10 Minutes With … Fashion UK

License Global: What trends do you see in the entertainment space regarding fashion licensing?

Hannah Miles: We’re excited about the Goth Girl trending, and our licenses perfectly deliver this genre with “Wednesday,” “Stranger Things,” “Shadow High,” Pink Floyd, Nirvana, “Monster High” and more. We are seeing licensing has a dark side that’s looking super fun.

What is it that consumers want when purchasing an item of licensed apparel?

The product must be original, authentic and true to the license’s core values. Our designers know how to really embrace the integrity and characteristics of our licenses to make products engaging and “must-have” items. More than ever, the consumer is looking for affordable quality fashion with the reassurance that all aspects of sustainable fashion are followed meaningfully.

Can you talk about some of the IPs you work with and highlight some of the collaborations that have resonated well with consumers?

Sometimes, some things just touch us all. Barbie has done that like we knew she would! She’s back. Barbie was the very first license I ever worked on 20 years ago, and here she is again. The original doll who never had to reinvent herself, she is everything and everyone, truly generational. Nostalgia is powerful. We all felt that connection with Barbie, and there is so much more to come in this space. I can’t wait to see our 2024 collections in stores.

"Barbie" apparel, Fashion UK

What brands/IPs will you showcase at Brand Licensing Europe next week?

Our full portfolio, covering baby, preschool, sports, movies, music, gaming, anime and lifestyle will be on display. We will have several of our new ranges, too, including LEGO, “Peppa Pig,” “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” Pinata Smashlings, One Piece, Pokémon, “Minecraft,” Smiley, “Yellowstone,” UEFA and many more.

Our country heads from all territories will be also attending.

What do the next 12-24 months look like for Fashion UK? Anything you can share with us?

Our ambition, as always, is ensuring our licensors and retailers feel truly connected and supported through the highs and lows of the ever-changing landscape and unstable economic backdrop. We are laser-focused on maintaining best-in-class for design, product, service, price and partnerships. We are committed to sustaining steady growth, driven by closer partnerships, focused on service and building better working efficiencies. We have more European offices/showrooms opening next year. As we grow in territories, the more diverse we become as a business, the more perspective we gain, generating better innovation and creativity.

To learn more about fashion licensing opportunities for LEGO, “Peppa Pig,” “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” Pinata Smashlings, One Piece, Pokémon, “Minecraft,” Smiley, “Yellowstone” and UEFA, visit Fashion UK at stand C121 at Brand Licensing Europe, Oct. 4-6, ExCeL, London.

Register for Brand Licensing Europe 2023.