This ISlides and Warner deals allows horror fans to walk in the shoes of their favourite movie monsters

Horror fans can now take a walk in the shoes of some of their favourite movie monsters, from A Nightmare on Elm Street’s Freddy Kruger to The Shining’s Danny Torance, thanks to a new partnership between Warner Bros Consumer Products and the customised slide sandal company, ISlide.

The new partnership will see ISlide create new footwear ranges inspired by over 100 blockbuster franchises, including The Shining, Friday the 13th, and The Exorcist. The deal also spans DC favourites, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

“Warner Bros. has created some of the most iconic movies to date and we’re excited to be able to bring a new take on the characters through our slides,” said Justin Kitterdge, president and CEO of ISlide. “Whether you’re a fan of Batman or Friday the 13th, we’ll have a new slide for anyone who loves these properties as much as we do.”

Slides inspired by Warner Bros. iconic horror movies such as A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, The Exorcist, and The Shining have already been made available for the Halloween crowds, while this November 5th will see the launch of slides inspired by DC Super Heroes including Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

The A Nightmare on Elm Street collection includes four unique designs with black, red and white colorways featuring the A Nightmare on Elm Street logo, fire imagery, a Springwood High School Slashers logo and Freddy Kruger himself.

The Friday the 13th collection includes a handful of detailed custom Jason designs using Black and Red accents. The collection also includes variations of the extremely popular “Friday the 13th” wordmark.

The Exorcist collection includes unique custom designs that feature an all white iteration of the movie logo, the notorious Regan script wordmark, and an insanely detailed live shot from the movie itself.

The Shining Collection includes four unique designs with black and white colorways featuring variations of the Shining Logo and Danny Torance portraits.

Meanwhile, in the DC collection, the Batman range features over 10 custom designs on a variety of ISlide colors, including the highly sought after black/yellow speckle. In addition to the Bat Emblem and other iconic comic images, the collection includes the popular The Joker.

The Superman collection includes custom designs utilizing ISlide’s red and royal sandal colorways. With designs ranging from Superman’s S-Shield to Metropolis logos, this collection is by far the most colorful.

The Wonder Woman collection includes four unique designs with black, red and white colorways featuring the Wonder Woman logo and the iconic Wonder Woman herself.

These slides will retail starting at $44.99 and will be available on islideusa.com.

Cath Kidston will ‘draw on British heritage to operate as a digital-first retailer in the UK’

Cath Kidston has identified opportunities to bolster its brand relevance and product innovation, as well as improve its digital presence and international partnerships, the retailer has said, in a move to deliver “a sustained profitability model” over the next three years.

The fashion and lifestyle name entered administration and underwent a restructure in April this year. Since then, it has leaned into online retailer, an arm that now accounts for 85 per cent of its business. The firm has now detailed a transformation plan that puts digital acceleration and global growth at its centre.

With renewed support and investment from parent company Baring Private Equity Asia, Cath Kidston said it has realigned its cost base and structure to create an “economically viable operating model” as a brand-led, digital first retailer.

The retailer has said that it would draw on its British heritage to operate as a digital-first retailer in the UK.

As reported by the Retail Gazette, Cath Kidston will re-open its Piccadilly store in London next month, which will operate as its global flagship and its only high street store in the UK. It will seek to leverage its wholesale relationships and franchise partnerships in over 35 countries.

Other transformation measures include streamlining Cath Kidston’s product range by curating content for customers in more meaningful ways, and refining the offer to focus on key products and easier ways to shop.

The retailer has ambitions to reclaim its status as a gifting destination where one in five UK customers have either bought or received a Cath Kidston gift, and will continue to build new categories to reflect growing consumer demand in areas such as home and kids.

Cath Kidston chief executive Melinda Paraie, said: “We truly believe that Cath Kidston is a brand for our time, and we have worked incredibly hard to create a sustainable, profitable future for the brand following our restructuring.

“Our customers sit at the heart of our new strategy, and it was fundamental to our vision that we could maintain Cath Kidston’s role of inspiring the everyday optimist with our hand drawn prints and joyful products.

“Particularly as we all face our new normal world, the role of bringing moments of joy to everyday is even more relevant.”

Cath Kidston chair Marty Wikstrom, added: “[Cath Kidston] is a brand with a powerful heritage and loyal customer following that has pivoted its business strategy to ensure that it is positioned for success in a changing retail environment.”

Cath Kidston’s administration process occured at the height of lockdown in April this year and led to the closure of 60 of its UK stores and the loss of 908 jobs. Baring Private Equity Asia had secured a pre-pack administration deal that saw it buy back Cath Kidston’s brand, wholesale and online operations.

