Withit earmarks ’21 as ‘year of resurgence’ for its character licensed merchandise

Withit is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year by making preparations for a resurgence in popularity and the re-launch of a range of character licensed merchandise to a whole new generation of fans.

Founders Dolph Zahid and Brad Caines will be getting the launch underway as it works alongside the licensing and family brand specialists, Norton PR to re-introduce Withit to the UK market and beyond from this month.

Withit’s popular Cheeky Monkey, Glamour Puss, Mad Cow, and Happy Bunny characters rocketed to fame in the ’90s and ’00s when Withit branded stationery and bags sold in their millions at WHSmiths, while nightwear and apparel lined the racks at retailers such as Dunnes, Top Shop, and BHS.

Internationally, Withit also saw sell-out success with the likes of C&A and Carrefour, while during its peak, the firm even partnered with Burger King to produce a Withit Kids Meal which saw over five million toys sold through the UK, UAE, and Europe.

Under the creative guidance and drive of its leadership team, Withit World developed into an internationally renowned design studio and social phenomenon, with a network as far-reaching as Brazil, USA, Australia, Russia, and Mexico.

Now, making its return for 2021, Withit is coming to the UK market with a collection of licensed fashion bags and social stationery, as well as more licensed ranges planned for launch across the year. Initially the new products will feature the most popular character icons from the original designs: Glamour Puss and Cheeky Monkey with more to follow.

“It’s been a while but 2021 heralds a dramatic return to the UK market for the Withit brand,” said Dolph Zahid. “Introducing a new style guide, designs and creative concepts, the bag and stationery range will provide us with a launch platform to re-introduce Withit to a new generation of girls and also to Mums who actively engaged with the brand in the ’90s and ‘00s and have an established affinity with the characters.”

Tony Norton, chairman of Norton PR, added: “Withit is a brand that has the power to resonate across generations. Working alongside the brand creators Dolph and Brad we have the chance to experience and communicate the appeal of Withit first-hand, supporting its launch back into the UK market and beyond.” 

Experience the re-launching Withit brand and range by visiting its new website:  www.withitstudios.com

Withit’s Licensing agent Val Fry at CentaIP for UK & EIRE can be contacted directly on: 

val.fry@centaip.com     Tel: 07973 783053

Poetic Brands teams with the National Gallery to launch art inspired apparel and accessories

Apparel licensee, Poetic Brands, has teamed up with the National Gallery to create a range of adult apparel and accessories based on its impressive and extensive artworks.

Incorporating a wide range of products, including adult daywear apparel and outerwear, swimwear, flip flops, beach bags and towels, adult nightwear and essentials, and accessories including caps and luggage, the move has been made in response to the growing interest in art in the licensed fashion sector.

The National Gallery was founded in 1824 and houses over 2,600 paintings from the late 13th to the early 20th century in Trafalgar Square. With one of the greatest collections of art in the world, the Gallery displays many world-famous works, such as van Eyck’s The Arnolfini Portrait, Velázquez’s The Rokeby Venus, Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.

Anne Bradford, director, Poetic Brands, said: “Over the past year we have seen a significant interest in art within the fast fashion segment of the industry and subsequent demand across the High Street. The National Gallery offers us a wealth of assets from a number of artists that translate beautifully onto apparel and nightwear. 

“We are also developing luggage which although isn’t hugely in demand at the moment, the time will come when we are all travelling again and this collection will provide premium, and easily identifiable pieces for consumers to be proud of on the carousel.

“Working closely with the team at the National Gallery, we have ensured that their art collection has in turn created a fashion collection that is already very much in demand.”

Judith Mather, buying and brand licensing director, the National Gallery, added: “We are very excited about the partnership with Poetic Brands which will bring old master paintings to a new audience. It is amazing to bring our collection to modern life.”

Asembl strikes up Unilever Australia and Cotton On partnership for Streets ice cream apparel

A selection of Unilever Australia’s best-loved ice cream brands, including Golden Gaytime, Bubble O’ Bill, Paddle Pop, and Splice, are entering the fashion aisles thanks to a new partnership with Australia’s largest global retailer, Cotton On.

