Category Archives: Retail

Jared and Esquire launch men’s jewellery collection

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Retail jewellery chain Jared has announced the launch of estd. 1933 by Esquire, a collection designed in partnership with Esquire and SHR Jewelry Group. In a deal brokered by IMG, the collaboration will leverage increased visibility around the men’s jewellery category for Jared this holiday season. The new line features styles crafted in sterling silver with 10-14K gold overlay, and unexpected textures and materials.

“The men’s collection launch with Esquire and SHR reinforces our commitment to capturing market share in this ever-growing category,” says Ann Grimmett, Vice President of Merchandising at Jared. “As an expert in men’s fashion, Esquire is an ideal partner for this initiative to help elevate Jared’s current offerings and provide our customers with a well-made, stylish collection at an accessible price point.”

The collection is available to purchase on Jared.com and in stores now. The jewellery line will include a range of bracelets, rings, necklaces, pendants and earrings at a variety of price points starting at $199. Every piece is discreetly engraved with an unmistakable Esquire signature “E” to ensure authenticity.

“As more and more men are expressing themselves through jewellery, it’s critical to offer them the right blend of design, materials and craftsmanship that they can wear with confidence,” adds Scott Rauch, CEO of SHR Jewelry Group.

 

Skincare and yoga gear among Sesame Street’s latest direct-to-consumer collabs

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Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, is teaming up with a raft of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands to let fans show their love for their favourite Sesame Street Muppets in new and fashion-forward ways.

“The pandemic has changed the way consumers shop, accelerating e-commerce growth to new heights,” says Gabriela Arenas, Vice President, Global Licensing, Sesame Workshop. “With the DTC model taking centre stage and shifting even more retail activity online, we’ve pivoted our licensing strategy to meet this new consumer demand. As we continue building long-term relationships with our fans, we’re thrilled to collaborate with these trend-setting lifestyle brands and take an innovative multigeneration approach to propel our characters forward.”

Sesame Street’s latest DTC collaborations are as follows:

  • Hedley & Bennett has launched a Sesame Street-inspired collection of their chef-tested premium kitchen gear this month. Featuring Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Elmo, and Bert and Ernie, the aprons are handcrafted and super functional for any cooking adventure.
  • Nugget, makers of the original play couch and leaders in the play couch category, has teamed up with Sesame Street to create the Elmo Nugget. This is a one-of-a-kind, mixed-fabric Nugget featuring a soft patterned cushion in microsuede, a thick sturdy base in Elmo’s signature red, and two triangle pillows each with Elmo eyes and nose—all for endless mix-and-match fun.
  • Sesame Street and NYC-based Staple joined forces on a new streetwear collaboration. Mixing Staple’s iconic pigeon and colorful graphics with favorite Sesame Street characters, the collection includes adult shirts, hoodies, hats, outerwear, a rug and plush.
  • Skincare brand Starface has launched a limited-edition collection inspired by Sesame Street characters. Starface products including Hydro-Star pimple protectors and Lift Off Pore Strips have been redesigned to feature Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch.
  • Yoga accessory brand Yune Yoga is offering a new collection featuring Sesame Street’s Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and The Count. Available now, the light-but-dense Trekk travel is made from eco-friendly PER, and features a soft, ridged surface and a firmer, stickier bottom for grip on any surface.

Earlier this year, Sesame Workshop announced a team-up with Hanna Andersson for an exclusive capsule collection of Sesame Street organic cotton pyjamas, as well as the launch of its sixth collection with Bombas – now including baby socks sized 0-6 months and 6-12 months, alongside adult and kids’ styles – and a collaboration with Designs by Chad & Jake for personalised gifts for infant and toddlers featuring Sesame Street characters.

 

Very Neko launches Frozen clothing collection 

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Fans of Disney’s Frozen can now get their hands on the exclusive clothing range launched in partnership with online retailer Very Neko.

