UFG and Paul Frank announce footwear licensing agreement

Unlimited Footwear Group (UFG) has announced a new strategic licensing partnership with Paul Frank to design, produce, market and distribute Paul Frank-branded footwear in 50 countries, including the entire European Union, Eastern Europe, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Scandinavia.

Paul Frank began in 1995 in a small Huntington Beach garage when Paul Frank himself began sewing custom wallets as gifts for his friends, featuring characters with names like Julius and Skurvy. These adorable characters rapidly became pop culture icons, known and loved worldwide by many generations.

The UFG footwear collections will embody Paul Frank’s youthful, fresh, fun and accessible approach with a spark of humour. The first Paul Frank footwear collection for men, women and kids is scheduled to launch in spring/summer 2023.

“UFG is excited to add yet another great brand to its licensing portfolio,” says Bart van Helvoirt, CEO Unlimited Footwear Group. “We look forward to working closely with the Paul Frank team on many fun footwear collections to come. The 30-plus years of experience in the footwear industry and international focus that UFG brings to the table make a perfect fit for the Paul Frank brand. We look forward to our contribution of further international growth and brand awareness of the Paul Frank brand ”

Michael Puglisi, Futurity Brands Licensing Manager, adds: “Futurity Brands and the Paul Frank team are equally excited to partner with UFG. As part of our rebuild and positioning strategy, it is important for us align with strong partners like UFG. We look forward to growing the category of footwear for the Paul Frank brand alongside the experienced UFG team.”

 The Heritage Footwear Company, part of Unlimited Footwear Group, will manage the footwear collections for Paul Frank. The Heritage Footwear Company plans to launch two collections a year at a mid-price level and will distribute through its international sales network of both multi-brand fashion and sports retail and through wholesale and various online platforms.

UFG’s dedicated Paul Frank team will operate from Utrecht, the Netherlands, through UFG’s The Heritage Footwear Company division.

 

Sustainable fashion brand Supacult to debut at Licensing Expo

Supacult, a new sustainable fashion brand targeting the consumer-savvy and on-trend Gen Z consumer, will launch next week at Licensing Expo 2022 in Las Vegas. 

Lines from the Supacult range will be unveiled in the Products of Change Business Lounge over the course of the three-day show.

Supacult aspires to be a brand that is as sustainable as possible, focusing on the fashion conscious consumer who wants high-quality jersey-wear apparel that’s been ethically and responsibly produced. There will be six tees and sweats capsule ranges per year for men and women in a target age group of 15-35.  Supacult launches with its own DTC website and a select number of curated wholesale fashion accounts including Next and Zalando.

The designs are intended to be bold and bright, fusing the iconic artwork of pop culture with the world of on-trend fashion wear that is sustainably produced and easy to wear. Drawing upon the existing strong licensor partnerships already in place, Supacult designs will feature some of the world’s largest entertainment properties from Disney, Warner Bros. and global music artists in capsule collections that are both iconic and classic.

The product itself is at the heart of the Supacult brand. Blanks are sourced from a leading supplier which has been licensed under the Global Organic Standards (GOTS) since 2007 and manufactures organic, ethical and climate-neutral product produced exclusively from Indian cotton. With every item labelled as organic, the product blanks are produced in facilities powered by green renewable energy from low-impact raw materials, which adds to their sustainability manufacturing chain. Supacult’s exclusive product supplier has been the largest organic textile licensee of the Soil Association for the past five years, giving consumers the assurance and confidence that Supacult has sourced the best-in-class partner for its brand.

Once the blanks arrive at Supacult’s London production facility they are printed using water-based inks and printed as made-to-order garments.  Beyond this, all Supacult products are shipped using sustainable packaging, creating an entire process that is as sustainable as possible.

Commenting on the launch, Supacult managing director Rick Lowe says: “This is an exciting new move in the growth of our licensed fashion business; Supacult enables us to leverage our core business expertise and relationships, with a sustainable product offering for the discernible trend-led consumer. Our objective is to continually evolve our sustainability offering in line with market developments and consumer demand.”

BlackMilk goes sci-fi with latest Matrix-inspired pieces

BlackMilk clothing has officially entered the Matrix with seven new pieces inspired by the hit movie franchise, including its take on the iconic Neo Trench Coat.