Under the deal, Cotton On will launch a collection of summer fashion items for men and women. The partnership was forged by Asembl, the brand extension agency for Unilever Australia.

The Cotton On x Streets collection includes t-shirts and singlets for him and her, summer accessories including towels and flip flops, and sleepwear.

“We can’t wait to see the Streets brand come to fashion life in Cotton On stores across Australia. Nothing says summer more than Golden Gaytime, Bubble O’ Bill, Paddle Pop and Splice so what better way to enjoy your favourite ice-cream brands than with tees, singlets and accessories from Cotton On,” said Unilever Australia brand manager, Samantha Jarmul.

“We are thrilled with this deal Asembl has brokered for us and can’t wait for further new category product roll-outs throughout this year to continue to deliver what our fans have asked for.”

Asembl managing director, Justin Watson, added: “The Streets ice-cream brand is synonymous with an Australian summer, so we are thrilled to be partnering this much-loved Unilever Australia brand with local retailer favourite, Cotton On.

With Golden Gaytime, Bubble O’ Bill, Paddle Pop and Splice branded apparel and accessories for him and her, this range is guaranteed to be incredibly popular with Australians of all ages.”

Shop the range from January 4 2021 in Cotton On Australia stores or online at cottonon.com

Blizzard Entertainment taps Erve Europe for Overwatch and World of Warcraft roll-out

Blizzard Entertainment has partnered with Erve Europe to bring its two giant gaming franchises, Overwatch and World of Warcraft to its gaming portfolio. Under the new deal, Erve will serve the European market with an onslaught of Overwatch and World of Warcraft products, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, pyjamas, shorts, socks, hoodies, and more.

Since its launch over 25 years ago, World of Warcraft has proven itself to be a gaming phenomenon, boasting as dedicated fanbase that has helped fuel the success of its five game series, theatrical release, and licensing programme that continues to grow.

Meanwhile, Overwatch has been a fan-favoured franchised since its 2016 debut. The team-based first-person shooter has its own esports league, and its sequel, Overwatch 2, is expected to be one of the biggest upcoming games to date.

“We couldn’t be happier with these two games in our portfolio,” said Tom Fabes, Erve Europe’s gaming license manager. “As I am a fan myself, I know how dedicated the players are to these games. I know people who have been playing World of Warcraft for ten years or more.

“We know our customers are open for these two games, whilst we always keep the target audience in mind. Together with Blizzard, we have set some targets and things are looking promising! Knowing what’s coming up with both games, we are very confident that this is a huge deal for us.”

Activision Blizzard’s vice president of international consumer products, Phillippe Bost, added: “Erve has a great understanding of our DNA and Blizzard fans’ expectation. We are so proud to work with Erve to bring the magic of Blizzard to our community in Europe.”

The first collections will launch in Spring Summer 2021.

Blizzard Entertainment taps Erve Europe for Overwatch and World of Warcraft roll-out

Blizzard Entertainment has partnered with Erve Europe to bring its two giant gaming franchises, Overwatch and World of Warcraft to its gaming portfolio. Under the new deal, Erve will serve the European market with an onslaught of Overwatch and World of Warcraft products, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, pyjamas, shorts, socks, hoodies, and more.

Since its launch over 25 years ago, World of Warcraft has proven itself to be a gaming phenomenon, boasting as dedicated fanbase that has helped fuel the success of its five game series, theatrical release, and licensing programme that continues to grow.

Meanwhile, Overwatch has been a fan-favoured franchised since its 2016 debut. The team-based first-person shooter has its own esports league, and its sequel, Overwatch 2, is expected to be one of the biggest upcoming games to date.

“We couldn’t be happier with these two games in our portfolio,” said Tom Fabes, Erve Europe’s gaming license manager. “As I am a fan myself, I know how dedicated the players are to these games. I know people who have been playing World of Warcraft for ten years or more.

