Design brand Rinekwall is the winner of the first-ever One to Watch contest for new Licensing Expo exhibitors.

April 6, 2018

2 Min Read

Design brand Rinekwall is the winner of the first-ever One to Watch contest for new Licensing Expo exhibitors.

“Rinekwall stood out among the many high-quality submissions we received,” says Steven Ekstract, global publisher License! Global magazine, and member of the License! Global judging panel. “Not only is the breadth and range of their portfolio impressive, but the sophistication of their designs mean they will easily find a home in today’s marketplace. We expect to see great things from this brand.”

The brand got its start when interior designer Dana Agamalian asked her photographer friend John Rinek to take some photos of barbed wire to turn into wallpaper. Since then the partnership has expanded to include a huge portfolio of endlessly repeating photographic designs that can be put on any surface from canvas shoes to plastic products. In fact, the duo has just signed their first licensing deal with Bird & Co. for picture frames.

Rinekwall was selected from among 30-plus submissions and 10 finalists for the top honor based on its originality, huge licensing potential and on-trend aesthetic. Visit Rinekwall to see for yourself in booth C31.

“We’re so new to this whole world, we’re just excited to be here at Licensing Expo, much less win the One the to Watch contest,” says Rinek.

Three runners-up were also selected from among the 10 finalists:

  • Art in the Baking’s Ice by Number (F42): Edible patterns for decorating baked goods.

  • Oju Africa (B44): African-inspired emoticons designed to celebrate the country and give Africans a voice in today’s modern digital world.

  • Story Posters (D14): Pictorial narratives that tell complete stories in one poster using color, balance and shapes.

“Any one of our runners-up could have easily won,” says Ekstract. “These three brands each offer wholly unique licensing opportunities that the judges found very exciting. I highly recommend you check them out while you’re at Licensing Expo.”

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