The Licensing Letter

Eyewear

From Hollywood to TikTok: Bob Mackie’s Timeless Designs Earn a New Legion of Fans

Read On To See How You Can Connect With Bob Mackie COO Marc Schwartz at Licensing Expo By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Queen of Rock’n’Roll Tina Turner passed away in late May, leaving so many of us with fond memories of her unforgettable concerts. For me, it was a night at the legendary Commodore in Vancouver, Canada, where Turner just blew the roof off. But … [Read more...] about From Hollywood to TikTok: Bob Mackie’s Timeless Designs Earn a New Legion of Fans

Music Licensing: The Webster To Host Licensed Elton John Pop-Up Installation

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Elton John and Bravado have announced an LA-based experiential licensing takeover headlined with a pop-up installation at the multi-brand retailer, The Webster. The licensing experience was managed on behalf of Elton John by Bravado, Universal Music Group's merchandise and brand management company. The installation details at the … [Read more...] about Music Licensing: The Webster To Host Licensed Elton John Pop-Up Installation

GAP Partners on New Lines for Eyewear, Home Products

The fashion outlet Gap has announced two major new partnerships for branded eyewear and kids' home products. The eyewear deal sees Gap partnering with the global eyewear company De Rigo, launching their first collection of Gap-branded sunglasses and optical glasses. "As a champion of individuality, Gap embodies a sense of modern American optimism that celebrates what it means … [Read more...] about GAP Partners on New Lines for Eyewear, Home Products

Celebrity Licensing: Elton John’s Licensed Eyewear Launching at Sam’s Club and Walmart

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief When you think about it, it's hard to believe it's taken this long to see eyewear on the market from the legendary pop star Elton John. But, while it may have been a long Yellow Brick Road to get here, the Rocketman himself has now released a new line of eyewear, launching exclusively at Sam's Club and Walmart stores. John says he … [Read more...] about Celebrity Licensing: Elton John’s Licensed Eyewear Launching at Sam’s Club and Walmart

Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Put the ‘Face’ Into Facebook

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Facebook is getting into the smart glasses business in a big way, partnering with the premiere shades company Ray-Ban to release a line called Stories. The release of the stylish line of smart glasses is part of Facebook's plan to become even more present in people's lives than it is already. Facebook will be with you on your smart phone, on … [Read more...] about Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Put the ‘Face’ Into Facebook

Fashion Rumble in Eyewear & Fragrance

Both the FTC as well as EU antitrust regulators have closed their respective investigations into a proposed $58.49 billion (€48 billion) merger between eyewear giants Essilor and Luxottica. The EU said that it "coordinated closely" with the FTC on the case, unconditionally approving the merger and stating that the deal would not harm competition. French-based Essilor controls … [Read more...] about Fashion Rumble in Eyewear & Fragrance

Experiential Roundup

Nickelodeon and Spin Master take Paw Patrol to Visionworks locations as part of a back-to-school initiative. Kids who have completed their annual eye exam get a free gift, which includes a Paw Patrol activity sheet, crayons, stickers, and a character mask. Beginning this July, the retailer will also debut it first-ever kids’ line of Paw Patrol frames, designed and distributed … [Read more...] about Experiential Roundup

LVMH Brings Eyewear Licenses In-house

Luxury goods group LVMH will set up a manufacturing joint venture with eyewear manufacturer Marcolin to give it more control over its eyewear brands. The French licensor will own 51% of the venture, and Marconi the rest. The deal also involves LVMH taking a 10% stake in the Italian company. Marcolin will begin manufacturing eyewear for the Celine and Louis Vuitton brands from … [Read more...] about LVMH Brings Eyewear Licenses In-house

Retail Sales of Licensed Wearables Up in Every Territory in 2015

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Worldwide retail sales of apparel/accessories/footwear tied to licensed properties were up a robust 3.9% at just below $66.1 billion in 2015. Wearables is a bellwether of overall licensing business due not only to its size, but because it provides an outlet for so many of the industry's most important property types including fashion, … [Read more...] about Retail Sales of Licensed Wearables Up in Every Territory in 2015

Apparel Fuels 3.1% Growth in U.S./Canada Fashion Licensing—Global Growth Is Even Higher

Growing competition; continued decline in the brick and mortar backyard; currency devaluation in Europe and Asia; a fourth quarter retail fiasco. 2015 was a tough year for the fashion industry. Yet, for all of the challenges, fashion licensing prospered in not only in the U.S./Canada but worldwide, according to The Licensing Letter’s Annual Licensing Business Survey. Global … [Read more...] about Apparel Fuels 3.1% Growth in U.S./Canada Fashion Licensing—Global Growth Is Even Higher