Tag Archives: footwear

UFG and Paul Frank announce footwear licensing agreement

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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.

 

Unlimited Footwear Group and Gap announce licensing agreement

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Unlimited Footwear Group (UFG) has announced a strategic licensing partnership with Gap Inc. to design, produce, and distribute Gap branded footwear throughout the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Scandinavia, in a deal brokered by IMG.

The upcoming footwear collections will reflect Gap’s values of producing elevated, well-made and responsibly produced products through iconic casual styles that are clean, confident and accessible. The first Gap footwear collection by UFG for men, women and kids is scheduled to launch in spring/summer 2023.

“We are thrilled to add Gap to our licensing portfolio and we look forward to working closely with the Gap team on many footwear collections to come. We are committed to leveraging our 30-plus years of experience in the footwear industry to continue to grow the Gap brand awareness and international reach,” says Bart van Helvoirt, CEO Unlimited Footwear Group.

“Partnering with licensees such as Unlimited Footwear Group gives us the opportunity to amplify our strong, globally relevant brand and extend its reach to customers around the world,” says Adrienne Gernand, Managing Director of International, Global Licensing and Wholesale at Gap Inc. “Through these licensing partnerships, we are able to grow our non-apparel categories and establish Gap as a lifestyle brand that delivers style for all stages in our customers’ lives.”

In partnership with Gap, UFG’s The Heritage Footwear Company division in Utrecht, part of Unlimited Footwear Group, will manage the Gap Footwear collections. 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 Gap team will operate from Utrecht, the Netherlands, through UFG´s The Heritage Footwear Company division.

 

TOMS and Peppa Pig team up for kids’ shoes capsule collection

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Hasbro has unveiled three new kids’ shoes through its TOMS x Peppa Pig collaboration, which are available now for purchase at footwear retail speciality channels and online at https://www.toms.com/us/kids/shoes. Every shoe purchase gives back one-third of profits to efforts around the world that are creating positive change.

Nodding to the kid-favourite Peppa Pig series, the playful TOMS x Peppa Pig capsule collection evokes classic fun with design details inspired by the joy and adventure of Peppa Pig and friends through optimistic sun daisy prints and chambray details.

In Tiny and Youth sizes, the TOMS classic kids’ Alpargata shoe is given a tiny daisy embellishment and a print inspired by the world’s cheekiest little pig. In Tiny sizes, the shoemaker’s classic Cordones Cupsole sneaker takes a cute twist with a print inspired by the much-loved TV character. Prices start at US$ 34.95.

Indie trainer label Lavair teams with SEGA to launch Mega Drive themed footwear and accessories

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The independent trainer label, Lavair has detailed the launch of a limited edition Mega Drive-themed sneaker series developed in partnership with the gaming company, SEGA.

The new offering – spanning a four-piece collection – will be available to purchase from July 28th exclusively online at the Lavair website.

The range will feature two styles; the retro-hued Exo SEGA Mega Drive Analog, and the more understated Exo SEGA Mega Drive Mono and each will arrive with matching caps. The trainers will retail at £200 while the caps will sell at £50 each.

The Mega Drive console (named Genesis in the USA), originally debuted in Japan in 1988, and took the world by storm in the subsequent years.

The Exo SEGA Mega Drive flaunts technical aesthetics with a full thermoplastic polyurethane eye-stay and weather resistant toe guard and draped in a hi-tensile nylon upper. Exo sits on top of a streetwear-inspired outsole, combined with outdoor trekker detailing for optimal comfort underneath the brands’ signature, lighter-than-air sole.

“The designs Lavair has come up with for their Mega Drive themed collection really capture the timeless appeal of this iconic brand,” said Jason Rice, brand licensing director at SEGA Europe. “We can’t wait to hear what SEGA fans and trainer aficionados alike, think of the collaboration.”

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.”

Pocket.watch and Ryan’s World steps into new partnership with footwear brand Skechers

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Ryan’s World is making its foray into the footwear market thanks to a new partnership between Pocket.watch and Sunlight Entertainment that will see the kids’ franchise step into a new Skechers deal.

Co-branded Sketchers x Ryan’s World, the new collection is a collaborative effort between Ryan and the Skechers Kids design team and will launch in the United States this July. It will mark the first time that a major shoe brand has partnered with a kid influencer brand.

“At pocket.watch, our mission is to bring kids more of what they love,” said Kerry Tucker, chief marketing officer, pocket.watch. “This first of its kind collaboration between Ryan’s World and Skechers introduces footwear to the Ryan’s World franchise and gives kids the incredible opportunity to wear two of their favorite brands at once. Our collaboration with Skechers further demonstrates the massive appeal of the Ryan’s World brand, and its evolution from YouTube channel to pop culture phenomenon.”

Jeremy Saul, managing director of global licensing and strategic partnerships for Skechers, added: “Skechers has a long history of creating footwear that kids love to wear, and we believe our Skechers x Ryan’s World collection will resonate with Ryan’s fan base. Ryan is creative, fun, energetic – everything Skechers is for kids – it’s a perfect fit.”

“I’m excited to share these shoes with my fans,” said nine-year-old Ryan Kaji, who collaborated with Skechers on the collection. “It was fun to design the sneakers, and I can’t wait to show them off soon.”

Since its 2015 launch, Ryan’s World has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most successful kids’ franchises. The YouTube channels feature fun and easy science experiments, educational content, animated adventures, imaginative toy play, and videos that document daily life for the family of five, which includes Ryan’s younger twin sisters.

Ryan’s World also includes content distributed via streaming platforms, mobile and console games, Roblox and more. Ryan’s World consumer products span every category and are sold all over the world. Ryan’s World even has a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Crayola partners with Native Shoes to launch bold new range of designs

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Crayola has launched a new collaboration with the footwear brand, Native Shoes, to celebrate a shared creativity through the launch of a range of new designs featuring the bold colours of the arts and crafts brand.

