Tag Archives: apparel

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

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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

Posted on by

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.

Hype teams with fashion doll brand LOL Surprise for new range of apparel and accessories

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The popular apparel and accessory brand, Hype has partnered with MGA Entertainment to launch a new collection inspired by the world of LOL Surprise as each dolls lands its own mini collection of backpacks, lunch boxes, pencil cases, water bottles, t-shirts, hoodies, and joggers.

Each item in the new licensed range will showcase each character’s personality, as the range of accessories include evolving shapes showcasing the new Just Hype, as well as backpack shapes, enlarged 2D faces, detachable embossed keychains, and fabrics including glitter, holographic and sequins.

Nine designs feature in the collection, all of which channel the dolls’ core personalities through graffiti designs, leopard and cheetah animal prints, tie-dye, honeycomb, gradient skies, and pastel fades.

The 80-piece collection ranges from three to 13 years and includes t-shirts, cycle shorts and bralettes which are perfect for summer. Glitter logos, sleeve panelling, cross body panelling and woven co-branded labels complete the capsule collection looks.

Queen Bee’s collection features a brown and beige colour palette with the Glitterati club’s signature gold glitter. The lunch box and backpack feature elements of her iconic striped dress teamed with a HYPE. bee-inspired print.

Meanwhile, Diva’s look is celebrated with a cheetah inspired print in a gradient pastel pink and mint colour palette. Her backpack and lunch bag both feature her instantly-recognisable pink bow in a 3D shape.

The collaboration collection launched exclusively via HYPE.’s TikTok Shop on July 7th this year and online at www.justhype.com and retailers around the world on July 8th.

“We love bringing LOL to life through fashion and accessories to our loyal fans. Our LOL dolls each have their own individual style and working with Hype has helped create that element of surprise,” said founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment, Isaac Larian.

Liam Green, co-founder and creative director at Hype, added: “The inspiration behind the collection stems from the exciting surprise element capturing the moment when you open your L.O.L. dolls. Incorporating this into shapes, fabrics, technical detailing and over-all prints – HYPE.’s known-for eclectic touch on collaborations.”

British snack food brand Walkers steps into licensing as IMG renews PepsiCo partnership

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The British snack food brand, Walkers is stepping into the world of licensing through a renewal agreement between IMG and PepsiCo that will also see the global licensing agency extend its representations of the Pepsi, 7UP, Cheetos, Doritos, Lay’s, and Mountain Dew brands.

Since being appointed its licensing agency in 2015, IMG has worked to grow PepsiCo’s consumer products offering significantly, with branded apparel, footwear, swimwear, accessories, beauty, giftware, and stationery now available internationally and through some of the world’s leading fashion and department stores.

Sam Barker, senior licensing director at IMG, said: “We are delighted to extend and expand our relationship with PepsiCo following a successful six-year run of signings. Each of these globally loved beverage and snack brands has its own colourful and distinctive personality, which translates perfectly into vibrant, fun products using PepsiCo’s fantastic style guides.

“We look forward to extending their reach into other brand-relevant categories and exploring exciting new opportunities with the recent addition of Walkers.”

UK and US licensing partners line up to celebrate 40 years of Danger Mouse

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Boat Rocker Studios is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its classic and iconic animated series, Danger Mouse with a full roster of licensing partners spanning the UK and US markets, while crossing both the generations and categories through gifting, apparel, collectables, and more.

Tapping into the adult, nostalgia market, as well as the children’s space, licensing partners have been lined up from both sides of the Atlantic with a licensing programme reflective of the cross-generational appeal of the Danger Mouse IP as it celebrates its 40th anniversary milestone this year.

Kate Schlomann, EVP brand management and content marketing, Boat Rocker Studios, said: “Danger Mouse is the world’s greatest secret agent and one of TV’s most iconic animations, packed with action, comedy and drama. The show has achieved incredible global success in both its original incarnation and its thrilling reboot.

“We are delighted to be celebrating its 40th anniversary with an epic range of products which really capture the style and wit of the show.”

Leading the charge in the toy aisle, Funko has signed a worldwide deal to produce a new range of Danger Mouse Classic collectables, including its trademark Pop! stylised vinyl figures and its Vinyl SODA figures of the heroes and villains from the series, including a limited edition Evil Danger Mouse.

Meanwhile, Smiffys will continue to offer its dress-up costumes for both adults and kids. In addition, adult t-shirts will continue to be produced by Trademark Products Limited and further celebratory products will be available later in the year across a wide range of categories, including annuals, novelty, cards and gifting, children’s nightwear and babywear and pet apparel and accessories.

This will all be joined by a new range of adult and children’s Danger Mouse apparel and drinkware, including t-shirts, sweats, hoodies, face wear, socks, and underwear from Bioworld, alongside adult joggers, slippers, bags, and headwear.

Truffle Shuffle, home of cool t-shirts, retro gifts and more, will also be launching a new range of T-shirts and clothing, knitwear, pyjamas, tote bags, mugs, art prints, metal signs, lunchboxes, enamel pins and door mats launching from June 2021 exclusively on TruffleShuffle.com.

