The Zoological Society of London’s new partners showcased their first products at London Toy Fair ahead of ZSL’s 200th anniversary celebrations this year. World of Puzzles (from Bigjigs Toys) launched two jigsaw puzzles using art from ZSL’s rare book collection and EDX Education presented four different STEAM lines based upon wildlife and conservation.
The first range for the New York Botanical Garden at Primark launch this Spring, consisting of a ladies t-shirt, girl’s vest and hoodie. The collection was designed by licensee partner, Bioworld.
To coincide with the first UK Celebrity Traitors series, a number of licensees in apparel and giftware have launched new lines. Roy Lowe have produced socks for ASOS, Aykroyds have created ladies nightwear for Primark, Matalan, George and Vanilla Underground, TDP have created unisex pyjamas for Vanilla Underground and Kimm & Miller are launching food gifts.
Artist, block printer and designer, Maria Yiannikkou, has signed with Metrostar to extend her growing licensing programme. Maria, who is self-taught, is already trusted by leading names: she has a fabrics collection with Jean Monro, a rugs range with Tim Page and a tiles collection with Ca Pietra. Maria’s designs are perfectly suited to homeware, interiors, stationery and tableware.
Growing Eco-Homewares brand, LIGA has launched a tableware collection in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London. The ZSL x LIGA range consists of cork and tile trivets, coasters, placemats, trays, mugs, tea towels, compostable dishcloths, and memo boards – and features endangered giraffes, penguins and elephants that ZSL is working hard to protect. LIGA soft launched the collection Autumn Fair.
Metrostar’s Claire Potter joins Informa and Licensing industry experts on September 12th at the Licensing For Retail Seminar & Workshop, the delegates’ final event before they attend BLE. It concludes with a workshop where retail buyers are invited to write a launch plan for a licensed product. Claire, who created the workshop, shares the event with Informa’s Ben Roberts and Bravado’s Damien Treece.
Leading children’s products innovator and publisher, Make Believe Ideas, is producing an extensive plush and plush accessories collection in conjunction with London Zoo. Their first licensed product range includes soft toys, plush notebooks and “Zippazoo” bag buddies as well as cloth books and clip & go plush. Featuring endangered animals that are a focus for London Zoo, this “Zoo Crew” range will amplify zoo owner, ZSL’s conservation work around the World.
Metrostar’s Claire Potter is taking part in “Licensing Agents 101: What They Do and Why They Matter” at The Networking Hub at BLE on Tuesday, 07 October at 11:45 am. Join Claire, Andrew Hodgson (LMCA) and Gemma Witts (Retail Monster) at A291 to learn about what agents do and how, exactly, to find the one that’s right for you.
Social expression and greetings card brand, Sanders De Roeper, has appointed Metrostar to accelerate its growth into new categories and markets. Metrostar is introducing this fresh, joyful brand to retailers and licensees in clothing, stationery, homewares, dated, gifts and accessories.
Tall Stories production, The Elmer Adventure, will run over the Christmas holiday at the Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Launching on December 20th the show will run for 16 days at the newly opened theatre.