In collaboration with leading brands including adidas, Jerome C. Rousseau, nOir, M·A·C Cosmetics, and iHome, Disney Consumer Products (DCP) launches a Disney’s The Muppets-inspired collection spanning couture fashions and apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, electronics, and toys inspired by the film starring Jason Segal and Amy Adams in theaters November 23. Designed for the ultimate Muppets fan of all ages, the new product line features bright and bold colors and playful designs that embody the personalities and characteristics of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal, Gonzo, and other favorite characters.

Fashion:

With her love of the spotlight, Miss Piggy has charmed her way into super stardom, and now her “look at moi” style and attitude has inspired the pink Diva Glitter Pump by distinctive high-end women’s footwear designer Jerome C. Rousseau. Expertly handcrafted in Italy, this shoe reflects the color, curves, and drama of the fabulous Miss Piggy. The Diva Glitter Pump will be available at Saks Fifth Avenue Stores and SaksFifthAvenue.com in January.

True to nOir Jewelry‘s style, the Muppets jewelry collection is enchanting and edgy. Comprised of necklaces, bracelets, and rings, the collection features glamorous Miss Piggy-inspired cocktail jewelry as well as quirky statement pieces inspired by the playful nature of the rest of the Muppets gang. The Muppets jewelry collection from nOir will be available on noirjewelry.com.

The adidas Originals Muppets Collection for kids takes the iconic shell toe and other styles to the next level with designs inspired by Kermit the Frog, Animal, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo. The adidas Originals Muppets Collection is available November 18 at Kids Foot Locker, select Foot Locker stores, and kidsfootlocker.com.

Threadless has released a Muppets-inspired collection of men’s and women’s tees. Following the popularity of The Muppets Design Challenge held earlier in the year, Threadless is printing 23 of the most popular Muppets designs submitted and voted on by more than 1 million members of Threadless community. Limited quantities of The Muppets Threadless tees are available on Threadless.com/themuppets.

Beauty:

Generous glamour goddess that she is, Miss Piggy is sharing her beauty with the world via a limited edition, online-exclusive, M·A·C Cosmetics collection for the eyes. The collection includes a glamorous pink frost eye shadow, black eye liner, and lashes designed to create a stunning and alluring look.

Disney and OPI introduce two enticing Muppets-inspired collections perfect for this holiday season. The Muppets Collection features six glitter-packed polishes packed with micas and sparkle creating a 3-D textured look in bright jewel tones, providing the perfect pop to any ensemble. The Miss Piggy Collection features six elegant shades ranging from softer shimmers in copper and bronze metallic hues to dramatic reds and bold burgundies. Polishes from both collections are available at professional salons and spas.

Toys & Electronics:

Disney and iHome have collaborated to make your iPod listening experience even more enjoyable with a new line of Kermit the Frog-themed iHome accessories, including speakers, headphones, and earbuds. Kermit the Frog-themed iHome accessories are available at Toys “R” Us, and Amazon this fall.

With the Kermit the Frog Wrist Band for iPod nano. The watch face can be remove and replaced with your sixth-generation iPod nano. Featuring a slap bracelet design wrapped in soft-touch silicone, it’s comfortable, fashionable, and practical. The Kermit the Frog Wrist Band from PDP is available at Apple.com, Amazon, and Dr. Botts.

What Not˙ Workshop Plush: Now you can create your own zany-looking Muppets plush with the What Not˙ Workshop only at FAO Schwarz. The workshop allows participants to create a personalized What Not˙ by selecting the eyes, nose, hair, and outfit of their choice. From cute princesses to wild monsters the options are endless!

Get reacquainted with all of the classic Muppets characters with Disney Store‘s collection of Muppets plush toys. This exclusive plush assortment includes Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal, and Beaker. Muppets plush toys are an extensive collection of high-quality, uniquely detailed plush available in small, medium, and large sizes, only at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com.

View more photos of merchandise inspired by Disney’s Muppets by clicking here.

The news today (actually, it was late last week) is that Brandgenuity has brokered a deal between MGM Studios and streetwear manufacturer Undefeated (UNDFTD) for a line of apparel in time for Rocky‘s 35th anniversary. The collection will include T-shirts, snapback hats, knit hats, crewneck sweatshirts, hoodies, and accessories for Rocky Balboa and opponents including Apollo Creed and Clubber Lang.

The line includes more than 20 pieces and will be in stores for holiday.

