High-end fashion labels from Japan, typically streetwear-focused, have become among the most frequent partners for global lifestyle collaborations involving characters, celebrities, corporate trademarks, artists, and fashion and luxury labels. Some of the most active Japanese brands in this space include: A Bathing Ape/BAPE. Founded in 1993, this brand and its various sub-brands are prolific participants […]
Archive | Licensing
Tempted by Tasty Alternatives
Burger King revealed last week that it is testing the Impossible Burger, a plant-based meat substitute, as a potential addition to its menu. This is the latest example—and one of the most high-profile—of food and beverage marketers embracing products that can serve as replacements for meat and other staples. These items are meant to appeal […]
Beauty Contest
Just in the last week, three celebrity makeup artists have entered or expanded their presence in the competitive beauty and wellness space, announcing new retail-exclusive licensing or collaboration deals: Sir John, best known for his work with the likes of Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian, paired with South African retailer Woolworths Holdings for a limited-edition collaboration. […]
Toy Testers Give Rave Reviews to Licensing
Kid influencers specializing in toy and children’s product reviews and unboxings via their own YouTube channels and other social media platforms have gained significant followings, with the top examples generating more than 10 billion views and amassing more than 10 million channel subscribers. Some “best of” lists name more than 100 different personalities playing in […]
Rethinking for the Long Run
Designer Isaac Mizrahi and New Balance just debuted a collection of footwear and apparel exclusively on QVC, while Mattel’s Barbie’s just launched its latest capsule with Puma, in honor of the doll’s 60th anniversary. These initiatives are reminders of how sportswear companies with roots in athletic footwear have, over the past decade, expanded their realms […]
A Collection of Museum Collaborations
Designer collaborations encompassing apparel, accessories, and footwear involve a variety of licensed properties, from characters and sports leagues to corporate brands and celebrities. Museums have been less frequent players, aside from a few key institutions. But more and more, museums with a range of specialties are pairing with fashion labels in a number of ways: […]
Superpowers Revealed
The “girl power” trend that has been so prevalent in entertainment, toys, and other products for the past few years is not limited only to children. There are also more female-focused initiatives geared toward teen and adult consumers—of both genders—especially in the video game, comic book, and other segments of “geek culture.” Examples include: Books […]
Sporting Goods Makers Relish Pickleball
Pickleball, created in the U.S. in 1965, is one of the fastest-growing participation sports in North America. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, it uses an oversized ping pong–like paddle and a wiffleball-like ball. A group of specialist equipment makers and ecommerce companies has emerged to supply the pickleball needs of both professionals […]
Women’s Cosmetics of Color
At the beginning of the year, singer Thalía Sodi launched Adria by Thalía, a new haircare brand that offers seven SKUs of sprays, foams, and shampoos promoted as working well for all women’s hair types. The affordable brand is available at Walmart and select Target stores upon its launch. This venture follows a Thalía false […]
As Simple as Black and White
A black-and-white color palette—expressed in patterns, prints, or blocking—remains a top choice for designers in home furnishings, streetwear, hair accessories, and other sectors. Licensors and their licensees have been taking note of this trend in a variety of ways over the past year or more as they develop style guides and products: Many of Disney’s […]