Music

Start Licensing’s Ian Downes speaks to Ian Hopkins, Director at Rocksax, about the blossoming world of band licensing – and what genres of music are best suited to his company’s product areas.

Inspired by a trip to Spring Fair, Start Licensing’s Ian Downes looks at how the legacy of music icons like The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Amy Winehouse are being preserved through smart brand extensions.

“There are few bands that defined pop culture in the same way the Spice Girls did back in the 1990s, and it’s been such fun bringing the band to life in our BrickHeadz style,” said LEGO designer Daniel Squirrell.

Start Licensing’s Ian Downes looks at how exhibitions like Bob Marley: One Love, Amy: Beyond the Stage and Pissarro: Father of Impressionism have the power to fuel exciting brand extensions.

Jamie Anderson discusses extension plans for some all-time classic brands.

Mint Chocolate Chance was inspired by Chance’s favourite concoction growing up, as he would add his mother’s brownies to mint ice cream.

Interviews with Disneyland’s Matt Conover, BBC Studios’ Vanessa Hamilton and Skew’s Oliver Dyer all made our top ten this year.

“We’re over the moon to welcome Sarah to the team as we continue to grow and offer fresh opportunities to partners,” said Billy Langsworthy, Co-Founder at Brands Untapped.

The hip-hop star will provide artistic direction across co-branded fashion and sexual wellness merchandise collections, digital editorial content and experiential activations.

To discuss the development process – and future – of Blown Ups!, we caught up with Fab Design’s own James Yuen.