The new pieces are dropping on January 10 at 1pm (PT) as part of BlackMilk’s larger ‘Beam Me Up’ collection, which includes futuristic designs inspired by all things sci-fi. Fans can get their wish lists ready ahead of launch by previewing the entire collection now at https://blackmilkclothing.com/collections/beam-me-up

 

 

Rolling Stones launch limited-edition collection with Tommy Jeans

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.

 

Starter marks its 50th anniversary with Pull&Bear collab

To mark sports brand Starter’s 50th anniversary, Iconix Europe LLC, the European arm of global brand management company Iconix Brand Group, has teamed up with Inditex’s youth fashion brand Pull&Bear to present the Starter x Pull&Bear Autumn/Winter 2021 capsule collection.

The range combines streetwear with athleisure sportswear and is aimed at a younger fashion-forward demographic. A prominent two-tone theme runs throughout the collection, showcased in a two-tone denim jacket, a patchwork shirt and an oversized cardigan finished with a logo patch.

The centrepiece of the offering is the Starter classic varsity jacket, which has been updated with multiple embroidered Starter 50th anniversary logo patches.

Other standout pieces include a tone-on-tone raincoat with an oversize fit, and faux shearling in the form of a pull-over with a pouch pocket and a second version with a zip fastening, which give a nod to the latest trends. The collection also offers sweatshirt and jogging trouser co-ords, all of which feature pile embroidered logos.

To complete the look, Pull&Bear has developed a comprehensive selection of accessories, including baseball caps, beanies and socks.

The collection will be available in Europe/UK markets, both online at pullandbear.com and in a selected group of stores.

 

 

“Radically inclusive” fashion brand T.W.I.N. marks White Cane Safety Day with release of new Braille T-shirt collection

To mark White Cane Safety Day (15 October), which celebrates the achievements of blind and visually impaired people, fashion company T.W.I.N. today launched its new Braille collection.

The range consists of three colourways of the 02 Braille Layered T-Shirt ($65), imprinted with T.W.I.N.’s logo in Braille. Made of sustainable deadstock fabric, the T-shirts come in a genderless design to suit everyone.

An estimated 253 million people are visually impaired worldwide and as a whole, disabled people represent one in four shoppers. A portion of the proceeds of sales of T.W.I.N.’s T –shirts will be donated directly to VISIONS, an NYC-based non-profit that provides services for the blind and visually impaired community.

To further promote and bring awareness to issues faced by the blind and visually impaired community, T.W.I.N. has teamed up with blind award-winning creator and NYC-based musical artist Lachi, who stars in the collection’s campaign. Lachi is an award-winning recording artist, producer and disability activist.

Founded by Isabella and Alicia Serrani, T.W.I.N. (That’s What I Need) is a twin-owned, Toronto-born, New York-based company “focused on making good products, honestly”. The Braille campaign is part of T.W.I.N.’s mission to promote radical inclusivity across the spectrum of race, gender, and ability both in representation, and their creative process.

 

Beano Studios and Radley London partner on exclusive accessory collection housed at landmark exhibition

Beano Studios is continuing to celebrate 70 years of Dennis the Menace, this time with the launch of a limited edition accessory collection developed in collaboration with the fashion brand, Radley London.

The partnership will see a selection of Beano’s comic strips styled by Radley London into expertly crafted, collectable designs in a range featuring illustrations of Dennis, Gnasher, Minnie, and Radley’s own Scottie dog across a line of bags, card holders, and purses. The collection will be available exclusively in Radley’s London and Glasgow stores, selected concessions, and online from October 4th this year.

The coillection will reference Dennis’ black and red stripes throughout, including the Breaking Rules Book Street bag, which features screen prints and foil embossing on leather. The large black tote has appliqué badges of the Beano characters and slogans and includes a detachable striped Scottie dog key fob who dons his own red and black striped jumper.

The collection also includes a collectible leather card holder which features the Dennis and Gnasher fan club logo. The Dennis fan club was originally created in 1976 and this is the first time it has been brought to life in a licensed deal.

Vanessa Andreis, franchise planning and partnerships director, Beano Studios, said: “In this momentous year for Dennis we’ve chosen iconic partnerships to commemorate his 70 years. Bringing a bit of Dennis’s loveable mischief to Radley London will be a special part of Dennis history and thanks to their incredible craftsmen we’re sure these collectible products will still be around for the next 70 years of this iconic character.”

Radley London is an official partner of Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules – a major exhibition at Somerset House. Radley’s rebellious collection of Beano-inspired handbags and accessories will be available to buy within a special pop-up shop at Somerset House during the exhibition, which runs from 21 October 2021 until 6 March 2022.