“We know our customers are open for these two games, whilst we always keep the target audience in mind. Together with Blizzard, we have set some targets and things are looking promising! Knowing what’s coming up with both games, we are very confident that this is a huge deal for us.”

Activision Blizzard’s vice president of international consumer products, Phillippe Bost, added: “Erve has a great understanding of our DNA and Blizzard fans’ expectation. We are so proud to work with Erve to bring the magic of Blizzard to our community in Europe.”

The first collections will launch in Spring Summer 2021.

The Emoji Company details new Streetwear fashion collabs and Brazilian Cheese Bread restaurants

The Emoji Company has secured a slew of recent partnerships across both the global fashion and food and beverage markets, including a new deal with the premium streetwear brand Wicked Fashions Inc, and the famous Brazilian Cheese Bread restaurants, Rei do Mate.

Wicked Fashions Inc has teamed with Emoji to create a signature streetwear collection under its Southpole, Lockedt29, and WT02 clothing lines. The fashion line aims to combine the Emoji brand’s expressive icons with Southpole’s athleisure styles and will feature hoodies, jeans, shirts, and sweatpants.

The first collection is set to launch Holiday 2020. The partnership was brokered by Retail Monster, LLC., the emoji company’s North American Licensing Agent. 

“We are excited to enter into a groundbreaking collaboration with an established leader of the streetwear industry in the US,” said Marco Hüsges, CEO and founder, the emoji company. 

Meanwhile, over on the Brazilian Cheese Bread restaurant scene, and Emoji has now detailed a new partnership with Rei do Mate in a move that will see the franchise develop a set of collectable cups featuring designs from the Emoji by Britto collaboration.

Thanks to a deal brokered by Lotus Global, customers buying the 18 cheese bread combo can take home one of the exclusive Emoji by Britto collectable cups. The promotion will run across 300 of Rei do Mate’s stores, as well as on its online platforms that offer delivery service.

“We are thrilled about the launch of this promotion that will truly entertain Brazilian people during the Xmas season,” said Hüsges. “This partnership is the perfect symbiosis of our partnership with famous artist Romero Britto and we are proud to be working with Rei do Mate again for the Brazilian territory.”

Bulldog Licensing signs Bioworld for Care Bears apparel and accessories

Bioworld is on board to create and launch a range of apparel and accessories inspired by the popular Cloudco Entertainment brand, Care Bears, targeting kids of all ages as the Care Bears licensing programme continues to grow.

Fast approaching its 40th anniversary, Care Bears continues to appeal to a wide range of fans, encouraged in their purveyance of the brand by an ever-increasing licensing portfolio, managed in the UK by Bulldog Licensing. The latest partnership with Bioworld will act to leverage the universal love for the property.

Fashion partners for the Care Bears brand already include the likes of Tikiboo and its athleisure range, Irregular Choice and its footwear line, and Dolls Kill with its clothing collection. The brand even returned to the kids’ aisles earlier this year when Basic Fun launched its toy line.

Having been met with strong sales and keen reception in the US market, Basic Fun recently launched its toy range to the UK where it is currently experiencing very strong sell-through already. The range is being supported with a heavyweight marketing campaign featuring two TVCs for both its plush and interactive Care Bears.

Meanwhile, the Care Bears’ broadcast partner Tiny Pop is supporting the series Care Bears: Unlock the Magic with daily slots on the channel. New partnerships with Sky and Moonbug now further position Care Bears for significant growth in the kids market here in the UK.

Bioworld joins other children’s partners, including Zak for homewares, Whitehouse Leisure, Redan, Aardvark, Crackerjack, and the Fun to Learn magazine.

Rob Corney, MD of Bulldog Licensing, said: “We’re thrilled to have Bioworld on board for Care Bears apparel. The brand has built a strong following over the past 38 years and has devoted fans who grew up with Care Bears, as well as an ever-growing following of little ones who are discovering the brand for the first time.” 

Roubina Tchoboian, VP of international licensing, added: “Bioworld joins at an exciting time for Care Bears, as the brand is continuously building with a range of best-in-class partners creating show-stopping ranges and collaborations.”

