Kidrobot will be expanding into accessories with a line of handbags and small accessories produced in collaboration with Schifter + Partners and sold at 200 department stores and specialty stores across the United States. Till now Kidrobot has been known primarily for its Japanese-inspired collectible toys (they also collaborate often with designers, artists, musicians, etc., and produce things like ringtones and skateboards), and has accumulated a cult following over the past 6 or so years. According to their website:
Founded by designer Paul Budnitz in 2002, Kidrobot is the world’s premier creator and retailer of limited edition art toys and apparel. The products sold at Kidrobot merge urban street trends and pop art to produce limited edition, collectible toys and apparel.
While consumers can currently buy Kidrobot products on their website, the company’s only retail outposts are in NYC, SF, MIA, and LA, so the hope is that this new collaboration will bring their unique and inspired designs to a broader audience. From WWD:
“We reach out to certain brands and a lot come to us,” said Schifter, chairman and chief executive officer of Schifter + Partners. “We’re pretty choosy. But we knew we could tap into that cult following and introduce highly creative, New York-based designers to a broader audience in department stores. We like to get involved with brands that are new and have a small niche, and help them become larger niche brands.”
Schifter + Partners currently produces Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers labels, as well as Jill Stuart handbags.
WWD: Kidrobot Climbs into Accessories with Schifter (subscription req)
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Reddit
StumbleUpon
