Anytime I travel abroad, I enjoy shopping for Disney items that originate outside of the U.S. – it’s fun to see locally designed Disney products and experiences. And the next best thing to seeing them, is hearing about them from my colleagues around the world. Today, we’re taking a look at some recent highlights from across the pond.
On the heels (pun intended) of Iron Man 3’s box office success, UK designer Julian Hakes applied his futuristic approach to shoe design with this question in mind: “If Tony Stark himself were to design a pair of shoes for Pepper Potts, what would they look like?” Julian fit his signature, award-winning Mojito shoe with an LED light, resembling the ARC-reactor that powers Iron Man’s suit, to create a unique pair of shoes inspired by the super hero. Julian shares, “Because of my design and engineering background, I’ve always been fascinated by Tony Stark in Marvel’s Iron Man comic books and films. The Mojito shoe is a result of an architectural driven process. After realizing that only the heel and ball of the feet require support to maximize comfort, I created many different prototypes before arriving at the ‘Mojito’ design – perhaps even rivaling the number of suits created by Tony Stark!”
Kids across the UK can now become Junior Super Heroes! Disney Store recently announced the Marvel Training Academy. The in-store activity, which takes place this month, allows budding Iron Men to learn a series of special moves. Once they’ve mastered the actions, each participant receives a Junior Super Hero card in recognition of their new skills. Amy Pearson, marketing director, Disney Store Europe shares, “Our in-store activity sessions always prove popular with children and parents alike, and we’re excited to be adding the new and engaging Marvel Training Academy to the schedule. We are also delighted to see the sales uplift across our Iron Man 3 and Marvel products, especially in the costume and Hasbro action figure and gauntlet categories.
Disney and Tommy Hilfiger recently announced in the UK the launch of The Muppets limited-edition children’s collection. Disney is collaborating with Tommy Hilfiger on a new Spring/Summer 2013 collection featuring The Muppets. The collection – available in select Tommy Hilfiger stores and on Tommy.com – features Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, Fozzie, Beaker, Startler and Waldorf, and some of their popular catch phrases. Tommy Hilfiger first teamed with The Walt Disney Company in February 2012, for the “Meet the Family” capsule collection, which featured unique interpretations of Disney characters wearing preppy pieces from Tommy Hilfiger collections.
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