Valero Expands The Public Zoo

Valero Enterprises has announced four new licensing partners and expanded distribution plans with Target and Macy’s for the fashion brand, The Public Zoo.

SkyHigh has signed on for stationary and back-to-school paper products; Fast Forward will create The Public Zoo handbags and backpacks; Age Group is on board for sleepwear, loungewear, underwear and swimwear; and Evy of California will produce girl’s and boy’s sportswear. 

“Hands down Han Lee’s TPZ graphics are the freshest designs that have come to market in a long time,” says Richard Adjmi, president, Age Group. “Age Group is excited to be a licensee and a part of this already successful launch.”

Evy of California’s The Public Zoo Colorbox Collection sportswear line was recently launched exclusively at Target, and Target plans to introduce the boy’s TPZ line this month. Macy’s has also recently committed to selling The Public Zoo products.

The Public Zoo’s burgeoning licensing campaign includes 15 licensees in apparel, accessories, stationary, sporting goods and homewares. Other recent partners for the brand include Bioworld (junior’s tees), Browntrout (calendars and agendas), Paris Geneve (Canadian apparel) and Snowfab (snowboards and skis).

The Public Zoo was created by pop artist and designer Han L. Lee and blends whimsical character art with apparel and accessories for all ages. The star of the brand’s product line is a panda bear named Hickup.

“Han is a prolific, trendy designer with amazing fashion expertise and has created an evergreen brand that sits alongside Harajuku, Tokidoki, Paul Frank and Hello Kitty,” says Susan Valero, head of domestic sales, Valero Enterprises. “I am thrilled to be working with him, to build this brand to the heights that warrant his unlimited talent. Han is cutting edge, and it is exciting to watch the brand grow exponentially in such a short amount of time.”