Bumper show issue - Gift Focus magazine

hot propertySplimple to publish Alison’s AnimalsIt has been announced that Splimple has acquiredthe licence to publish Alison’s Animals.“In a sense it marks the end of one era and thestart of another,” says managing director StuartCaldwell, who up to now has created all Splimple’s products. “I’m delighted that Alison’sAnimals is the fi rst such range we’re taking on. Alison has built up a loyal followingover the last six years, we share many of the same customers and her insightful humourcomplements and contrasts with our existing ranges.”Alison Lingley, the creator of Alison’s Animals, will be producing a steady fl ow of newdesigns for cards, ceramics and other giftware over the coming months. “I enjoyed beinga card publisher but my heart is in my art – and it will be nice to be free to concentrateon what I enjoy most. I felt comfortable with Splimple as soon as we opened the talks –and I’m sure their size, structure and reputation will help my work reach an increasinglywide audience.”For further details call +44 (0)1789 772 377 or email stuart@splimple.com.FABric Animals merchandise set to hit the shelvesBluebirds Brands, one of the UK’s leading producers of licensed goods, has teamed upwith renowned design company Bang on the Door to produce a new range based onthe FABric Animals brand.FABric Animals are characters that fi rstfeatured on a range of T-shirts designedby Bang on the Door. The collection nowuses photography and three dimensionalportrayals of the original animals usingrecycled and reclaimed fabrics to create anindividual style and look.The new line will follow the creative useof eco messages and Bluebird Brands is usinga wide range of fabrics to create productsincluding canvas bags and fabric plush, as wellas mugs, umbrellas, and plush in a mug. Theproducts are set to be exclusively previewedat Autumn Fair International this September.Edward Monkton makes its mark in accessoriesFans of The Interesting Thoughts of Edward Monkton can now wear the musings ofMr Monkton following the launch of a new range of cuffl inks.The new arrivals from accessories designer, Sonia Spencer, star some of theproperty’s quirkiest characters including the Penguin of Death, the RandomHedgehog and Zen Dog and are presentedin a stylish gift box.The Interesting Thoughts of EdwardMonkton is created, written and illustratedby children’s author and the creator ofPurple Ronnie, Giles Andreae.For more information call AliciaDavenport at DRi Licensing on +44 (0)208600 2550 or email alicia@drilicensing.co.uk.Laura Darrington toiletriesBeams International, a leading UK specialist infood and drink gifting products, has launched acosmetics and toiletries division – Beaux Belles ofLondon.Trading on the Beams reputation for supplyingquality licensed gifts to large high street names,Beaux Belles of London is offering retailers andbrand owners a quality range of cosmetic andtoiletry gift ideas.The company is working with award-winningdesigner Laura Darrington. Laura’s work is wellknown in the greetings card market and BeauxBelles has created two toiletry ranges inspired byher distinctive style.Laura Darrington Floral Fusions and HomeSweet Home pairs premium products withpackaging that refl ects the feminine, vibranttheme of her designs.Floral Fusions is a selection of luxury handcare, bathing and travel products while HomeSweet Home features a journal, fi ne bone chinamug and other garden inspired gifts and toiletries.Both collections are premium ranges and havebeen initially developed for the department storeand independent gift retailer market.In addition to the current ranges in production,Beaux Belles will be announcing further licensedcollections in the coming months.Beaux Belles of London will be featuring LauraDarrington Floral Fusions and Home SweetHome at the Autumn Fair in September.Telephone +44 (0)1634 265 494 or visit thewebsite www.b-belles.com to fi nd out more.60 giftfocus