Magic Light Pictures partners with lifestyle brand Joules for exclusive The Gruffalo collection

Magic Light Pictures is partnering with the premium lifestyle brand, Joules, for the launch of an exclusive collection of Gruffalo clothing and accessories for babies and toddlers. The new collection will launch in Joules stores and online mid-September.

The range features colourful apparel and accessories for babies and children up to six years old. Part of the Better Cotton Initiative, Joules’ range uses organically grown cotton for its items, spanning jackets, boots, hats, gloves, and bags adorned with the Gruffalo’s terrible teeth, tusks, and purple prickles.

The collection will also feature t-shirts, tops, leggings, dresses and jackets featuring vibrant images of The Gruffalo, Mouse, Fox, Owl and Snake, and patterns inspired by the deep, dark wood.

Daryl Shute, brand director at Magic Light Pictures, said: “We are delighted to launch this new licensing collaboration with Joules. As a contemporary country loving brand who share our values they are the perfect partners to capture the spirit and charm of The Gruffalo and this really comes across in this wonderful collection.

The team’s unrivalled attention to detail in delivering fun and quality for families has created fabulously stylish and quirky lines that we are sure kids are going to love wearing. We hope that our partnership will continue for many more such covetable collections.”

Josie Will, licensing manager at Joules, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Magic Light Pictures to create this enchanting new Gruffalo-inspired range. He is such a treasured character for families all over the world and we love him too – the story really chimes with our own rural roots and the way we take inspiration from nature.”

The launch will be supported by Joules’ online market place ‘Friends of Joules’, where you can discover a carefully curated selection of additional Gruffalo merchandise from the brand’s partner sellers.

Created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Gruffalo is a modern classic children’s story that has been published in 105 languages. Magic Light’s award-winning animation has been seen in more than 185 countries since its launch on BBC One on Christmas Day 2009, which attracted 10 million viewers.

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.

TSBA Group signs five year deal with American Golf to launch new range inspired by The Open

The TSBA Group has singed a five year partnership with American Golf to design and exclusively retail an officially licensed range of products inspired by The Open.

The core product range will include apparel – designed under American Golf’s Stromberg label – for men, women and children including polos, shorts, trousers, and waterproofs, as well as high-tech golfing accessories and equipment including tees, golf bags, luggage, and trolleys.

The range will officially launch in 2022, coinciding with The 150th Open and will feature designs celebrating the milestone in the Championship’s history. Since The R&A held the first tournament in 1860, The Open has seen more than 120 golfers lift the coveted Claret Jug after facing the challenges of The Open’s links courses.

The official range will be available exclusively via American Golf’s 96 stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland, along with its online store, and has been designed to appeal to golfers at every level.

Jo Edwards, head of global licensing at TSBA Group said: “We are delighted to have secured this long-term partnership between American Golf and The R&A. One of the key objectives of the licensing programme is to make The Open accessible to all, 365 days of the year; American Golf’s significant retail presence will help us in this goal with a range of The Open apparel, accessories and equipment for every golfer.”

Gary Favell, CEO at American Golf, added: “Partnering with The R&A on a new range of apparel, accessories and equipment for The Open is incredibly meaningful for us. 

“This range will provide golfers of every level with the kit intended to make them feel like they’re stepping out to play at the Open Championship – affordable without compromising on quality, we will ensure that we are behind every golfer.”

Phat Kandi joins curated Japan-inspired line up as HMV marks 100 years with pop culture store launches

The British alternative fashion brand, Phat Kandi, has been selected as one of the chosen few independent labels to supply HMV as it marks its 100th year in retail with the launch of ten new pop culture stores across the UK.

The initiative will see HMV launch a raft of specially curated stores offering the latest in kawaii or Japanese pop culture inspired products, all of which will be supplied by independent and up and coming brands. Product collections will range from fashion and accessories to imported Japanese foods and more.

The running theme throughout the curated collection housed within these ten new locations will be the essence of pop culture today.