The new loungewear, aimed at both adults and children, contains everything from hoodies to pyjamas and t-shirts and features iconic characters from the movie franchise; Elsa, Olaf, Anna and Kristoff.

Embellished with popular phrases from the movies, including ‘I love warm hugs’ and ‘Head rush’, the collection is a perfect tribute to the fan-favourite which captured our hearts back in 2013.

The collection includes a number of ‘colour your own’ items, allowing kids to design their own t-shirts. Very Neko is also offering a selection of accessories, including a Loungefly mini backpack and wallet as well as keyrings, storybooks and jewellery boxes, all celebrating the iconic film.

The new exclusive range is now available on VeryNeko.co.uk, with prices starting from £12.99.

 

 

 

Penguin Ventures announces new Peter Rabbit collection from Blade & Rose

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Penguin Ventures has announced a new Peter Rabbit apparel collaboration with Blade & Rose, on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co (owner of THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT and part of Penguin Random House).

The leading children’s clothing brand specialises in trend-setting leggings, featuring stylish and quirky designs on the bottom with matching accessories.

The Blade & Rose X Peter Rabbit collection features five distinct designs – Veg Patch, Playtime, Floral, Classic and Festive – which all take inspiration from Beatrix Potter’s Lake District, where Blade & Rose are based. Each set includes a long-sleeved top, matching leggings and socks for babies and preschool children aged 0-4 years and is designed with comfort and longevity in mind.

Jen Greenway, Softlines Category Manager at Penguin Ventures says: “Blade & Rose have done a fantastic job of bringing Peter Rabbit to life in their bold and colourful trademark style. The collection includes their iconic leggings with designs on the bottom and is sure to keep little ones cosy and well-dressed this autumn. Blade & Rose keep quality at the heart of their offering and this, together with an impressive commitment to sustainability, has made them a brilliant partner to work with for Peter Rabbit.”

Amanda Peffer, owner and founder of Blade & Rose, says: “We are so excited to launch an iconic collection featuring none other than children’s favourite, Peter Rabbit himself. Blade & Rose was born in the Lake District from a love of bright design and comfort for children, and we take inspiration from the beautiful countryside around us just as Beatrix did when she was creating her famous Tales. We’re delighted to be on this journey with Peter Rabbit and to have launched this amazing collaboration with Penguin Ventures.”

The Winter range will be launched in January and will be available directly from www.bladeandrose.co.uk

 

Peter Rabbit is announced as first licence for My 1st Years by Penguin Ventures

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My 1st Years has partnered with THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT to develop a DTR range in a deal executed by Penguin Ventures on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co. (owner of THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT brand and part of Penguin Random House).

Following the success of the print on demand personalised product range featuring PETER RABBIT from official licensees, My 1st Years will now develop a Direct to Retail range to expand their offering of bespoke products.  This is the first time My 1st Years has worked directly with a licensor on development.  The cross-category offering will include apparel and fashion accessories from Dennicci; nursery and homeware; stationery and gifts, all of which can be personalised by consumers and ordered directly online.

Susan Bolsover, Global Licensing and Consumer Products Director, Penguin Ventures says: “Our DTR for print on demand and personalised products with My 1st Years is not only a fantastic addition to THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT licensing family, but will provide gifters with a great opportunity to purchase something truly unique for even the littlest of Peter Rabbit fans this Christmas. We are proud to support an incredibly entrepreneurial and homegrown business whose extensive experience in the UK baby and infant market means Peter Rabbit is in great hands.”

“We have been delighted with the response to the Peter Rabbit licensed products that we currently personalise and so decided to grow the range by developing our very own licensed products,” says Amy Weaver, Head of Buying at My 1st Years. “As newcomers to the world of licensing, My 1st Years is thrilled to be working with Penguin Ventures on a brand as established and as well-loved as Peter Rabbit.  We can’t wait to share the new range which is designed and personalised at our UK studio in Northampton in time for customers this Christmas.”

The new range will be available before Christmas directly from the My 1st Years website.

