Moonbug Entertainment signs Poetic Brands for Blippi apparel range

Posted on 19th January 2021 by Sam Giltrow

Moonbug Entertainment has signed Poetic Brands to design an apparel range based on the kids’ entertainment sensation, Blippi. The move arrives as digital entertainment brands continue to gather momentum in the licensing space.

Blippi has connected with children globally through his show Blippi, where he takes them on fun play-dates, learning through playing and doing. Blippi is available in the UK on Virgin Media, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.

The children’s apparel range from Poetic Brands is set to include accessories, children’s daywear, outerwear and swimwear.

The aim of Blippi is to inspire and explore children’s curiosity with fun and educational activities. The playful character takes children on adventures in each 15-minute episode, presenting viewers with a range of subjects and facts.

Additionally, the wider consumer products programme for Blippi, managed throughout EMEA by brand licensing specialist The Point.1888, has begun with a toy range from Jazwares, featuring talking dolls, vehicles, role-play and outdoor toys. The property also features a monthly magazine from DJ Murphy.

Anne Bradford, Director, Poetic Brands, said: “Blippi is already an established kids’ phenomenon with over 15 billion views worldwide. There is no doubt that children are more than ready for Blippi to launch an apparel line and we are looking forward to discussing opportunities across retail.”

Becky Langer, senior commercial manager, soft goods at The Point.1888, added: “What better way for a child to express their adoration for a brand than to wear clothing emblazoned with its characters? Apparel was one of our priorities when devising Blippi’s brand licensing programme, and with Poetic Brands being an advocate of the use of sustainable fabrics, it was our first choice.”

Moonbug Entertainment signs Poetic Brands for Blippi apparel range

Posted on 19th January 2021 by Sam Giltrow

The children’s apparel range from Poetic Brands is set to include accessories, children’s daywear, outerwear and swimwear.

Kodak snaps up Rocket Licensing for UK, Eire, and European licensing programme

Posted on 18th January 2021 by Sam Giltrow

The iconic Kodak brand has snapped up Rocket Licensing as its licensing agency for the UK and Eire as well as Europe, as the firm begins to build a consumer products programme across the regions.

In its role – marking a new step for Rocket, an expert in character, entertainment, and publishing licensing – who will focus the campaign on a range of categories including apparel, accessories, stationery (including arts and crafts), publishing, games and puzzles, and collaborations.

The team will target a primarily adult and millennial audience and is looking to place product principally in fashion and mid-tier retail.

Kodak is a 130 year-old company, which is known worldwide by its instantly recognisable red and yellow logo, which has evolved over the years. The company offers an extensive library of classic and modern logos, branding and advertising, which is ideal for developing into exciting, impactful and desirable licensed collections.

To date, Kodak has created far reaching collaborations with A list celebrities, Lulu Guinness and Cara Delavigne, leading designer, Lama Jouni, and key retailer, Forever 21, among others. Rocket will be building on these solid foundations with best in class partners to create on-trend, appealing consumer products and campaigns.

Rob Wijeratna, joint MD, Rocket Licensing, said: “We’re really looking forward to the opportunity to build the Kodak brand in the UK and extend it throughout Europe. Kodak is an iconic brand, known worldwide and offers a wealth of fantastic creative assets to build exciting new collections.”

Clara Fort, Kodak VP global brand licensing, added: “Collaborating with an award-winning partner like Rocket Licensing is an important opportunity for Kodak. The combined strengths of the iconic Kodak brand and Rocket’s creativity and experience will help us bring exciting products and collections to consumers across the UK and Europe.”

Peanuts Worldwide teams with PUMA for footwear, apparel, and accessories

Posted on 18th January 2021 by Sam Giltrow

Peanuts Worldwide is teaming with the sports company PUMA for the launch of a new line of footwear, apparel, and accessories aimed at kids and adults, all featuring the classic characters from creator Charles M. Schulz.

In a deal that has been brokered by WildBrain CPLG’s German team, the PUMA x Peanuts adult offering will witness the launch of classic PUMA styles adorned with members of the Peanuts gang, including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Woodstock in basketball inspired scenes.

The clothing will bring a collection of tees, hoodies, and sweatpants for both men and women. The footwear includes the Future Rider and classic basketball style, the Ralph Sampson. Rounding out the adult items in the range are beanies and a backpack.

Meanwhile, the kids’ Peanuts collection encompasses visuals of the characters playing sports including baseball, football and more. In a variety of items for girls and boys, the collection features hats, backpacks, and classic T7 track suits. Key PUMA footwear styles including the Mirage Mox and Ralph Sampson will also be available in junior, preschool, and infant sizing.

Tara Botwick, senior director, territory management EMEA for Peanuts Worldwide, said: “The PUMA x Peanuts collaboration brings together two iconic and internationally loved brands. We’re confident both kids and adults will love the sportswear and accessories that mix PUMA’s distinctive styles with eye-catching Peanuts art in a line full of character, imagination and nostalgia.”

The PUMA x Peanuts collection is now available at PUMA.com and at PUMA stores and select retailers.

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

Posted on 14th January 2021 by Sam Giltrow

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

LEGO teams with Hype to launch LEGO Ninjago apparel collection

Posted on 11th January 2021 by Sam Giltrow

LEGO has partnered with HYPE to launch a new apparel collection themed around the Danish toy maker’s hit global franchise, LEGO Ninjago. The 28-piece collection feature t-shirts, shirts, shorts, hoodies, joggers, jackets, and bags. The range is available from JustHype.com and LEGO.com this week.

The new collection illustrates some of the most memorable moments and characters from the LEGO Ninjago franchise’s successful TV series, its building sets, as well as Japanese and Chinese myths and culture.

LEGO Ninjago’s 2020 TV series witnessed the Ninja enter the new realm of The Prime Empire, an urban and futuristic city that has formed the basis of the inspiration for the Hype partnership. The fashion line will feature mesh panelling, embroidery, on-trend chunky taping, branded neck ribs, and over-sized graphics.

Featuring over-sized silhouettes in the LEGO Ninjago’s iconic colour palette of yellow, deep red, and monochrome, with the placement of the secret LEGO Ninjago language spelling out ‘JUST HYPE’ throughout the collection, each individual tee showcases prints of fan-favourite LEGO Ninjago characters.

British textile brand Emily Burningham lands nightwear deal with Japan’s Wacoal

Posted on 8th January 2021 by Sam Giltrow

The British textile brand, Emily Burningham, has struck a new deal with the Japanese manufacturer Wacoal to launch a new collection of nightwear products across the region.

The programme – developed in conjunction with the licensing agency Cosmo Merchandising – adds to an existing range of ceramics, textiles, and stationery products that is already available across Japan.

Cosmo Merchandising has been working in Japan to develop a licensing programme for the Emily Burningham brand, signing partners across a wealth of categories.

The new nightwear collection has already been well received, especially in the Department Store sector, with elegant displays featuring at the Isetan Group store in Tokyo.

“We are very excited about the opportunities that this new development can help to create both in Japan and here in the UK,” said Shaun Kelly, brand consultant at Cosmo Merchandising.

The Emily Burningham studio aims to create sophisticated print designs. In the UK, the studio manufactures a range of wallpaper and textiles for soft furnishings and light upholstery.

“I am delighted to have Wacoal as a new partner in Japan,” said Burningham. “The quality of this collection is very high and I am sure it will appeal to the discerning Japanese consumer.”

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

Posted on 4th January 2021 by Sam Giltrow

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

Posted on 22nd December 2020 by Sam Giltrow

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.