Established in 2019 by its creative director, Mel Williams, Phat Kandi has been developed a brand aimed at ‘bitter sweet misfits,’ an audience she describes as ‘the dreamers, the rule breakers, and the overlooked,’ as a place where they can ‘feel at home.’ With a love of  all things Japanese, and inspired by the fashion tribes of Harajuku, Mel created a brand combining her distinctive hand writing, illustrations and her fashion design experience.

“I’m super happy to be part of HMVs exciting new pop culture concept stores. We’re a perfect fit for their customers who want something alternative to the norm. Concept stores like this are well over due for the UK high street, consumers are screaming out for freshness, new offerings and up and coming brands which is what HMV are delivering,” said Mel.

“I’m looking forward to growing with the HMV tribe, as well as adding new categories to our fashion range.”

Phat Kandi have also landed two US stockists: Hot Topic, Dolls Kill, EMP ( Europe) as well as a licensee partnership across sportswear during what Williams has described as a “very exciting time for Phat Kandi.”

“Even through a pandemic we’ve managed to survive and grow, and we’re only just warming up. My vision for Phat Kandi is to become a global brand, the go to place for alternative products, then open our own concept stores in London, Japan and LA,” she continued. “I totally believe the vision will become a reality one day.”

The first HMV store under the new initiative is now open in Solihull offering Phat Kandi limited edition fashion pieces such as tees and bucket hats. Nine more concept stores will be opening across the UK each month from September.

Phat Kandi joins curated Japan-inspired line up as HMV marks 100 years with pop culture store launches

The British alternative fashion brand, Phat Kandi, has been selected as one of the chosen few independent labels to supply HMV as it marks its 100th year in retail with the launch of ten new pop culture stores across the UK.

The initiative will see HMV launch a raft of specially curated stores offering the latest in kawaii or Japanese pop culture inspired products, all of which will be supplied by independent and up and coming brands. Product collections will range from fashion and accessories to imported Japanese foods and more.

The running theme throughout the curated collection housed within these ten new locations will be the essence of pop culture today.

Established in 2019 by its creative director, Mel Williams, Phat Kandi has been developed a brand aimed at ‘bitter sweet misfits,’ an audience she describes as ‘the dreamers, the rule breakers, and the overlooked,’ as a place where they can ‘feel at home.’ With a love of  all things Japanese, and inspired by the fashion tribes of Harajuku, Mel created a brand combining her distinctive hand writing, illustrations and her fashion design experience.

“I’m super happy to be part of HMVs exciting new pop culture concept stores. We’re a perfect fit for their customers who want something alternative to the norm. Concept stores like this are well over due for the UK high street, consumers are screaming out for freshness, new offerings and up and coming brands which is what HMV are delivering,” said Mel.

“I’m looking forward to growing with the HMV tribe, as well as adding new categories to our fashion range.”

Phat Kandi have also landed two US stockists: Hot Topic, Dolls Kill, EMP ( Europe) as well as a licensee partnership across sportswear during what Williams has described as a “very exciting time for Phat Kandi.”

“Even through a pandemic we’ve managed to survive and grow, and we’re only just warming up. My vision for Phat Kandi is to become a global brand, the go to place for alternative products, then open our own concept stores in London, Japan and LA,” she continued. “I totally believe the vision will become a reality one day.”

The first HMV store under the new initiative is now open in Solihull offering Phat Kandi limited edition fashion pieces such as tees and bucket hats. Nine more concept stores will be opening across the UK each month from September.

The UK’s Cribstar and Vintage Supply among wave of European partners for Peanuts Worldwide

The UK’s own baby and kidswear brand, Cribstar and the adult fashion brand Vintage Supply are among a suite of new European partners to sign up with Peanuts, expanding the IP’s activity across fashion, accessories, homewares, and gifts for kids and adults.

The pair make up two new UK additions amid a long list of European partners that include the likes of the Dutch beachwear brand Shiwi, Eastpak who will be delivering a collection of Peanuts backpacks and travel bags, and Leomil who has signed up for a girls and women’s footwear range across the Benelux region.

Meanwhile, WildBrain CPLG’s Germany, Austria, and Switzerland team has extended its PUMA partnership with a second collections of kids’ footwear, apparel, and accessories scheduled for a worldwide launch this month. The premium pet food brand, Platinum has also been signed for a promotional deal, featuring Snoopy as its brand ambassador.