Legend of the Five Rings fan shop is now open

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Asmodee Entertainment has announced that the Legend of the Five Rings fan shop – the first in a multiple-IP partnership with Event Merchandising (EML) Limited – is now open at Shop.LegendOfTheFiveRings.com.

As featured in Fantasy Flight Games In-Flight report at this year’s Gen Con event in September, the fan shop is a dedicated online platform offering specially designed apparel, accessories and homewares such as pillows and mugs to fans and collectors worldwide. Legend of the Five Rings is the tale of the land of Rokugan and the rival samurai clans who fight with swords and magic.

“We’re so pleased to be able to offer so many different ways for Legend of the Five Rings fans to represent and celebrate their favourite Great Clans,” says Katrina Ostrander, Creative Director of Story & Setting at Fantasy Flight Games. “Whether it’s wearing your clan’s colours on tote bags and tees, decorating your space with beautiful prints and accent pillows, or recording your character’s journey in a themed notebook, this shop offers something for everyone, no matter whether you’re a fan of the card game, roleplaying game, or the fiction.”

At launch, fans can expect to see merchandise designed around art they might recognise from the games. EML designers have worked closely with Asmodee Entertainment and Fantasy Flight Games to design beautiful pieces that include art prints, tote bags, hoodies, notebooks, and more. Fans can share their love of the Legend of the Five Rings universe or announce their allegiance to specific clans as this initial launch also includes mini- collections for each of the Great Clans. The initial collections are now available on the site and fans can expect more exciting products to be added to the store regularly after launch.

Nick Hallet, lead designer from Event Merchandising on the project, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with Asmodee on designing and creating a fantastic range of products and an online store for Legends of the Five Rings. There is a rich collection of artwork which has been wonderful to work with.”

EML are based in the UK and their fan shops ship worldwide while a dedicated US store is also in development. The Legend of the Five Rings is the first of a number of online fan shops envisaged under their agreement with Asmodee Entertainment. An Arkham Horror store is coming soon with more details to follow.

UCLA partners with ZARA for exclusive men’s and children’s collection

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UCLA Trademarks & Licensing, an enterprise of Associated Students UCLA, has announced the launch of a new fashion collection for men and kids that celebrates the iconic UCLA brand. The new range features fleece crews, hoodies and long-sleeve tees from the ZARA “JOIN LIFE” label, embellished with UCLA’s Bruins mascot. The collection can be found in ZARA stores globally and at zara.com.

“UCLA enjoys opportunities to collaborate with some of the world’s most well-known fashion and lifestyle brands, something we do selectively and with purpose,” says Cynthia Holmes, Director of UCLA Trademarks and Licensing. “There is significant demand for UCLA products, at home in Los Angeles and around the world, which is a testament to the university’s universal brand appeal, message of optimism and commitment to education and service to communities worldwide.

“This commitment also demands our attention to the impacts of production of UCLA-logoed products on the people who make them and the planet we live on. We are deeply engaged in these matters and the work that remains in front of us. Supporting the efforts and progress of others who are aligned with our goals is an important part of our journey of continuous improvement, so we’re delighted to have this UCLA collection featured on the ZARA JOIN LIFE label.”

“We are very proud to represent the UCLA brand and happy to see this collection from ZARA available world-wide to men and the children in their lives who aspire to live the UCLA dream,” says Malin Jähde Holm, Head of Softlines Licensing and Collaborations at Plus Licens AB, which represents the UCLA brand for licensing opportunities in the European market.

Men’s styles include full-cut sweatshirts with crewneck, long sleeves, ribbed trim and contrasting prints depicting the classic UCLA block arch and Bruins statue logos.

Kids’ styles include a crewneck sweatshirt as well as a long-sleeve tee-shirt and hoodie options featuring the UCLA mark together with the university’s seal or vintage Bruins character logo options.

