HUNTER DOUGLAS LAUNCHES INTENATIONAL COLLABORATION WITH NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN
30 June 2026

Bespoke window treatments and homewares company, Hunter Douglas Group, has launched a collaboration with The New York Botanical Garden. Drawing from NYBG’s Rare Book Collection, the range features 10 designs, reflecting a deep connection to the natural world and transforming windows into living expressions of nature. Content to promote the collection was filmed on location at the Garden. The designs launch in the UK on Blinds2Go and in the US on SelectBlinds and will be followed by further launches internationally. 

WOODMANSTERNE LAUNCHES ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON COLLECTION
02 June 2026

Renowned British greetings card publisher, Woodmansterne, launched the first licensed card collection with Zoological Society of London at Progressive Greetings Live in London. The cards feature Gibbons, Elephants, Giraffes, Butterflies, Peacocks, Leopards, Turtles and Birds from the illustrated collections in ZSL’s library archive.

REISS’S NEW COLLABORATION BLOOMS!
27 May 2026

British fashion brand, Reiss, has launched its second collection in collaboration with the New York Botanical Garden.  Inspired by the illustrations in the NYBG’s rare books archive, the 2026 womenswear range includes dresses, tailoring and separates adorned with vividly hued butterflies and flora. The collection will be available in Reiss stores, reiss.com and in stores across the world. Proceeds contribute to NYBG’s work in global plant research and conservation, horticulture, and education.

Zoological Society of London signs with Bonnier Books
12 May 2026

Leading children’s publisher, Bonnier Books, has partnered with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) for a 3-year programme. Launching in the conservation charity’s 200th anniversary year, the partnership encompasses children’s books across Bonnier’s imprints, including Templar Books and Big Picture Press. Templar Books will publish three titles in 2026. The first title ‘Behind the Scenes’ takes a look at ZSL’s conservation zoos and launches in July 2026. 

METROSTAR JUDGING AT THE BRAND & LIFESTYLE LICENSING AWARDS
12 March 2026

Metrostar’s Claire Potter joined a panel of industry experts to judge the retail categories at the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards.  Hosted by the Natural History Museum, the Awards reward retailers’ achievements in licensing over the past 12 months and take place in London at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on April 23rd.

ZSL LICENSING SHOWCASE 2026
05 March 2026

ZSL and Metrostar hosted the third licensing showcase at London Zoo on March 4th.  A programme of events and activities took place to celebrate 200 years of animal science and conservation with over 70 licensees, retailers and prospective partners attending. The programme included presentations from ZSL’s conservation and education teams and visits to ZooTown and the ZSL Library.

METROSTAR SPONSORS AT THE B&LLAs FOR THE FOURTH TIME
28 February 2026

It’s very exciting to be a sponsor again for the fourth year at the Brand and Lifestyle Licensing Awards.  Retail is close to our heart so it’s fitting that our category is Best Department Store or Mixed Retailer Brand Licensed Retailer Execution.  Good luck to all the nominees!..

FIRST LICENSED PRODUCTS FOR NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN IN GERMANY
05 February 2026

German bookstore group, Thalia, launched a collection of stationery and gifts inspired by NYBG illustrations. There  were two themes ; peonies and chrysanthemums. The collection is NYBG’s first in Germany and was brokered by Active Merchandising in conjunction with Metrostar.

ZSL RANGES SHOWCASED AT SPRING FAIR
05 February 2026

ZSL’s licensees presented a wide range of products to  retailers at Spring Fair. Willsow are using ‘poo’ from London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo to create paper for a children’s book and puzzle. Loungers showed their collection of patterned ZSL pangolin loungewear.  Liga, the eco-homewares brand, presented their ZSL homewares products including tile trivets, coasters, mugs, tea towels and compostable dishcloths and Make Believe Ideas launched a collection of plush toys, plush accessories, stationery, and books.

ELMER CELEBRATES WORLD BOOK DAY AT TESCO AND GEORGE
01 February 2026

Elmer partner Blue’s Clothing have launched ranges to celebrate World Book Day. George at Asda has launched an Elmer dress up costume and F&Fat Tesco has launched a pyjama