It’s hard out there for a zombie, but it’s not all bad. European retailer C&A will launch an Extreme Zombies apparel line in its 1,400 stores in Europe. Extreme Zombies, aimed at boys 8 and up, boasts a new style guide, and worked with IndieGo Distributions to complete the deal, which was brokered by MGL Licensing.

I, for one, welcome our zombie overlords.

—Bryan Joiner (has a small brain)

In a follow-up article, The Post-Standard printed a response from The Collegiate Licensing Co., the licensing division of IMG College, which partnered with Old Navy on the Superfan Nation collegiate merchandise. CLC’s spokeswoman, Tricia Hornsby, wrote to the newspaper that the participating schools had seen and approved the apparel designs. She added, “There are many designs on product, not just collegiate, that are not always grammatically correct. For example, go get ‘em, go git ‘em, sic ‘em, dawgs, etc.”

As an editor and Syracuse alumna, I’d refrain from purchasing a “Lets Go ‘Cuse” shirt. But I don’t follow sports or collect sports merchandise. Would incorrect grammar deter sports fans from buying the shirts?

To be on the safe side, Old Navy has pulled the shirts from its online store, which says the tees have been taken into temporary custody by the grammar police and that it will release corrected versions soon.

—Melissa Tinklepaugh

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, has partnered with fashion designer Blayne Siegel to develop a collection of men’s and women’s premium casual apparel by Kinetix, inspired by Batman. This collection will include a line inspired by Warner Bros. Pictures’ highly anticipated theatrical release The Dark Knight Rises. Items will include tanks, basic tees, hoodies, and textile differentia. The Batman-themed collection will be available at high-end department stores and specialty boutiques throughout the U.S.

This back-to-school season, Discovery Communications, Inc. is helping empower tech-savvy kids with the launch of Discovery Kids Puterbugs, a technology-based program that teaches kids age 8 and under to use technology to solve problems and build important skills. Discovery Kids Puterbugs is presented by Discovery Kids and Imagine Tomorrow, the leading provider of computer classes for young children. The deal was brokered on behalf of Discovery Communications by Big Tent Entertainment, the North American licensing agent for the Discovery Kids brand.

A first-of-its-kind program, Discovery Kids Puterbugs is the only interactive experience available that teaches kids, in a fun and age-appropriate way, the full scope of technology skills in today’s digital world. In a safe environment that promotes a healthy foundation and proper tech etiquette, the program helps kids master skills that range from basic file navigation, Internet, and keyboarding skills to an understanding of the latest technology, such as mobile apps and cloud computing. The classes are currently being offered across the country in more than 700 locations, including a rollout of schools through a national partnership with early childhood education provider, Learning Care Group.

The Collective Debuts Licensing Program for The Annoying Orange

Viral sensation The Annoying Orange will break out of the virtual kitchen with the launch of the property’s first licensed program, led by The Collective. Foundation apparel and accessory partners for the juicy brand include Hybrid Apparel and Accessory Innovations, who have signed on to develop collections targeted to young men and juniors. The Hybrid Apparel and Accessory Innovations deals were brokered on behalf of The Collective by The Joester Loria Group (TJLG), the licensing agent for The Annoying Orange brand.

Created by Dane Boedingheimer, The Annoying Orange features an endearingly annoying and highly entertaining Orange that playfully heckles other fruits, vegetables, or nearby objects with puns and jokes. Product designs for the new line will feature the zany fruit stars and “puntastic” content straight from the series. Hybrid Apparel will develop a variety of Annoying Orange apparel including young men’s and junior’s tees and fleece that will be available at key specialty retailers such as Hot Topic and Rue 21 in the fall, and JC Penney, where it will launch as a mid-tier exclusive in October. In addition, Accessory Innovations will introduce a line of headwear and cold weather accessories in time for the holiday season.  Bags and accessories will debut next spring.

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Skechers Signs Licensing Agreement for Skechers-Branded Youth Electronics

Skechers USA, Inc. has signed a licensing agreement with Sakar International to produce youth electronics and accessories featuring Skechers branding and Skechers Kids’ animated characters. The line is scheduled to launch in the Q1 2012 at retailers across the United States.

Under the agreement, Sakar will design, produce and distribute a wide range of Skechers-branded electronics and accessories, including MP3 players, molded earbuds, speakers, digital cameras, cases, skins, and USB flash drives inspired by Skechers Kids’ footwear styles. Products will be designed for boys and girls from elementary through high school with artwork from Skechers’ Zevo-3 animated television series, the Twinkle Toes by Skechers collection, as well as additional Skechers Kids’ characters and Skechers branding.

