Miffy partners with BYBORRE for knitwear and accessories collection

Miffy – the iconic bunny character created by graphic artist Dick Bruna – is launching  a new limited-edition, responsibly sourced men’s knitwear and accessories range.

The collection has been created by BYBORRE, a Dutch textile innovation company committed to democratizing the textile industry by offering transparency, reliability and freedom in textile creation.

To achieve this, BYBORRE uses its award-winning software platform Create™ to allow the design, sampling and production of textiles all in one place in the company’s Amsterdam-based knitlab, or via its transparent ecosystem of suppliers. This approach means less waste and more design freedom for the company and the creators with which it collaborates.

Dick Bruna’s illustrative style – recognised worldwide – captures the essence of a character or story with just a few lines and a small range of colours.

BYBORRE has mirrored this style, producing a capsule collection of refined menswear where the simple designs play with the scale of Bruna’s artwork; some garments feature large-scale linework, others feature smaller repeat patterns, some just feature subtle imprints of Miffy’s iconic silhouette. The palette of colours, like Bruna’s, is limited.

The collection spans men’s staples such as a suit jacket, trousers and button tee, as well as key pieces that have featured in previous BYBORRE limited edition ranges but have evolved here – including an open-back vest, layer shirt and an A-type jacket.

The range also includes lifestyle accessories comprising a versatile everyday bag, a large woven blanket, a FIDLOCK equipped Keycord and a classic 5-Panel cap.

Marja Kerkhof, MD of Mercis, which manages the Miffy brand, says: “The new BYBORRE collection is an important step in the evolution of our global collections for the Miffy brand. Not only is the range responsibly produced – something we want more of our licensees to consider – but it also showcases Miffy’s design kudos and unisex appeal, together with the creative flexibility Dick Bruna’s work offers.”

Borre Akkersdijk, CCO of BYBORRE, adds: “It has been a privilege to pay homage to Dick Bruna’s art in our 10th Limited Edition. We hope it will inspire creators worldwide ‘to be part of something bigger’ by creating consciously bespoke textiles that don’t impact the planet.”

The Miffy BYBORRE limited edition range is now available from Selfridges in the UK and www.byborre.com

Intimissimi Uomo launches Popeye collection

Intimissimi Uomo, a leading menswear brand focused on underwear, easywear, nightwear and beachwear within the Italian fashion collective Calzedonia Group, has created a complete Spring/Summer 2022 collection inspired by King Features’ iconic characters, Popeye the Sailor Man and Olive Oyl.

The collection incorporates Popeye’s trademark nautical style across a full range of apparel: underwear, cropped pajamas, t-shirts, matching socks and swimwear.

The designs feature retro-inspired prints and stylings influenced by the iconic Popeye and his girlfriend Olive Oyl. Premium Licensing, King Features’ Italian agent, brokered the deal.

“Popeye has always been appreciated by men who relate to his masculine persona yet also enjoy his playfulness,” says Grazia Bussandri of Premium Licensing. “This particular collection by Intimissimi Uomo has been very well conceived, with refined retro graphics that will surely be appreciated by his fans. We are proud of this collaboration with Calzedonia Group. They are an important Group in International fashion, with strategically placed stores and great-quality products.”

“The line is engaging and fresh,” adds Carla Silva, VP/GM, global head of licensing, King Features, “and the sophisticated designs starring Popeye and Olive Oyl enrich the garments’ appeal among the style-savvy.

“We’re pleased to have Intimissimi Uomo on board to develop apparel that captures the brand’s essence and aligns with the long-term vision of the franchise. This impressive collection, supported by a strong marketing campaign and retail activations across multiple touchpoints, will surely give this collaboration great international attention and visibility.”

The Popeye products by Intimissimi Uomo are now available at Intimissimi/Intimissimi Uomo stores and e-commerce sites around the world. The launch line will be supported across social media with photos and videos, and the Intimissimi Uomo flagship stores will create window displays dedicated to the Popeye collection.

 

Menswear brand Larusmiani launches Pink Panther collection

Luxury gentleman’s brand Larusmiani and MGM have collaborated on a limited-capsule collection inspired by the Pink Panther.

Marking the Italian menswear brand’s first ever character collaboration in its nearly 100-year history, the range makes use of the new Pink Panther Pink Pantone colour, and embodies all the joie de vivre and sophistication of the iconic character as interpreted by Larusmiani.

The line with Larusmiani marks MGM’s first foray into men’s luxury goods, with the licensing team having plans to further expand in the category in the future.

The apparel within the collection is enhanced with embroidered or printed images of the Pink Panther and his distinguishing features, while on the classic Gentlemen’s Essentials, they are hand-painted or engraved. Featured items in the collection include a cashmere crew neck sweater, baseball cap, boxer shorts, a velvet silk robe, manicure set, card holder, shoehorn and watch case.

The collection is available at the Larusmiani boutiques in Milan, Porto Cervo (next spring/summer), St. Barths (next spring/summer), and online (at www.larusmiani.it).

To support the launch of the collection, The Milan boutique will feature special signage and décor in the store and a display of the line in the store windows.

Robert Marick, MGM Executive Vice President of Global Consumer Products and Experiences, says: “Larusmiani  is known for its stylish and sophisticated lines for gentlemen, making the collaboration a perfect fit for Pink Panther. We are sure that fans of both will appreciate the craftmanship and seeing these two beloved icons come together.”

MGM’s iconic character Pink Panther started life in the front and end credits of the legendary detective series of the same name more than 50 years ago. Its popularity spawned TV series, specials, comics and merchandise and remains an icon of the era. Pink Panther continues to be discovered by new generations and remains one of MGMs best-known franchises.