The retailer’s 100-plus stores overseas, especially in Asia, were untouched from the administration process.

Sony Consumer Products’ hit TV series Outlander moves into jewellery with Aurora Jewellery

Aurora Jewellery has launched an official Outlander collection of jewellery thanks to its partnership with Sony Consumer Products brokered by WildBrain CPLG. Having been developed over recent months by the experts at Auora, the range is now available in outlets across Scotland.

Steven Cooper, owner of Aurora Jewellery, said: “We were delighted to be approached by WildBrain CPLG and invited to collaborate on an Outlander collection. Our existing range of jewellery and tartans are greatly inspired by the islands’ history and culture, so the Outlander theme was the perfect fit for us. And, since we are also fans of the series, it has been an absolute pleasure to work on the new range.”

Laura Quinn, category manager UK, at WildBrain CPLG, added: “We are so excited to see the Outlander collaboration with Aurora Jewellery launch. Aurora Jewellery has created a wonderful collection, which reflects Scottish style and design beautifully, and is the perfect gift for any Outlander fan.”

The great success of the series is believed to be responsible for the recent surge in visitors to Scotland and also contributing to a boost in the textiles industry. Outlander boasts its very own unique tartan, registered by the Scottish Tartan Authority and owned by Sony Pictures.

The show attracts a worldwide audience and enjoys a very passionate fan base. It follows the story of a time-travelling 20th century doctor Claire Fraser and her 18th century Highlander husband Jamie Fraser.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Aurora Jewellery to bring their unique and authentic handcrafted designs to Outlander fans around the world and people who visit Scotland’s many Outlander tourist locations,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP, worldwide consumer products, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“Our strategy is always to put our fans first and it is important to us to work with licensees who are fans themselves and can champion our brands – and we have found that with the talented team at Aurora Jewellery. Created in the beautiful Orkney Islands, Aurora Jewellery is uniquely suited to offer the Outlander fans product they want. We hope that this program will lead to more amazing products and licensees to come on board.”

The full range of Aurora silver, gold and diamond jewellery is available in their shops: in Albert Street, Kirkwall; Rotterdam Street, Thurso; and Commercial Street, Lerwick. It is also available online at www.aurora-jewellery.co.uk

Asmodee Entertainment’s Catan steps into footwear partnership with Plainview Shoes

Asmodee Entertainment has struck up a partnership with  Plainview Shoes to take its popular Catan brand into the world of fashionable footwear. The new range, spanning flip flops and trainers, is scheduled to launch to the North American market in 2021.

Plainview has made a success of licensed footwear in the past, having previously partnered with Capcom to launch footwear based on its portfolio of video games. Under the Asmodee partnership, the firm will channel the Catan board game’s themes of trading, building, and settling into a new range.

 “We are excited that we can add Catan to our portfolio of gaming footwear,” said Lyndon Tucker, president of Plainview Shoes.

“After partnering with Capcom for footwear based on various videogames, Catan was the logical choice for us to expand into tabletop games and its huge fanbase. Catan is the premier boardgame of our time. It truly is a modern classic and many of us let this quirky German boardgame into our lives in our twenties.

“Catan is both full of nostalgia and very current, with its central element of cooperative competition for the good of all and the stewardship of natural resources. Gaming Properties in the licensed footwear space are greatly underrepresented and we know there are a great many fans out there who look to express themselves with gaming-inspired footwear.”

 David Harris, creative director of Plainview, added: “When Lyndon first talked about adding a boardgame brand to our portfolio, I had one hope: please let it be Catan!

“Catan has a unique design language and within the fan community there are many in-jokes around trading, building and settling. Concept works are already on the way and we are looking forward to the day when we can show more.”

 Since its creation in 1995 by Klaus Teuber, Catan and its many expansions have sold more than 32 million games around the world. The game is published in more than 40 languages and is sold in more than 70 territories.

As the world’s pre-eminent boardgame, Catan is a global phenomenon that enjoys growing success as a lifestyle brand through Asmodee Entertainment’s strategic partnerships with carefully selected premium brand licensees. The collaboration with Plainview is one of several announced in recent months.

“We know how important Catan is for its fans. Trading, building and settling is an integral part of many of their social lives, be it through their regular gaming nights or through Catan tournaments. The game is a regular social anchor for many and with its elegant, nature-focused design elements it has already become a lifestyle brand,” said Alexander Thieme, licensing manager at Asmodee Entertainment.

“It is great to see Plainview coming on board as one of the first apparel licensees in the US, following Hot Topic.”

