Isabelle Giggins – Chief Licensing Officer at DeAgostini Collectibles – teases new Fanhome deals

Thanks for joining me, Isabelle. Tell me a little about Fanhome…
Fanhome is the home of DeAgostini Collectibles in the US, UK, and Germany. The Fanhome brand was established a few years ago as part of our direct-to-consumer business transformation. DeAgostini Collectibles is the result of a powerful partnership between two media giants, De Agostini in Italy and Planeta in Spain…

Together, they’ve created a unique business model that delivers continuity-based collectible experiences to fans around the world. Our products are sold in instalments, transforming a one-time purchase into an ongoing, immersive experience that culminates in spectacular, high-quality collections.

Perfect. So you create those extraordinary self-build models of pop-culture phenomena… What are some of the licenses with which you’re working?
2025 was an exciting year for us. We expanded the offerings of some of our top-performing IPs, including Star Wars, Marvel, DC Comics, Fast & Furious, and Star Trek. We also unveiled new collaborations with Lionsgate’s John Wick, Activision Blizzard’s World of Warcraft and Red Bull Racing.

Interesting; some unusual licenses… And what’s new for this year?
As we kick off 2026, we’re thrilled to unveil the release of a stunning 1:8 scale model of the Lamborghini Revuelto. The meticulously crafted model to assemble captures every detail of the first hybrid super sports car… From its signature scissor doors to the striking headlights. Each instalment comes with rich editorial content that dives into the history of one of the most recognisable and desired automotive brands in the world.

How do you reach your audiences, Isabelle?
For decades, our continuity-based experience was primarily offered through retail, with customers collecting each instalment at local stores. While the retail channel continues to be a key pillar of our strategy, it is our global logistics and operational transformation that forms the backbone of our current growth through e-commerce. The new setup has not only responded to the shift in consumer behaviour online, but also unlocked new opportunities. This includes the US market on an e-commerce basis.

Beyond operational changes, our product strategy is the most exciting aspect of our evolution. We are not confined to any particular product type; rather, our focus is on delivering a unique format experience through continuity. This is what makes us especially appealing to licensors: we offer a new level of interactive fan engagement, combining exceptional product engineering, collectability, and compelling storytelling.

Great answer, thank you. How important is creativity in what you do?
While creativity is certainly important, our primary focus lies in authenticity and relevance. We aim to create meaningful, immersive experiences that resonate with fans, ensuring each product not only looks great but also delivers on the emotional connection our audience seeks.

And all that in mind, what makes an ideal licensing partner for you?
The licensing landscape has evolved… In the past, we often had to push for access to reference assets and stronger marketing integration. Today, I rarely meet licensors who don’t share the same vision of creating authentic, meaningful experiences. The ideal partner is one who is committed to providing the time, resources, and support necessary for us to deliver the best possible execution.

I’m curious to know: how did you come to be doing this role?
I entered the world of licensing right out of university, managing licensed children’s magazines for a national distributor in the UK. From the start, I was drawn to the collaborative nature of the relationship between licensees and licensors. This led me to pursue a licensing role at one of the major studios, where I worked in the UK before moving to the US. Being at the heart of a studio and defining the commercial and creative strategies for adapting studio content into publishing programmes was an incredibly exciting experience.

After a few years, though, I began to crave a more hands-on role in product execution. When the opportunity arose to join DeAgostini – which was already setting new benchmarks for brand extensions, blending storytelling and collectability on a global scale – I didn’t hesitate to make the move.

And to wrap things up, Isabelle, what’s next for Fanhome?
Stay tuned for May, when I’ll be able to reveal three – possibly four – major global projects set for launch later in 2026. These have been in development for several years and will showcase the next phase of our commitment to delivering truly exceptional fan experiences.

Nicely teased! I’m not one to wish away the year, Isabelle – But come on May!