In Spain, Andres Gallardo has launched its second handcrafted Peanuts collection, Dime Que Me Quieres has debuted a handmade artisan jewellery range, and Zara Home has introduced a new line of babywear, towels, homeware, and accessories at its stores. In Greece, meanwhile, Giovas is to launch bags and accessories in a new back-to-school Peanuts collection.

Over in Italy and WildBrain CPLG’s local team has secured a deal with MyBeautyBox which saw the monthly makeup subscription service dedicate its June mystery box to Peanuts, while publishing partner Foto Edizoni is adding Peanuts comic strips to its monthly crossword magazine. It is also launching a bi-monthly Peanuts themed kids and teen crossword magazine.

In France, the Parisian fashion design studio, Sandro has launched a Peanuts men’s capsule collection, while the local fashion brand Cyrillus has unveiled a baby and children’s collection. In Central and Eastern Europe, MPTECH has been signed for stationery and back-to-school items with the first collection launching for back-to-school 2021.

On top of all of this, the licensing agency has also secured the Nordic representation rights for the brand, effective from July 1st this year.

Tara Botwick, senior director, territory management EMEA for Peanuts Worldwide, said: “A key part of our Peanuts brand strategy is ensuring we’re continually innovating and reaching our fans in unique ways. This latest wave of licensees and distinctive new collection launches promises to offer consumers of all ages some really fun and creative ways of engaging with Snoopy and the gang.”

Maarten Weck, EVP and managing director at WildBrain CPLG, added: “The timeless Peanuts brand continues to prove its enduring popularity among a broad range of consumers, retailers and licensees across Europe and beyond, as demonstrated by these latest product ranges from both new and long-term partners.

“With the European licensing programme continuing to diversify and gain further momentum, it’s also fantastic to extend our remit and represent the brand across the Nordic market, which offers significant potential for additional growth.”

Emoji renews slate of US licensing partners as Retail Monster continues to grow the brand

The Emoji Company has renewed a slate of US licensees across apparel, accessories, health and beauty, and fabrics in a sweep of deals brokered by the brand’s North American licensing agent, Retail Monster LLC.

Under the renewed partnerships, Emoji licensed product will continue to be developed and rolled-out by ASO, American Marketing Enterprises and Briefly Stated, David’s Textiles, Decopac, and Isaac Morris Limited, ensuring the brand’s continued presence in sleepwear, fabric, cake decorations, apparel, and more.

Michael Connolly, founder and CEO of Retail Monster, said: “The Emoji brand has proven universal, with Emoji licensed products having become staples at across retail and e-commerce 365 days a year. Even in a year full of uncertainty, Emoji- the Iconic Brand and our partners continue to deliver.”

Marco Huesges, founder and CEO of the Emoji Company, added: “We have the strongest and most collaborative partners in the business. Each of these partners has been committed to ongoing innovation and new product development, and has had best selling SKUs for years across retail. Coupled with our extensive portfolio of Emoji – the Iconic Brand licensees, we remain confident the best is yet to come.”

These renewal partners are part of a stable of licensees, which includes: Alcove (Vitamins); Aristocrat (Gaming); Bentex Group, inc. (Kids apparel); EVZ Inc. (E-commerce); Fast Forward (bags), Handcraft (underwear), and more. In addition to these US licensees, Peter Noonan of NPZ Consulting Inc. works in tandem with Retail Monster to oversee the brand’s Canadian licensees.

Partners in the Canadian market include Brand Partners Group, Centura, Isaac Morris, Regal Confections, and more.

Toei Animation teams with LA streetwear brand The Hundreds to celebrate One Piece

Toei Animation has joined forces with the LA-based streetwear brand, The Hundreds to celebrate the international anime series, One Piece, with the launch of a full range of apparel and collectable accessories.

Produced by Toei Animation and based on the top-selling manga title of all time by Eiichiro Oda, the One Piece anime series spans more than two decades with over 975 episodes to date since it first launched on Japanese TV in October 1999. The series follows pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat crew on the quest to fine One Piece – the legendary treasure of the Pirate King Gol D Roger.