The Jefferson, Jefferson Child, Spencer LX, and Charley sandals have each been reimagined with a bright, abstract scribble print, mimicking the effect of classic Crayola markers. An additional four-scribble print sees the Jefferson Child sandal emblazoned with different colour scribbles on each side.

A range has also been launched for those looking to make a bolder statement, with a vivid ombre block print available in nostalgic shades of Sunny Side Up Yellow, and Navy Niblet Blue applied to the sandals collection.

As with all Native Shoes, the 11 styles in the Crayola collaboration are designed to tread lightly on the planet. Fully recyclable through the Native Shoes Remix Project, the shoes can be shipped back free-of-charge once outgrown, to be transformed into colorful playgrounds for local communities in Native Shoes’ hometown of Vancouver, Canada.

Kyle Housman, CEO of Native Shoes, said: “As a brand, Native Shoes is all about making it easy for all to Live Lightly. We celebrate the happy moments, bold colors and light footprints which make our world a better place. With its bright colors and boundless inspiration, Crayola is a natural partner, and we’re so excited to work with them on this collaboration.”

Warren Schorr, vice president of business development and global licensing, Crayola, added: “Crayola strives to help parents and educators raise creatively-alive kids. We are thrilled to partner with Native Shoes, another mission-driven brand, to inspire kids and adults to step up each day with eye-catching, bold footwear.”

Braille Skateboarding launches its first skate shoe with R&R Footwear

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YouTube’s leading skateboarding channel, Braille Skateboarding, has partnered with R&R Footwear to launch a new skate shoe, marking yet another brand extension for the brand that has made its move on the lifestyle and toy licensing sectors in recent months.

In a deal brokered by Semaphore Licensing Solutions, Braille Skateboarding has been working closely with R&R to develop a skate shoe that will offer skaters comfort, support, quality, and style. The shoe’s footbed has been developed to provide the wearer with a level of comfort and support while allowing them to maintain a good level of board feel.

Available in three classic color ways, black with a white sole, black with a honey sole, and grey with a white sole, the collection (available in adult men’s sizes only) will be rolled out to the US and UK in early summer. Braille Skateboarding founder, Aaron Kyro will be autographing the shoe boxes of the first 1,000 pre-orders.

“This footwear launch symbolizes Aaron’s devotion to developing the best products for skateboarders of all experience levels. As a hobby turned official Olympic Sport, skateboarding as a category has rolled into the spotlight. We couldn’t be more excited for both Aaron and Braille as we help execute their mission to get the entire world skateboarding,” said Michael Bienstock, founder and CEO, Semaphore Licensing Solutions.

Nick Smith, head of sales and marketing, R&R Footwear, added: “R&R Footwear develops and manufactures high-quality footwear for a range of global brands. Braille’s commitment to design, develop and deliver a high-performing skate shoe has been equivalent to what we see from professional footwear teams from around the World and we’re delighted to see Braille’s dreams of creating their own range of skate shoes become a reality.

“The future looks incredible bright for Braille Skateboarding and we’re proud to be a part of their journey.”

Sanrio expands its Dr Marten’s partnership to introduce Hello Kitty and Friends to latest range

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Dr Martens has expanded on its collaborative partnership with Sanrio’s Hello Kitty brand for a new collection that introduces the extended Hello Kitty and Friends character line-up to the footwear specialist for the first time.

Under the deal, characters like Bad Badtz-Maru, My Melody, and Kerokerokeroppi now find themselves adorning classic DM lines, including its 1460 boot and popular Jadon boot ranges.

Boasting highly-detailed designs, the partnerships has been described as a ‘clash of colour’ as the Hello Kitty and Friends cast join an amped boot range, with details stretching to red and white laces and even the three-colour puritan stitch of the DM boot now in Teal, Yellow, and Pink.

The Jadon boot in particular features an evolution of DM’s favoured eight-eye silhouette, built on a stacked Quad platform sole. The Hello Kitty Jadon is fitted with colourful upper stitching, four different colour eyelets, and Sanrio motifs, as well as a side zip with a Hello Kitty red bow zip pull.

Completing the adult collection is Dr Marten’s Original three-eye shoe, the 1461, detailed with an all-over print featuring characters from the Hello Kitty and Friends family. The shoes have heart-shaped eyelets and a heart key chain, and come with two sets of laces.

In the same print is a kids’ 1460 boot, printed all over with characters from the Hello Kitty and Friends family, and kitted out  with a Hello Kitty bow on the zip and lace charm. Marked with yellow stitching and an AirWair heel loop, they come with heart shaped eyelets and two matching pairs of laces in red and black. 

Zavvi partners footwear brand Akedo to launch Borderlands 3 and Assassin’s Creed trainers

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The UK online retailer, Zavvi has teamed up with the footwear brand Akedo to launch a new limited edition gaming collection celebrating two of the biggest gaming franchises in the world, Borderlands 3 and Assassin’s Creed.

The new collection will consist of two high-top trainer designs featuring numerous motifs from the games covering one side of the sneaker, with the other side featuring their iconic logos.

The Borderlands 3 trainers will include eye-catching white logos on a black base, while the unique Assassin’s Creed Valhalla signature high-tops will feature a striking blue and white design, inspired by the action–adventure game.

Each pair of trainers are handmade and customised for every order, featuring classic lace-up fastening, a rubber toe cap and high–top silhouette.

The launch follows previous limited-edition Zavvi x Akedo footwear collections, including Wonder Woman, The Goonies and Jaws. The range will be available from 12pm on 29th January 2021, exclusive to Zavvi.com.