4Kids Takes TMNT to French Fashion School as Gould Departs

To mark the 25th anniversary of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 4Kids Entertainment International has tied up with French fashion school, the Ecole Supérieure des Arts et techniques de la Mode (ESMOD), to create a collection of apparel and accessories inspired by characters.

ESMOD is running a competition for third-year students at its schools in Paris and Roubaix to design a streetwear collection that captures the unconventional spirit of the pop-culture icons. The competition is the first time the school has run a contest to design a licensed menswear range. Each collection will include a long and short sleeve T-shirt, a sweatshirt, a pair of trousers, a bag, a pair of shoes and the choice between a belt, a hat, or an underwear item. The designs will be created to target men between 17 and 35 years of age. The top three collections will be announced in December.

“ESMOD has a very talented pool of students who will undoubtedly create a number of unique and impressive designs inspired by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” says Sandra Vauthier-Cellier, co-managing director of 4Kids Entertainment International.

The ESMOD partnership runs alongside a program of products for 2009 to celebrate the turtle’s 25th anniversary. A retro style guide has been produced and the first retro t-shirts by licensees Vacant Designs, Trademark Products and Chunk are in store in the U.K.

Meanwhile, Stephen Gould, co-managing director of 4Kids Entertainment International, is leaving the company, following his resignation last week.