SwaddleDesigns Introduces New Angry Birds Baby Products

SwaddleDesigns and Rovio have signed a definitive agreement granting SwaddleDesigns licensing and merchandising rights for Angry Birds. SwaddleDesigns’ Angry Birds Baby products are now available for pre-order at SwaddleDesigns.com and shipping worldwide.

SwaddleDesigns is introducing products featuring Angry Birds including the Ultimate Receiving Blanket, Marquisette Swaddling Blanket, zzZipMe Sack wearable blanket, Baby Lovie security blankie, and Baby Burpies. Products will begin shipping by October 10.

—The TLB Team

The characters Ox, Big Toe, and Trunko will come with their own tennis-inspired narrative that will provide consumers with a unique and fun way to share their passion for tennis. The plush toy collection will be featured in three sizes. The toys will be available at U.S. Open event retail shops beginning August 23 and are now available at the FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue store. Consumers also will be able to purchase the merchandise online at www.uglydolls.com and www.usopenshop.org.

Jakks Pacific to Acquire Moose Mountain Toymakers

Jakks Pacific, Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire Hong Kong-based Moose Mountain Toymakers Limited, which sells and manufactures sports arcade products, foot-to-floor ride-ons, tents, safe soft-play environments, arcade pinball games, and wagons.

Jakks Pacific will acquire all of the shares of stock of Moose Mountain, a 15-year-old, privately held company, and its Parsippany, NJ-based affiliate, Moose Mountain Marketing, Inc. The business includes licenses for well-known characters and brands, and its children’s product lines are complementary to Jakks Pacific’s product portfolio.

The transaction is scheduled to close in the third quarter of 2011, subject to third-party approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Smack Sportswear Signs Licensing Deal with National Volleyball League

Smack Sportswear (Smack), a brand of custom-designed volleyball apparel for both indoor and beach volleyball players alike, has signed a licensing deal with the National Volleyball League (NVL), the U.S.’s new professional beach volleyball tour.

Smack will design and manufacture the NVL’s licensed beach and fan wear. The NVL licensed apparel will be sold at events, VBSuperstore.com, and many volleyball specialty stores nationwide.

—Melissa Tinklepaugh

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, has partnered with Williams-Sonoma to launch a collection of superhero kitchen and bakeware merchandise sold exclusively at Williams-Sonoma.

Designed exclusively for the retailer, the products include renowned superheroes from the Marvel Universe, including Spider-Man, Hulk, Captain America, and Iron Man. Featuring retro character art and graphics, the Williams-Sonoma collection captures the charm and artistry of the original Marvel Comics.

The program launches with an array of bakeware and kitchen essentials including cookie cutters, pancake molds, adult and child aprons, spatulas, and iced cookies. Product will be available at all Williams-Sonoma stores in the U.S. and Canada, and also via catalog and online.

Berkshire Signs Fila Licensing Deal

Italy’s Fila Luxembourg, S.a.r.l. has entered into a multiyear licensing deal with Berkshire Fashions, Inc. to design, manufacturer, and sell Fila accessories for the U.S. market, commencing this fall.

The line for Fila, which marks its 100 anniversary this year, will feature men’s women’s, boys’, and girls’ headwear, cold weather accessories, sweatbands, bags, and water bottles.

Disney Consumer Products To Showcase Merchandise at D23 Expo 2011

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) will showcase an extensive collection of Disney merchandise and interactive experiences inside its Disney Living Pavilion at the ultimate Disney fan event, D23 Expo, held at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 19-21.

D23 Expo attendees can explore the ultimate Disney lifestyle through the neighborhoods of “Style,” “Play,” and “Celebrations.” From the latest toys and newest fashions to the ultimate Disney birthday party and some of the most beloved Disney classics such as Disney It’s a Small World, guests can experience all things Disney through an immersive environment featuring exclusive and never-before-seen products; meet and greets with artists, designers, authors, and innovators; hands-on demos and activities; and live performances at the Disney Living Pavilion stage.

Guests can commemorate the event with specially released D23 merchandise, including a new Hallmark keepsake ornament, a Toy Story Woody action figure, a Finn McMissile Cars vehicle from Mattel, a Minnie Mouse plush from Just Play, and limited-edition 25th anniversary items from Disney Store.

Tickets to D23 Expo 2011 are available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 Expo and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. More details about D23 Expo entertainment, events, and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can keep up with all the news by visiting www.D23Expo.com, as well as by following “Disney D23″ on Twitter and Facebook.

—Melissa Tinklepaugh