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Andy Warhol – Andy Warhol Foundation
Just as Andy Warhol refused to be limited by conventions and challenges during his life, the Andy Warhol brand celebrated that legacy in 2020 with sensational products and collaborations to bring creativity and beauty to millions during a global pandemic. Warhol branded projects like the Andy Warhol x LEGO Art edition and Andy Warhol Estée Lauder’s Beautiful 35th anniversary fragrance inspired millions worldwide while contributing significantly to the endowment of The Andy Warhol Foundation from which it has distributed over $200MM in cash grants to advance the visual arts and $2.5MM in emergency relief to artists during COVID-19.
New York Botanical Garden
NYBG’s licensing program had its most successful year ever in 2020, generating critical revenue during a time when the Garden was closed to visitors for months. Highlights included the introduction of NYBG’s second tea collection with Tea Forte, the launch of NYBG floral subscription service with Bloomsybox and expansion of NYBG’s exclusive collection with Frontgate, to include pillows and outdoor décor. Caswell-Massey offers 40+ SKUs of bath and body products and recently introduced scents for a new technology of smart home diffusers. Royalties from the sale of licensed products support NYBG’s work in research and conservation.
Paul Frank – China Brands Group
In 2009, PAUL FRANK officially entered the China market and defined what’s called a “fashion brand” in China. Ever since then, CHINA BRANDS GROUP has put great emphasis on developing the PAUL FRANK brand in the fashion industry. But now we expanded Paul Frank in more categories rather than just a fashion brand. We’ve developed licensees in food & beverage, toy, stationary, skin care, baby line and so on and all these licensees have gained great success cooperating with us. In 2020, the royalty income of PAUL FRANK in China territory has reached over 126 million USD, with Gross Merchandise Volume of 2 hundred million.
Peter Rabbit – Penguin Ventures
A multi-generational global icon, Peter Rabbit is the oldest licensed literary character in the world. Peter Rabbit has successfully navigated changing consumer trends and retail landscapes since he first appeared commercially in 1902. The longstanding consumer products success is set to reach new heights in 2022 as the world’s favorite rabbit celebrates his 120th birthday marking another major milestone in this publishing based success story.
Smiley – The Smiley Company
It’s easy to see why so many are attracted to Smiley’s message of happiness and positivity; more partners are looking to leverage the brand’s good news message and a lifestyle aesthetic synonymous with creativity, positivity and cool. With shoppers seeking joy and prioritizing self-betterment Smiley has grown 11% YOY since 2019. Through collaborative marketing campaigns, activations and experiences dedicated to appealing to overworked and overwhelmed Millennials and Gen Z’s. Smiley’s non-profit Smiley Movement provides a vital link between partners and the charity sector, introducing charity initiatives to partners to build purpose and create a social legacy.
The Rolling Stones
Whether the iconic tongue logo is a fashion choice, or you are an avid Stones music aficionado Bravado has developed a touchpoint for you. The first-of-its-kind brick-and-mortar RS No. 9 Carnaby Street retail store experience both online and in-person brings the band’s ethos of art, culture, fashion, and music to Rolling Stone fans everywhere. The Rolling Stones tongue logo has ranked higher than the Nike Swoosh, Coca-Cola, and Mickey Mouse in recognition among consumers. Bravado has expanded the band with key partners including Baccarat, Stutterheim, Smathers and Branson, BIC, and Goodr.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle Studio
Despite Covid’s impact, World of Eric Carle books were up 30% and consumer products sales grew to $255MM. Global partnerships included Milupa, #1 German infant feeding brand, reaching 20 million moms, DTR with JoJo Mama Bebe, Peter Alexander collaboration, multi-category Fila collaboration in 500+ stores in China, 4 long-term mall installations in China, and branded cafes & pop-up shops in Japan. Global marketing delivered 1 billion impressions. We gave back with free apps, curriculum programs and other tools for parents and teachers, performed The Hungry Caterpillar Live Show virtually, and supported Britain’s Action for Children with virtual fundraisers.
V&A – Victoria and Albert Museum
As the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance, the V&A champions excellence in design inspiring designers, retailers and manufacturers across the globe. The award-winning program provides licensees with unique archive material to translate into beautiful and contemporary products. The breadth of categories is impressive, ranging from home interiors, furnishings, apparel, jewelry, accessories, stationery and crafting. Highlights of 2020 include interior collaborations in the UK, Japan, the Netherlands and Scandinavia; a bag collection with British luxury brand Mulberry; a beauty collaboration with Lansur in China; Botanical inspired womenswear with Michaa in Korea and a Pop-up store in Shanghai.