Poetic Brands teams with Sunny Side Up to launch Let’s Get Lyrical range based on famous song lyrics

Poetic Brands has partnered with the licensing agency, Sunny Side Up to launch the Let’s Get Lyrical range of day and night wear, a collection that will be based upon the lyrics of well-known songs.

The Let’s Get Lyrical range will include all baby layette fashion daywear and nightwear; children’s daywear, outerwear, nightwear and essentials, swimwear, towelling ponchos and beach towels; adult daywear, outerwear, nightwear and essentials, swimwear and beach towels; along with hard and soft shell suitcases, luggage and bags. 

Sunny Side Up Licensing represents licensing opportunities utilising some of the largest libraries of song lyrics both in the UK, and globally. The agency holds representation rights to the copyright of millions of songs with the world’s leading music publishers. In the new deal with Poetic Brands, lyrics will be applied to apparel and accessories for every age group. 

“Music is in our lives every day. Something will happen and more often than not, a memory will trigger a song or vice versa,” said Anne Bradford, director at Poetic Brands. “Having worked with Michael on a number of projects over the years, we quickly started to talk when I arrived at Poetic Brands and have been developing product to share at retail throughout lockdown. 

“What we love about this is being able to take it from conception (maternity wear) right the way through baby, kids and adults’ apparel. The opportunities here are endless.”

Michael Gottlieb, director, Sunny Side Up Licensing, added: “Lyrics are the poetry of our time and music has become the soundtrack to people’s lives. Sunny Side Up Licensing is delighted to be working with Poetic Brands to bring lyrics to life on apparel through what we expect to be a long partnership.”

MGA Entertainment teams with PUMA for LOL Surprise sneaker line

MGA Entertainment has partnered with the global sports company PUMA to help LOL Surprise fans walk with a little more pep in their step this season, thanks to the launch of a new sneaker and apparel collection. The range will be made available via Kids Foot Locker and PUMA stores across the US from this month.

Featuring L.O.L. Surprise fan favorites, Diva and Queen Bee, the two fashionable characters are the muses behind the collection. Diva is featured in the PUMA Future Rider x Diva sneaker, while Queen Bee is front and center on the PUMA Cali Sport x Queen Bee sneaker.

In addition to the PUMA Future Rider x Diva and Cali Sport x Queen Bee sneakers, the collection  includes bold graphic T-shirts and leggings that embody the bright and signature colors of the  L.O.L. Surprise brand while also sporting larger than life images of Diva and Queen Bee. 

The full PUMA x L.O.L. Surprise collection ranges from $22-$75 and will be available exclusively in store and online at the Foot Locker family of brands (including Kids Foot Locker, Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Footaction and Eastbay), PUMA.com and the PUMA NYC Store starting Nov. 20. 

Acamar Films continues Bing’s Italian adventure with Prénatal partnership for kids’ clothing

Italy’s leading mother, baby and children’s retailer, Prénatal has detailed the launch of an exclusive new clothing range inspired by the popular pre-school series, Bing. The launch marks the latest brand extension signing for Acamar Films across the region.

Brokered by Acamar’s Italian licensing agency, Maurizio Distefano Licensing in partnership with Sicem International, the partnership sees the launch of an extensive line of clothing aimed at children aged nine months to five years old. It includes Bing socks, pyjamas, t-shirts, tracksuits, hoodies, and more.

Bing has seen tremendous success in Italy since its launch in 2018. Currently rated number one on the Rai YoYo Raiplay app, young children across the country have embraced the programme that celebrates the joyful and messy realities of pre-school life. Audiences in Italy are enjoying new episodes of Bing on Rai Yoyo, which started this month.

Bing episodes (along with many educational games and activities) are also available to watch through the recently launched Bing app, ‘Bing: Guarda, Gioca, Impara’, and on the official Italian YouTube channel, which generates an average of 30 million views every month.

Bing will continue to be available on TIMVision’s on-demand platform (which is currently producing the first Bing version with sign language) and on DeA Junior where it is the #1 show on-air. Bing is also now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video Italy.