Going Green
By Regina Cooper
feature
licensees getting on the bandwagon. with the natural environment continues to
“Recycling and reinventing ideas helps create challenge the role of animals in nature. This
artwork that makes us more connected to animal kingdom observes, experiences, and
one another,” she says, while mentioning that participates in this new world.
she has seen a surge in themes that center In 2008 Studio Espinosa’s Designer Studio
on wildlife, habitats, and climate change. As collection partnered with handbag licensee
expected, colour themes vary from greens Littlearth for a signed and numbered line of
to other natural hues such as brown, grey, ‘Fender’ and ‘Fender Flair’ handbags, which
orange, and blue. are made from recycled car parts, including a
Themes that center on the current climate rubber strap that is made from car tires. Artist
crisis have also been key to Crimi-Trent’s Leo Espinosa has created four illustrations
work, but some of her designs also bring to choose from in each style. The bags are
about this eco-conscious message in a more available online at shop.littlearth.com/s.nl/
fun and non-invasive way. The artist’s ‘Bee sc.18/category.16293/.f
Green’ design depicts a fun and friendly bee Also hopping on the green trend is Robin
that reminds us how important it is that we Zingone, who designs modern and colorful
all pitch in to take care of our environment images that range from graphic patterns to
and particularly the bees, which are vital for fanciful florals. Her LoveMe by Robin Zingone
our survival. collection of eco-friendly t-shirts was made
Marty Segelbaum, president of MHS with chemical-free cotton and biodegradable
Licensing agrees with Crimi-Trent. “I don’t see dyes. The garments, manufactured by All the
the swing towards going green as a trend, Rage Inc. are produced in ethical, sweatshop-
but rather a responsibility of all businesses free, facilities.
in every marketplace to explore eco-friendly Other recent green deals include artist
strategies.” He cites the recent partnership Debbie Mumm’s agreement with South
In
between Calypso Studios and several of MHS Sea Imports, a division of MM Fab, Inc..
today’s market, the Licensing’s artists, including Robin Roderick, This partnership resulted in a 16-sku fabric
environmentally-conscious Tina Higgins, Ursula Dodge, and Cranston collection called Earth Angels. Launching this
consumers are aware Collection. Calypso Studios has launched an autumn at independent quilt shops and
and educated, and aim extensive assortment of licensed designs fabric stores worldwide, suggested retail
to play a more significant role in making on environmentally friendly and reusable prices range from US $9 to $11 per yard. In
a contribution to planet Earth. These S.H.O.P. (Start Helping Our Planet) totes. The addition, Amcal (owned by MeadWestvaco)
consumers are also taking a closer look at suggested retail is US $10 for a set of three has licensed Mumm’s country-style work for
their own carbon footprints and the role they totes. a variety of calendars and desk pads that
play in helping the environment. In search
of green or sustainable products, many aim
“We are all realizing that nature plays a
to make their message clear, broadcasting
their beliefs by wearing t-shirts or bags
very important role in our life and we must
emblazoned with eco-friendly messages.
protect it. I expect we will continue to see more and
The ‘green’ theme is certainly dominant in
all retail channels from mass to class – from
more green-friendly designs across various markets for
supermarkets to bookstores and other
the next couple of years.”
specialty retail shops, and is showing all the
signs of being more of a lifestyle concept
Ellen Crimi-Trent
than a passing trend.
“As an artist you have to reflect and create Jenna Lucente’s mood-evoking will hit retail chains and stationery stores
designs around what people are focusing artwork also focuses on natural themes, worldwide in July – suggested retail prices
on,” says Ellen Crimi-Trent of Ellen Crimi- including nature’s interaction with the range from US $6 to $17. Lastly, Kate Spain’s
Trent, Inc.. “Many manufacturers are bringing human presence and our ever-changing Cherry Blossom patterns have recently
environmentally-friendly products to life environment. Her colourful work portrays been licensed to the Gift Wrap Co. for gift
and the artwork that embellishes this a moment of tension between traditional wrap, bags and tissue, and a partnership
product needs to reflect that.” Crimi-Trent’s subject and the contemporary environment. with KayDee Designs (kitchen textiles) will
wide client base is producing recycled Here, windfarms replace traditional be embellished with nature themes such as
products and she’s certainly seeing more landscapes, and ongoing human interference butterflies, florals, and ocean-inspired motifs.
Regina Cooper is a freelance writer based in New York City. Most recently she served as senior editor of
License Global where she covered the art, fashion, home, and brand categories. Contact details are
48
reginacooper30@yahoo.com
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