Jackie Hay, Radley London, chief product officer, added: “We are so delighted to join with Beano and Dennis in this very special year. Our Design Team had enormous fun creating a playful collection which brings Dennis and his friends into our world.

“The exclusive Picture Bag designs are made by hand by our artisan craftsmen – including cutting, dying, stitching and printing – and we can’t wait to see our collection run riot this Autumn on our handbags, purses and of course our very own Dennis fan club card wallet.”

The landmark exhibition, Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules at Somerset House will explore the relationship between Beano and contemporary art pieces with unruliness and irreverence, through the eyes of the artists who embody the Beano sensibility of rebellion.

The major exhibition will feature original comic drawings, never previously seen in public, selected across its 4,000-plus editions (to date) and rare archive artefacts, alongside works from leading artists and designers, imbued with the same Beano spirit of breaking the rules.

Recently announced contributors include artists Nicola Lane and Peter Leversidge and editorial cartoonist Martin Rowson.

Beano was first published by DC Thomson in July 1938 and is still put together in its original Dundee headquarters and printed in the UK each week. Beano has an ABC of 45,644 – an increase of 9.0 per cent YOY. The brand reaches over 5m kids a month on its digital network, centred around multi-award winning Beano.com and fans in more than 100 countries across the world can watch Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed!, the Emmy nominated TV series.

Beano Studios and Radley London partner on exclusive accessory collection housed at landmark exhibition

Beano Studios is continuing to celebrate 70 years of Dennis the Menace, this time with the launch of a limited edition accessory collection developed in collaboration with the fashion brand, Radley London.

The partnership will see a selection of Beano’s comic strips styled by Radley London into expertly crafted, collectable designs in a range featuring illustrations of Dennis, Gnasher, Minnie, and Radley’s own Scottie dog across a line of bags, card holders, and purses. The collection will be available exclusively in Radley’s London and Glasgow stores, selected concessions, and online from October 4th this year.

The coillection will reference Dennis’ black and red stripes throughout, including the Breaking Rules Book Street bag, which features screen prints and foil embossing on leather. The large black tote has appliqué badges of the Beano characters and slogans and includes a detachable striped Scottie dog key fob who dons his own red and black striped jumper.

The collection also includes a collectible leather card holder which features the Dennis and Gnasher fan club logo. The Dennis fan club was originally created in 1976 and this is the first time it has been brought to life in a licensed deal.

Vanessa Andreis, franchise planning and partnerships director, Beano Studios, said: “In this momentous year for Dennis we’ve chosen iconic partnerships to commemorate his 70 years. Bringing a bit of Dennis’s loveable mischief to Radley London will be a special part of Dennis history and thanks to their incredible craftsmen we’re sure these collectible products will still be around for the next 70 years of this iconic character.”

Radley London is an official partner of Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules – a major exhibition at Somerset House. Radley’s rebellious collection of Beano-inspired handbags and accessories will be available to buy within a special pop-up shop at Somerset House during the exhibition, which runs from 21 October 2021 until 6 March 2022.

Jackie Hay, Radley London, chief product officer, added: “We are so delighted to join with Beano and Dennis in this very special year. Our Design Team had enormous fun creating a playful collection which brings Dennis and his friends into our world.

“The exclusive Picture Bag designs are made by hand by our artisan craftsmen – including cutting, dying, stitching and printing – and we can’t wait to see our collection run riot this Autumn on our handbags, purses and of course our very own Dennis fan club card wallet.”

The landmark exhibition, Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules at Somerset House will explore the relationship between Beano and contemporary art pieces with unruliness and irreverence, through the eyes of the artists who embody the Beano sensibility of rebellion.

The major exhibition will feature original comic drawings, never previously seen in public, selected across its 4,000-plus editions (to date) and rare archive artefacts, alongside works from leading artists and designers, imbued with the same Beano spirit of breaking the rules.

Recently announced contributors include artists Nicola Lane and Peter Leversidge and editorial cartoonist Martin Rowson.

Beano was first published by DC Thomson in July 1938 and is still put together in its original Dundee headquarters and printed in the UK each week. Beano has an ABC of 45,644 – an increase of 9.0 per cent YOY. The brand reaches over 5m kids a month on its digital network, centred around multi-award winning Beano.com and fans in more than 100 countries across the world can watch Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed!, the Emmy nominated TV series.

