stores.”

Visit the Kokomo website for more details: https://www.kokomostudio.com/home/