For information on UCLA Trademarks & Licensing, and Associated Students UCLA, visit uclalifestyle.com

 

Barbie and Rue des Mille launch “Just As You Are” campaign and jewellery line

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Ahead of BLE, Barbie has debuted a new parter in Italian jewellery brand Rue des Mille.

Barbie’s can-do spirit, which exhorts girls to believe “You Can Be Anything”, is at the heart of the new jewellery line’s “Just As You Are” campaign, which stars real women living authentic lives.

Rue Des Mille’s aim is to tell stories through its collections, “transforming dreams into elegant, fun and versatile accessories”. Designed for adults, the special-edition Rue des Mille for Barbie collection will be distributed online and in concessions across Italy, from this week.

The collection is comprised of 10 fashion-forward pieces inspired by Barbie, including hoops, a chunky link bracelet, a velvet choker, rings, and more.

The campaign is fronted by Italian dancer Giulia Stabile, whose unique personality and dance moves have dazzled on TV shows and marked her out as a rising star.

“Barbie is more than an icon; it is also a brand with which we share visions and values,” says Federica Pieroni, Marketing Director of Rue des Mille. “Our jewels have always tried to illuminate the modern women who make their dreams reality, without ever forgetting their style and identity.”

“I am thrilled to announce the partnership with Rue des Mille,” says Andrea Ziella, Head of Marketing & Digital at Mattel Italia. “Since her debut in 1959, Barbie has become an international icon and muse.  Today, Barbie is the world’s number-one fashion doll and continues to spark imaginations and influence conversations. From female firsts to famous collaborations, Barbie is a reflection of the times – a snapshot of pop culture. Our new partnership encourages imagination and creativity and we are proud of this collection which allows fans to express themselves also through fashion.”

 

Happy days: Smiley® teams with H&M for ’90s-inspired streetwear

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Smiley® is launching a new streetwear collaboration with fashion giant H&M.

Designed for both men and women, the collection is infused with full-on retro vibes, and is supported by a 90s-influenced, upbeat and vibrant campaign that is “a youthful symbol of defiant optimism”.

The collection includes tie-dye hoodies, loose-fit denim and relaxed joggers, tees, rugby shirts and sport socks, as well as fun, flippant accessories and key pieces like the pile vest and the puffer jacket. The colour palette is light purple, off-white, soft beige and solid black. The vast majority of the collection is made using more sustainable materials.

The Smiley® is a symbol of positivity that has influenced people around the world for almost 50 years, and a cult-status symbol within music, dance and art. The new Smiley® x H&M collection offers “an exciting and playful mix of 1990s style and hyper-modern touches” and launches on November 30 in selected stores and at hm.com.

Rolling Stones launch limited-edition collection with Tommy Jeans

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Tommy Hilfiger’s denim offering TOMMY JEANS has partnered with the Rolling Stones for the “Tommy Revisited: Music Edition’‘ collection. Combining the TOMMY JEANS streetwear aesthetic with tour merchandise-inspired apparel, the new range honours musical legends including TLC, Britney Spears and legendary rock band The Rolling Stones.

The Stones apparel drops at the Rolling Stones’ global flagship store, RS No.9 Carnaby, at 9 Carnaby Street, and online at carnaby.therollingstonesshop.co.uk on Friday 12 November. Consisting of six styles of tees and sweatshirts in strong, bold colourways, the range celebrates the iconic 1999 Rolling Stones X Tommy Hilfiger No Security tour merchandise with a TOMMY JEANS twist. Made from organic cotton, all the products feature the iconic Rolling Stones tongue and lips logo, and are available in both unisex and female sizing.

Three limited-edition, stand-out pieces from the collaboration have been produced exclusively for sale only at the global flagship store RS No.9 Carnaby: a printed black tee, denim jacket and long-sleeve sweat, both embroidered all over with the iconic tongue and lips Rolling Stones logo. These three exclusive pieces will sit alongside the wider collection in-store.

RS No. 9 Carnaby is the Rolling Stones’ world-first flagship store, which opened in September 2020. It was created in partnership with Bravado, Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management company.