The Style Sisters continue mission to organise the nation in Hunter Price International partnership

Hunter Price International has teamed up with Gemma Lilly and Charlotte Reddington, aka The Style Sisters, to develop and launch the pair’s debut collection of storage and organisation solutions. The deal has been marked as the latest step in the duo’s mission to help the nation ‘live an organised and stylish life.’

With a passion for fashion and interiors and over 15 years’ working in the industry, the Style Sisters have been revamping high profile celebrity homes for the past few years. While documenting their successful projects, Lilly and Reddington have garnered a growing fanbase of style hungry followers.

Hunter Price will be working closely with the Style Sisters to create a range of adaptable and affordable storage products which represents the pair’s signature style. The collection aims to help people create unique interiors catered to their needs, from wardrobe organisation to kitchen, bedroom and playroom solutions.

Jeremy Winburn, commercial director at Hunter Price, said: “Storage and organisation has been a hero category for Hunter Price for some time – we’re now taking this to the next level by partnering with a duo with real authority in this space.

“Gemma and Charlotte are the best in the business, so it’s a dream collaboration for us to work together and create an offering we can all be proud of.”

After signing with Hunter Price, Lilly said: “It was a natural step for us to develop our own unique collection of products which we feel can fill a gap in the market for functional, yet beautifully designed storage & organisation solutions.

“Working on so many amazing projects over the years, we have a really good understanding of how to maximise and manage spaces all around the home – but what’s sometimes been missing is that style element – so we’re looking forward to adding our own unique style on all of our products.

Reddington continued: “We’re really looking forward to collaborating with Hunter Price to bring our Style Sisters brand to market – it’s such an exciting time and we can’t wait to share more about this journey as the project progresses.”

Francesca Lisle, MD at Lisle Licensing, licensing representative for The Style Sisters, said: “We are delighted to be working with Hunter Price on this project. Organisation and storage will be the key foundation to the licensing programme for the Style Sisters and we are so excited to see this category come to life.

“The team at Hunter Price has been working hard to develop an innovative and unique range that will really cement the launch of this brand. Gemma & Charlotte are truly leading the way in home styling and this is a natural next step in their journey.”

The first Style Sisters storage and organisation collection will hit retailers for Spring/Summer 2022.

British artist Charlotte Posner to release summer collection with UK fashion brand Never Fully Dressed

The British contemporary artist, Charlotte Posner has landed a new partnership with the UK fashion brand, Never Fully Dressed to launch a summer collection featuring her own hand-drawn illustrations across a range of satin dresses, wrap tops, Jaspre skirts, and organic t-shirts.

The collection will be launched this month and available in stores and online at neverfullydressed.co.uk, the result of a partnership brokered by Charlotte Posner’s UK agency, WildBrain CPLG.

Jennifer Gould, brand and retail manager at WildBrain CPLG, said: “With their use of vibrant colours and versatile styles, Never Fully Dressed is the ideal partner to kick-off our design-led licensing programme for Charlotte Posner. The collection perfectly utilises Charlotte’s unique artwork and has resulted in a wonderful and timeless range.”

Lucy Aylen, founder of Never Fully Dressed, said: “The Never Fully Dressed x Charlotte Posner collaboration was born in 2020, a year where we were in some lights starved of creativity, fashion and fun. Charlotte’s fun prints offer escapism featuring extravagant, glamorous scenes showcased through her beautiful art. We hope our customers can live through the prints whilst feeling fabulous and fun when wearing.”

Posner’s style and popularity exploded onto the public scene in 2014 when she was featured as part of the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and was profiled on the BBC’s The Culture Show. The artist has since collaborated with some of the world’s leading luxury brands and retailers, including Brown Thomas, Louis Vuitton, Nicholas Kirkwood, Crème de la Mer, London Fashion Week, and Japanese cosmetics brand Shiseido.

Meanwhile, Never Fully Dressed grew from a range of customised clothing the company’s founder, Lucy Aylen, sampled from her parents’ attic to sell at Portobello Road and Spitalfields markets, and soon developed into a successful online business with a permanent store in the brand’s native Essex.

The brand looks to promote positive dressing by showcasing multi-wears, styling tips and innovative fashion designs to its social community. Never Fully Dressed is also aiming to improve its sustainably journey starting with its pre-loved platform, as well as a Depop profile selling samples and recycled items to encourage a longer clothing lifecycle.