TLL Staff The leading fashion house Armani has appointed luxury veteran and longtime manager Giuseppe Marsocci as its new CEO. Marsocci was appointed to the position following the death of founder Georgio Armani last month at the age of 91. Marsocci has been with the Armani group, serving in various senior management roles for 23 years. He takes the wheel at a critical time … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Armani Names Giuseppe Marsocci As New CEO
Europe
Arthur Conan Doyle Estate Names Renaissance as North American Licensing Rep
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In licensing terms, as Sherlock Holmes might say, the game is afoot, as the Estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has appointed Renaissance Licensing as its exclusive licensing representative for North America. Under the new partnership, Renaissance Licensing will become the Watson to Conan Doyle's famed detective character Sherlock Holmes, as … [Read more...] about Arthur Conan Doyle Estate Names Renaissance as North American Licensing Rep
Yu-Gi-Oh! Secures New Licensees Across Europe
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Konami Cross Media NY has secured a series of new licensing deals for the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise across the European market. The new licensing partners for the franchise include Forbidden Planet, Fine Chaos, Clementoni, Finesse Skateboards, Gatherers’ Tavern, Hiya Toys and Pernigotti. Spanning multiple categories, the new licensees will begin … [Read more...] about Yu-Gi-Oh! Secures New Licensees Across Europe
Spielwarenmesse: AI and Mindfulness the Top Toy Trends of 2026
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The future of play will be shaped by both artificial intelligence and an appetite for unplugged creativity, according to the international TrendCommittee of Spielwarenmesse. The committee has just announced its two major ToyTrends for 2026, which it describes as “AI Loves (to) Play” and “Creative Mindfulness.” Drawing on their decades of … [Read more...] about Spielwarenmesse: AI and Mindfulness the Top Toy Trends of 2026
Opinion: AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Raises the Stakes for Human Actors
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief For an actor that has appeared for just seconds in a short online video, Tilly Norwood has created an awful lot of controversy. It's got nothing to do with her acting, and everything to do with the fact Tilly Norwood isn't human. In fact, other than some lines of code, Tilly Norwood doesn't actually exist. Instead, Norwood is simply a … [Read more...] about Opinion: AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Raises the Stakes for Human Actors
Sweet Nostalgia Meets ‘Wild’ Sustainability in New Swizzels Collaboration
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Blonde Sheep Licensing just announced the launch of a new collaboration between Swizzels and Wild, the sustainable personal care company. Swizzels, of course, is the British confectionery brand that came up with Squashies, Drumstick, Refreshers, and Love Hearts. The latter was a big favorite in my childhood; the candy you gave to … [Read more...] about Sweet Nostalgia Meets ‘Wild’ Sustainability in New Swizzels Collaboration
Wall’s Levels Up the Freezer Aisle with Minecraft Ice Cream
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Wall’s has teamed up with Minecraft, the world’s bestselling video game, to launch a limited-edition ice cream aimed squarely at gaming enthusiasts. The partnership taps into a vast and highly engaged audience, with more than three billion people worldwide playing online games and 80% of them regularly snacking or drinking while … [Read more...] about Wall’s Levels Up the Freezer Aisle with Minecraft Ice Cream
Laura Ashley Marks 100 Years With Global Campaign
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Marquee Brands is launching a year-long celebration to honor the centenary of pioneering British designer Laura Ashley. Ashley, born in 1925, is the designer who built one of Britain’s most recognizable lifestyle brands. The current brand owner, Marquee, is now honoring Ashley's legacy with a year-long campaign. The campaign, titled Laura … [Read more...] about Laura Ashley Marks 100 Years With Global Campaign
Pokémon Marks 30 Years With Pop-Up Shop at Natural History Museum
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Pokémon fans who want to 'catch 'em all' should head to London's Natural History Museum next year, site of an innovative pop-up shop. As Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, fans in the United Kingdom will get the chance to explore a unique collaboration with one of the city’s most iconic institutions. The Natural History Museum … [Read more...] about Pokémon Marks 30 Years With Pop-Up Shop at Natural History Museum
See Who Won at This Year’s Licensing Awards
Article Submitted The winners of this year’s Licensing Awards were crowned on Tuesday, September 16, in a glittering ceremony, with over 1,200 industry executives filling The Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel for an evening of celebration. The event opened with Jakki Brown, managing director at Max Publishing (which owns and organises The Licensing Awards), … [Read more...] about See Who Won at This Year’s Licensing Awards