The Licensing Letter

Dolls

Monster High Launches Initiative To Support Children’s Mental Health

By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterMattel has launched a global charitable initiative for its Monster High toy and entertainment brand called Monster High Project Belonging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five children have a significantly impairing mental disorder. In light of this information, children’s mental health has become a significant … [Read more...] about Monster High Launches Initiative To Support Children’s Mental Health

Walmart Releases Its Influential Top Toys List For 2023

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The world's largest retail chain, Walmart, has unveiled 55 products on its highly anticipated Top Toys List for 2023. It's a great list for parents and anyone else shopping for kids (or kidults for that matter), but it's also an important list for licensing professionals looking for intel on what will be the hot toy properties for the … [Read more...] about Walmart Releases Its Influential Top Toys List For 2023

Licensing Colossus Barbie Surpasses $1 Billion at Box Office

Barbie Franchise Announces New Licensed Products, Including 'Weird Barbie' By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Barbie Movie hit a new milestone, surpassing $1 billion at the global box office, spawning a new wave of licensed Barbie merch. The unstoppable film that has shocked the movie-going world broke the $1 billion in just over two weeks since its July release, … [Read more...] about Licensing Colossus Barbie Surpasses $1 Billion at Box Office

Kylie Jenner Partners With MGA Entertainment On Celebrity Bratz Doll

By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterMGA Entertainment's Bratz fashion doll brand is partnering with Kylie Jenner for a line of limited-edition Bratz x Kylie Collectibles.The new licensed Kylie Jenner collection marks the first time that a celebrity has been featured as a Bratz doll. “This is a seminal moment in Bratz history to join forces with Kylie Jenner as the brand’s … [Read more...] about Kylie Jenner Partners With MGA Entertainment On Celebrity Bratz Doll

Bob Mackie Made Barbie a Fashion Icon, Says Hollywood Reporter

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The upcoming Barbie movie is testimony to the star power of toy brand Barbie, but it was designer Bob Mackie who made Barbie a star in the first place. That's the argument of Hollywood Reporter, the venerable film industry publication, which said in a recent article that the legendary American designer was a primary reason for the brand's … [Read more...] about Bob Mackie Made Barbie a Fashion Icon, Says Hollywood Reporter

Anna May Wong Portrayed in Latest Barbie Inspiring Women Series

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel has released a Barbie Inspiring Women doll based on Anna May Wong in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Anna May Wong was a Chinese-American actress who made history as the first Asian-American actor to secure a lead role in a US television series. Throughout her career, Wong worked to break down … [Read more...] about Anna May Wong Portrayed in Latest Barbie Inspiring Women Series

Toy Industry: Mattel and Hasbro Post Losses As Consumer Spending Declines

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mattel and Hasbro reported double digit decline in revenues, confirming a slow-down in the toy sector and consumer goods generally. The drop follows years of strong performance in the toy industry, partly due to parents spending more on toys to entertain the young 'uns at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, however, high … [Read more...] about Toy Industry: Mattel and Hasbro Post Losses As Consumer Spending Declines

Say What Now? Rivals Mattel and Hasbro Enter Into Major Licensing Deal

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toymakers Mattel and Hasbro have obviously decided companies do better when they play well together. This week Hasbro and Mattel revealed they have signed multi-year licensing agreements for some of their most popular toy brands. Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) and Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced that they have entered into multi-year … [Read more...] about Say What Now? Rivals Mattel and Hasbro Enter Into Major Licensing Deal

Toy Licensing: Barbie Introduces Its First Doll with Down Syndrome

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel has partnered with NDSS to bring a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to this year's global Fashionistas lineup. The NDSS aka The National Down Syndrome Society is a human rights organization dedicated to aiding individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS supports individuals with Down syndrome by providing resources, advocating for policy … [Read more...] about Toy Licensing: Barbie Introduces Its First Doll with Down Syndrome