Poetic Brands signs FIFA for spring/summer apparel collection

The apparel licensee, Poetic Brands, has added the international governing body of football, FIFA, to its portfolio of brands with the launch of a new range of FIFA themed clothing. The range will capitalise on the body’s historical marques and logos, the kind of which have been recognised worldwide for more than 100 years.

The Poetic Brands collection will feature t-shirts, sweatshirts, and nightwear and will launch into the UK with retailers stocking ranges from spring/summer 2021.

Founded in 1904, FIFA is the umbrella organisation of its members, currently 211 national football associations. Its objectives include developing football around the world, staging international competitions, and ensuring that the game of football is available to all who wish to participate. 

The member associations of FIFA take part in the FIFA World Cup every four years, with the next edition taking place in 2022, providing a key selling point after the launch of the clothing line.

“Together with Poetic Brands, we’ll be bringing new energy to FIFA’s beloved historical emblems,” said FIFA head of licensing and retail, Sarah Bohner. “We look forward to helping fans relive and celebrate their favourite tournaments through unique, creative designs.”

Elliott Matthews, executive director of Poetic Brands, added: “We are really excited to be adding FIFA to our portfolio of properties. The brand is instantly recognisable not only to football fans, but to the vast majority of consumers. We are sure the collection will reach fans of the game throughout the UK and prove popular with supporters of all clubs.”

Zion Rootswear and Selfridges celebrate Black History Month with exclusive Bob Marley clothing collection

Zion Rootswear has partnered with Selfridges to launch an exclusive clothing collection inspired by the spirit and ethos of the reggae icon Bob Marley in celebration of UK Black History Month. The collaboration was brought together by Bravado, Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management company.

The range takes inspiration from Marley’s outspoken commitment to social justice and unity; a voice that the partnership underlines is still relevant today.

The collection is comprised of five t-shirts, two long sleeve t-shirts, three hoodies, a denim jacket, a pair of jeans, a cap and a beanie each featuring images of Marley, including a poignant picture of the artist-activist being stopped by the police, and his words: ‘Stand Up For Your Rights’, a slogan drawn from his iconic track ‘Get Up, Stand Up’.

Cedella Marley, daughter of Bob Marley, said: “Daddy’s message of love, courage and unity is so relevant right now. A moment in time that to this day seems unthinkable yet is so real. This collection is something special and to have it launch during Black History Month, makes it that bit more important to us, a perfect time to reiterate the essence of my father’s legacy.”

Grounded in his view that “if humankind failed to stand together, it would fail to stand at all”, Marley embedded his views into his music, a unique sound that shook the world, crossing cultural, racial and socio-economic borders, from the small island of Jamaica.

Daved Bridges, creative development and special projects manager, added: “Bob’s legacy extends far beyond his timeless music. We’re honoured to continue to play a part in delivering his message to the world through inspired, meaningful and stand-out ways.”

Italy’s dance-inspired lifestyle brand Dimensione Danza appoints Librex as its international licensing agent

The Italian dance-inspired lifestyle brand, Dimensione Danza , has appointed Librex Ltd as its international licensing agency, as the popular fashion name makes its move for the wider world of licensing in territories including Japan, Poland, Switzerland and key markets in Europe.

Fusing the style and energy that characterizes the art of dance and bringing it into women’s apparel collections across athleisure, dance, fashion, fitness and sport, Dimensione Danza is beginning to break into new markets with its first clothing line for infants and girls sold under the sub-brand Dimensione Danza Sisters.

Additional licensed categories currently include nightwear, underwear, hoisery bags, footwear, and stationery.

Librex’s managing director, Arvin Annia, said: “I am delighted to represent Dimensione Danza and build on the success that the brand has achieved to date. I have a longstanding relationship with the brand owner, A Moda S.p.A, a pioneer in the Italian apparel market.

“They know how to build brands in a meaningful and sustainable way. Their proven expertise in design, marketing and product makes them a really great licensor to represent. I look forward to working very closely with them in establishing an international licensing programme.”

Alessandro Bastagli established the Florence-based A. Moda S.p.A in July 1978 and took the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors, which he still holds today. A. Moda S.p.A. is a subsidiary of Gruppo Finalba S.r.l., a holding company that acquires corporate shares and deals in real-estate investments.

Specializing in clothing and accessories for men, women and children, with special emphasis on sportswear and activewear, A. Moda currently has a portfolio that includes both directly owned brands and those under licensing agreements. The brands produced and marketed by A. Moda over the years include famous names such as Gianni Versace, Gold’s Gym, Neil Pryde, Go Silk, Henry Lehr Jeans, Alpha Industries, Smith’s American, Momo Design, and Police.

