The iconic Betty Boop character will be getting a bit of a makeover at age 90, as Fleischer Studios announced this week that Global Icons will be its new worldwide exclusive licensing agent for the Studios’ beloved slate of classic characters. Betty Boop was created in 1930 by Max Fleisher for his Talkartoons series of cartoons, which premiered in 1930 as the first animated ‘talkies’ that his company produced for Paramount Studios. The character, inspired by jazz age artists of the 1920s, starred in more than 100 cartoons and was originally voiced by Mae Questel, but remains popular and has been licensed for thousands of products over the years. Fleischer Studios says it is now looking to expand the opportunities for its properties in creative new ways, and has engaged Global… . . . read more
Poetic Brands Gets Artsy With Britain’s National Gallery
In response to a growing interest in art in the licensed fashion sector, specialist apparel licensee Poetic Brands has teamed up with Britain’s National Gallery, which houses one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world, to create a range of adult apparel and accessories based on its impressive and extensive artworks. The collection will incorporate a wide range of products including adult daywear apparel and outerwear, swimwear, flip flops, beach bags and towels, adult nightwear and essentials, and accessories including caps and luggage. The National Gallery in London, England, was founded in 1824 and houses more than 2,600 paintings from the late 13th to the early 20th century in Trafalgar Square. With one of the greatest collections of art in the world, the Gallery displays many world-famous works,… . . . read more
Gucci and The North Face Go Hiking In Style
You don’t usually equate Gucci with camping, but the luxury brand is going outdoors in a big way this year, partnering with adventure wear company The North Face. Consumers have headed to the great outdoors in droves this year, thanks to lockdowns and physical distancing measures, so Gucci figured, if you’re going out hiking, you might as well look fabulous doing it! The luxury brand has teamed up with The North Face on a new collaboration which aims to celebrate the ‘spirit of exploration’, with a collection that launched on Jan. 4. “This special cross-category of collection for men and women comprises ready-to-wear soft accessories, luggage and shoes, as well as some unexpected pieces linked to the outdoor world of The North Face, such as tents and sleeping bags,” says… . . . read more
Bad Boys Ride Together, Die Together, and License Merch Together
Is it really possible that it’s only now, 25 years after the first Bad Boys movie dropped, that one can actually buy Bad Boys’ merch? Apparently so, and shoppers have only the week before Christmas to get their hands on the Will Smith/Martin Lawrence-themed clothing line at an online pop-up shop, the badboysmoviestore.com. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the first Bad Boys flick, the action-comedy franchise released a clothing capsule just in time for the holidays. The nine-piece collection includes T-shirts, pullover hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts, and a couple of accessories, most of which are presented in monochromatic colors. The imagery in the collection reflects the original 1995 film as well as the 2003 and 2020 sequels. You’ll see screen-printed quotes and photos of the film’s two main protagonists—Mike Lowrey and Marcus… . . . read more
Deal Summary: Spread Group, Emoji Co., Lucasfilm, League of Legends
Another week, another slate of great deals in our industry, as we lead our coverage today with expansion of an existing agreement with Warner Bros. and Spread Group. Spread Group Expands Warner Bros. Collaboration Beyond Europe Spread Group – formerly known as Spreadshirt – has worked with Warner Bros. in Europe since 2012, developing more than 1,700 designs for the entertainment giant’s many popular brands and characters, and distributing in Germany, France, The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. The company has notched impressive sales in the Eurozone, and now Warner Bros. is expanding that relationship to allow Spread Group to bring 14 key brands like DC and Harry Potter to new markets in North America, the UK, and Australia. The company expects to release more than 1,000 SKUs for these… . . . read more
Licensed Back-to-School Sales Expected to Rise 2.0% in 2020
Licensed back-to-school sales are expected to climb to $9.6 billion in the U.S. and Canada, according to The Licensing Letter’s estimates. With licensed retail sales up 2.0%, or $188 million, the back-to-school season is expected to help bolster recovery…
Face Masks, Other Protective Wearables Set to Boost Licensed Accessories Sales by Over $500 Million in 2020
The Licensing Letter estimates that cloth face masks, neck gaiters, scarves, bandanas, and other “protective wearables” will boost retail sales of licensed accessories by anywhere between $500 million and $750 million in 2020 within the U.S.…
Fashion Brand-based Growth Led by Accessories; Bags, Headwear Big Winners of 2018
Retail sales of licensed fashion brand-based merchandise grew 1.6% in 2018 in the U.S. and Canada to reach $22.1 billion, according to The Licensing Letter’s Annual Licensing Business Survey. Of that growth, 41% came from licensed accessories…
Celeb Watch: Lifestyle, Fitness & Fashion
The latest on Jane Fonda; Cindy Crawford, LeBron James, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Lindsey Vonn; Amy Schumer and Leesa Evans; Jessica Simpson; and more…
Legal Watch: Sporting Goods & Apparel; Toys & Games
Sports lifestyle brands Adidas, Crossfit, Reebok, Nike, and Under Armour made news this week; plus, a look back on TRU and eOne wins in China…