The anime series has achieved global pop culture status that has spurred the growth of the franchise to span theatrical films, home videos, video games, and a catalogue of licensed merchandise that includes accessories, toys, novelties, furniture, housewares, and apparel.

The Hundreds X One Piece Collection will feature Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, Nami, TonyTony Chopper, and the rest of the crew across a line of graphic t-shirts, long sleeves, crewnecks, pullover hoodies, sweatpants, and hats, as well as an array of collectable accessories, including stickers, coffee mugs, pin sets, keychains, and post-it notes.

The Hundreds X One Piece Collection arrives on Thursday, June 17, and will be available on The Hundreds App and Online Shop, as well as The Hundreds flagship store at 501 N Fairfax in Los Angeles and in select authorized retailers in the United States, and Canada.

Lifestyle brand HYPE partners with Hasbro to launch exclusive NERF capsule collection and accessories

The popular lifestyle brand, HYPE. is continuing its collaborative efforts with global toy players, this time with the launch of a new capsule collection and line of limited edition blasters with Hasbro’s NERF franchise.

The 40-piece apparel and accessory kidswear collection boasts ‘all-over prints, reflective detailing, and unisex shapes for kids aged four to 14’ in a range that is designed for all genders while utilising NERF’s core colour palette of orange and blue. It’s a range that according to the firm, ‘cements NERF’s position in the fashion and lifestyle space.’

“We are delighted to be partnering with Hype on this much-anticipated fashion collaboration which supports our strategy to elevate NERF into a true lifestyle brand, for all genders,” saidSally Carnota, UK licensing director at Hasbro. “The collection showcases a blend of the Hype signature design with key NERF iconography and we are so excited for the launch.”

The range highlights HYPE.’s signature camouflage print with numerous NERF references, while boasting host of a graffiti-spray, galaxy space and gradient effects in t-shirts, crop tees, long-sleeved tees, hoodies, joggers, tracksuits, leggings and shorts. Meanwhile, the collection’s featured heat map print nods to thermal vision, displaying the inspiration behind the collection combined with additional features such as MA1 pockets, rip stop panels and pocket overlays.

In the accessories range, kids can stay hydrated with the reusable metal water bottles, designed with the collaboration’s core prints, with matching backpacks in HYPE.’s traditional shape and lunch boxes, finished with dart storage holders.

Alongside the collection, HYPE. x NERF have come together to gift a limited number of blasters designed in the heat map and graffiti prints, complete with co-branded darts to influencers and competition winners. These will not be available at retail.

The collaboration collection launches exclusively via HYPE.’s Shopping App, available on Android and Apple on May 27th 2021 and online at www.justhype.com and retailers around the world on May 28th 2021.

Rainbow Group details new global marketing and licensing strategy for Winx Club

Rainbow Group has detailed the launch of a new global marketing and licensing strategy for its international hit series, Winx Club, as it looks to target the young adult audience through fashion, accessories, beauty, and make-up.

Winx Club has been a global ratings success for the Italian content studio since its debut back in 2004, with each new series landing further broadcast partners to help make it one of the leading girls’ properties on the international scene.

Alongside the global strategy aimed at kids, Rainbow’s in-house design team has created a variety of differing style guides and a look-book to support its enhanced global strategy for consumer products focusing on teenage girls and the 20-something female audience, with initial specific focuses on fashion, accessories, beauty and make-up. 

To support the new young adults’ consumer products strategy a variety of marketing, PR and digital activities will ensure the engagement of both evergreen fans, as well as new audiences worldwide. Additionally, the co-operation with Netflix and the timing of the successful launch of Fate: The Winx Saga, aligns with Rainbow’s new young adult CP strategy. 

Fate: The Winx Saga is an exclusive Netflix original live-action adaptation of the animation series and produced in collaboration with Rainbow. Within six weeks of its launch on Netflix (January ‘21), the series has established itself as a global ratings success and been commissioned for a second season (Netflix announcement 18 February ’21).  

As a TV series, Winx Club has crossed multi-cultural boundaries with its breadth of characters and themes such as friendship, courage, and determination. These themes are as relevant to today’s young children and young adults, as they were back in 2004 when season one debuted around the world.