The River Group, the UK’s leading independent content innovation agency, will be producing an 84-page Danger Mouse Anniversary Bookazine to launch in October 2021, while Blu Goblin has signed on for a limited-edition anniversary figurine set with proceeds going towards Kids Out Charity.

Over in the US, Redbubble, the leading print-on-demand online marketplace, will be adding Danger Mouse to its extensive range of apparel, accessories and home items.

The Danger Mouse YouTube channel is joining in on the celebrations by showcasing 40 original classic episodes. Fans will have the opportunity to relive some of their hero’s most death-defying and thrilling missions from September 2021.

Both the classic and the new series are widely available to watch on multiple platforms worldwide, including Netflix which holds the global rights for the new Danger Mouse series and also offers the classic seasons.

Originally produced by Cosgrove Hall Films for Thames Television, Danger Mouse ran on ITV from 1981 to 1992 and returned to TV screens with a high-octane 21st-century makeover on CBBC in September 2015.

The rebooted Danger Mouse has proved to be a global hit with 99 new episodes to date over three series.

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

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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

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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.

Haribo expands its happy world with first 100th anniversary product launches

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The global confectionery brand, Haribo is preparing to celebrate its milestone 100th anniversary next year, with the latest launch in a roll-out of consumer products spanning toys, footwear, apparel, and homewares throughout 2021.

Developed through collaborations forged by IMG, Haribo’s consumer products programme kicked off last month with the worldwide unveiling of a partnership with PUMA and the launch of a PUMA footwear and apparel collection. The street wear brand has now released its second drop in the collab, a collection of ‘candy-coloured’ ranges that infuse Haribo’s Goldbears with some of its own classic silhouettes.

The latest launch includes the CA Pro, Street Rider, RS-X3, and Suede all in adult, junior, preschool, and infant sizing.

Further products partnerships and launches will include Haribo branded shoes for kids developed by the European footwear retailer, Deichmann. The line is scheduled to launch at the end of July this year.

Haribo is also moving in on the toys, collectables, and plush sector with a new range launching this autumn thanks to a multi-year, global deal with the US toymaker, Jakks Pacific. Meanwhile, KidsOne will launch branded tableware in Korea.

Andreas Kuhnle, head of global marketing at Haribo, said: “Haribo is undoubtedly one of the best-known and most popular brands in many countries around the world. Our lives are full of adventures and challenges. Every day and all over the world, little and big heroes face new tasks.

“For all of them, we at Haribo create small, carefree moments of childlike happiness with our products. That’s why brands that also stand for these little moments of joy in everyday life are a perfect fit for Haribo.”

Sven Thierhoff, VP of licensing at IMG, added: “It’s amazing to see the happy world of Haribo come to life through such a diverse, colourful programme of products that embody the brand’s quality-first values. Initial collaborations have been extremely popular with collectors and Haribo fans of all ages, and we can’t wait to develop together with Haribo and new partners new thrilling ideas for the centenary of the iconic Goldbear in 2022.”

Bravado fires up the fans with Team GB apparel and accessories ahead of Tokyo Olympics

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Bravado, the merchandise and brand management division of Universal Music Group, has secured a deal with Team GB to design and distribute official, branded merchandise ranges to the UK retail market. The launch will coincide with the team’s efforts in the 2020 Olympics this summer in Tokyo.

Fans will be able to show their support of the nation’s Olympians through a ‘multi-layered offering’ that will span both online and in-store, as well as luxury, with high-end capsule collections scheduled to run later this summer. The range will feature athleisure, apparel and accessories boasting never before seen designs.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games will take place in Japan from 23 July until 8 August 2021. Team GB will take part in 40 sports, with over 370 athletes due to represent their country.

Keith Taperell, vice president retail and sales, Bravado UK, said: “We can’t possibly be more passionate and excited about this collaboration. With such a testing year behind us, we look forward to the creativity, optimism and patriotism that accompanies this project. The unity and inspiration the Games conjure the world over, is just what we all need.”

Paul Ellis, head of licensing and retail, Team GB added: “Team GB is delighted to be working with Bravado to tap into their design and retail expertise to excite the fans with great product ranges as the nation get behind the team with the Games set to take place in just under a month.”

More details on individual capsule collections will follow in the coming weeks.

Digital food brand Chefclub signs Fashion UK for family apparel range across Europe

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The digital food brand developed to inspire audiences into the kitchen, Chefclub, has joined forces with Fashion UK, the leading European textiles and accessories licensee, to launch an officially licensed Chefclub apparel collection for the family.

The new range will launch in spring/summer next year with a cross-generational appeal that promises to be ‘fun, fashionable, and of course gourmet.’ The collection will be initially available to all major European retailers across France, Germany, and the UK.

Established in Paris in 2016, Chefclub is a digital kitchen brand that has seen rapid growth across Europe, the US, Latin America, and China thanks to its regular output of video content across social media platforms. The brand’s mission is to ‘transform the kitchen into a space for sharing and having fun.’

To date, Chefclub content has tallied up more than two billion organic views each month, with 100 million followers worldwide.

Its new partnership with Fashion UK follows the recent deal with Groupe SEB for the production of a range of Chefclub by Tefal cookware. The company joins to strengthen the growing roster of Chefclub licensees as well as its international presence in the licensing arena.