The Licensing Letter

Accessories

Hermès & Apple Team Up for Next Gen of Apple Watch

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. The Apple Watch is getting a makeover for its one-year anniversary in the form of new fashion accessories the most spectacular of which will be designed by Hermès. The Apple Watch Hermès, which goes on sale in October, will have the same body and dimensions as before. But the ugly duckling face will be replaced by a fashion swan, namely three signature … [Read more...] about Hermès & Apple Team Up for Next Gen of Apple Watch

Saban Gives Paul Frank Fashion Revamp

By Marcy Magiera Saban Brands Lifestyle Group is repositioning its Paul Frank Kids label as fashion rather than an entertainment character brand and taking in-house control of design, marketing and manufacturing. "Retailers get the cost savings by buying direct because we are doing our own sourcing and designing from our creative base in Sydney, Australia," Daniel Castle, … [Read more...] about Saban Gives Paul Frank Fashion Revamp

Olsen Twins Bring Secondary Fashion Label In-House

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Although the "overworked intern" lawsuit is getting all the headlines*, the business move the Olsen twins just made may be a lot more significant in the long-term. Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen have decided to bring their Elizabeth & James fashion brand in-house. The Olsens launched Elizabeth & James in 2007 as a contemporary spinoff of "The Row," … [Read more...] about Olsen Twins Bring Secondary Fashion Label In-House

New Era/MLB Player Embroidery Deal

The Major League Baseball Players Association extended its licensing agreement with Lids Sports Group granting the retailer rights to embroider the names, numbers and autographs (EmbroidiGraph) of MLB players on not only New Era MLB-licensed caps but also officially licensed t-shirts and jerseys. Lids currently operates 936 headwear specialty stores, 151 sports fan retail … [Read more...] about New Era/MLB Player Embroidery Deal

Jockey Jumps Into Stores

Having long ago made the leap from underwear to socks, Jockey International is now ready to move into shoes via its new licensing deal with The Eastman Group. Athleisure is the focus of the new line, which will include slippers, flip-flops, and casual shoe styles for men and women. Those shoes will use advanced materials to regulate temperature, cooling in warm weather and … [Read more...] about Jockey Jumps Into Stores

Branding, Island Style

Two brands that embrace a beach lifestyle, Tommy Bahama and Maui Jim, are summering together. Maui Jim polarized sunglasses will be sold at all Tommy Bahama stores and online, marking the first time that Tommy Bahama will sell a branded product other than its own. … [Read more...] about Branding, Island Style

Klum Speads Color From Down Under

Heidi Klum is ready to import her colorful line of men’s underwear, HK Man, to the U.S., she told WWD in a recent interview. HK Man was launched in Australia and New Zealand and is currently available in the U.S. online via www.heidiklumintimates.com. The site also teases a pending expansion of Klum’s lingerie brands to Europe. Bendon manufactures HK Man, as well as Heidi Klum … [Read more...] about Klum Speads Color From Down Under

Branded Baubles a Growth Area in Fashion Licensing

They're cute, they're furry, and they're branded with the name of a famous fashion designer. But, c'mon, $850 for a keychain?! That's how much you have to shell out for one of those hot Fendi Bag Bugs—assuming, that is, your name even gets called from the long waiting list of would-be purchasers. The Fendi Bag Bug is just the poster child of the luxury tchotchke, or … [Read more...] about Branded Baubles a Growth Area in Fashion Licensing

Fifty Shades of Green

Lingerie company Bluebella had never done a licensing deal before deciding to make a pitch for Fifty Shades of Grey lingerie. They got the license and created two lines: The F&F featuring soft pinks and silk trims for the mainstream play on the conventional love story part of the plot; The bondage-inspired Black Label line pick up on the story’s kinky side. Both … [Read more...] about Fifty Shades of Green