Aware of the market’s demands, and working with world-famous in-house and outside designers, A. Moda consistently aims for innovation in styling and graphics, and constant research on materials and special treatments to satisfy the many and changing needs of an increasingly demanding consumer. 

The Pokémon Company grows European apparel portfolio with Erve Europe and Van Der Erve

The Pokémon Company International is expanding its European reach once more, having tapped Erve Europe/Van Der Erve, Europe’s licensed apparel and brands specialist, to develop kids and adult apparel for the German, Austrian and Swiss markets.

The new deal will see fashion powerhouse Erve Europe / Van Der Erve collaborate with Pokémon for a collection of kids’ and adult daywear, nightwear, and accessories, all of which is planned to launch at retail in 2021 across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Specialists in fashion-forward licensed apparel, Erve Europe / Van Der Erve are front runners in design, sourcing, and distribution of branded apparel and accessories in Europe. A preferred supplier of sustainable fashion to leading retailers, they work with department stores, fashion retailers, supermarkets, hypermarkets, discount chains, and resellers, creating bespoke items and collections on demand.

Mathieu Galante, licensing director EMEA for The Pokémon Company International, said: “We are delighted to be working with Erve Europe / Van Der Erve. Its vast experience from 35 years in the industry, exceptional quality, and sustainable practices make it the perfect partner to further grow Pokémon’s fashion presence in Germany, where – as across the whole of Europe – demand for Pokémon apparel and accessories continues to expand.”

Pokémon’s partnership with Erve Europe / Van Der Erve further strengthens its increasing status as a fashion icon and high-street staple. Its growing apparel offering now includes successful ranges at global giants such as Zara, H&M, Bershka, Pull&Bear, and Undiz, innovative collaborations with the likes of Adidas, UNIQLO, and Original Stich, plus capsule collections from leading fashion brands and designers including GCDS, Jeremy Scott, and Bobby Abley.

Creative Licensing brings Terminator 2: Judgement Day to high street fashion with French designer Etudes

Creative Licensing Corporation is bring the dystopian worlds of Terminator 2: Judgement Day and the French film La Planete Sauvage to the fashion aisles through a new partnership with the French fashion designer, Etudes.

Under the partnership, the fashion label will launch a men’s collection featuring designs inspired by Terminator 2: Judgement Day. The Autumn/Winter 2020-21 collection made its debut during Paris Fashion Week in January this year, and was lauded by the New York Times and Paris Vogue.

The collection will now be seen in stores worldwide, including in the UK’s Selfridges, from this autumn, bringing the classic movie and the pop culture following it has garnered over the years to the high street fashion space.

The collection also includes designs inspired by the French film, La Planete Sauvage. Together, the two films share a dystopian view of the world which Etudes has interpreted into menswear that includes heatmap prints, slick leather trenches with shades of grey and silver coated outerwear.

The range has been described as ‘robotic and psychedelic’ and follows Etudes own memory bank to deliver a ‘transcontinental discourse on 20th century science fiction and its intentions for nature and technology,’ according to Aurelien Arbet, creative director, Etudes.

“We are delighted to see this inspired take on the world famous T2. It confirms the timeless beauty of the film and its elements,” said Kim Penny, EVP, Creative Licensing.

The EtudesT2 Collection can be found here:  https://www.etudes-studio.com/collections/etudes-x-terminator-2

Terminator 2 is owned by STUDIOCANAL. Creative Licensing represents STUDIOCANAL and T2 for merchandise licensing. 

Poetic Brands tunes up new Fender apparel range

The licensed clothing specialist, Poetic Brands has tuned up a new European deal with the musical instrument manufacturer, Fender, to create a raft of new apparel lines for adults. The partnership arrives off the back of a trend for music properties within the consumer products space over the last few years.

The new range is set to launch this autumn/winter and will be led by nightwear, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tracksuits. The new signing expands Poetic Brands’ music portfolio which already includes the likes of AC/DC, Def Leppard, Pink Floyd, Woodstock, and MTV.

Established in 1946, Fender has a long history of revolutionising music and culture across all genres, from rock ‘n’ roll to country and western, jazz, and rhythm and blues. The brand name has become a cultural icon that rolls out Fender guitars, basses, and amps played by music lovers the world over.

Elliott Matthews, executive director of Poetic Brands, said: “Having Fender on board adds a new dimension to our music portfolio, with a global guitar brand to join our range of bands and artists. 

“Fender is a leading brand in the music sector and we are looking forward to leaning on its heritage and ethos to create an innovative on-trend collection. Music brands have been increasing in popularity recently, so we’re sure consumers will love this range.”