August 30, 2021 By Gary Symons, TLL Editor In Chief
It’s been 75 years since Antoine de Saint-Exupery wrote the classic novella The Little Prince in 1943, during the darkest days of World War II.
Now, thanks to a slate of licensing deals brokered by Licensing Works! and license holder SOGEX, The Little Prince is reaching new fans around the world.
The Little Prince is a novella penned by the French writer Saint-Exupery, but it was banned in France by the Vichy government that ruled the country during the Nazi occupation. As a result, it was first published in the US—in both English and French—by Reynal & Hitchcock.
The book was later published posthumously in France in 1946 after the liberation of France, and became an instant classic.
Saint-Exupery was a true renaissance man who was an aristocrat, aviator and an acclaimed writer even before publication of The Little Prince, and his story is just as fascinating as the novella for which he is best known.
As a pioneering aviator in France, Saint-Exupery flew with a reconnaissance squadron in the French Air Force until the defeat of France in 1940. He and his wife then fled Occupied France to North America, where he became an important voice for the French Resistance, encouraging the US government to aid the Allies, and eventually to join the war against the Axis powers.
It was while Saint-Exupery was exiled in France that he wrote The Little Prince, and most of the other books for which he is best known. Many critics believe the experiences Saint-Exupery went through during his enforced exile from France informed the writing of this emotional story.
The Little Prince is about a young prince visiting Earth from another planet, and filled with friendship, loneliness, love and loss, it became a favorite of adults and children alike around the world. With more than 200 million copies sold in 300 languages, it is one of the best selling books of all time.
Licensing Works! and SOGEX, the global licensor for The Litte Prince, announced this week several premiere new collections featuring the brand from over a dozen new licensees. They join an already impressive roster of more than 40 existing partners in North America alone, committed to preserving and sharing the novella’s timeless story.
The new licenses include:
Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) is currently showcasing works from 65 artists from around the globe under the theme, Looking with the Heart: The Little Prince 75th Anniversary Group Show. The show, which runs from Aug. 14 to Sept. 18, 2022, in Los Angeles, encourages fans to escape the trappings of perception to see truth, explore their potential, and for adults to never forget what was learned as a child. While too many to name, works from artists include Gary Baseman, Luke Chueh, Kazuki Takamatsu, Messy Desk, ONCH, Mori Chack, Mayuka Yamamoto and more.
MOVA Globes joined in the CHG gallery opening to preview their incredible limited edition The Little Prince B612 MOVA Globe, which will be available for pre-order in October. This magical globe captures all the wonders and innocence of youth. A custom globe with one-of-a-kind base was created for the event with 100% of the proceeds from the sale donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As part of MOVA’s commitment to giving back to the community, a percentage of the proceeds from the limited The Little Prince collection will also support St. Jude.
Noble Objects also joined The Little Prince family with a new scented candle featuring The Little Prince book cover. These handcrafted candles are scented from roses in honor of the Vain and Beautiful Rose featured in the iconic The Little Prince story. To kick-off the partnership, an excerpt from The Little Prince will be read as part of World Literacy Foundation’s (WLF) free online read-a-thon marathon in conjunction with International Literacy Day 2021 on September 8 and going forward a portion of the proceeds of Noble Objects’ The Little Prince candles will benefit the WLF’s efforts to eradicate illiteracy by 2040.
Serena Van Rensselaer Jewelry launches a bespoke collection of designer jewelry available online and in better boutiques. The premiere collection called Etoile’ showcases the signature star shape from the book in various earrings and pendants crafted in silver, gold and gold with diamonds. The follow-up collection, available in September expands the Etoile designs into cufflinks and rings and adds three additional pendants with classic quotes from The Little Prince.
Read the rest at: LicensingLetter.com
Hottopic.com and BoxLunch.com are collaborating on a new apparel collection just in time to celebrate the 75th Anniversary. As one of the leading U.S. retailers for music, pop culture-inspired clothes, accessories and fashion apparel, Hot Topic is the ideal partner for this new collaboration. The new apparel collection combines never-before-used imagery with classic quotations from the original novel to deliver a fresh, authentic series of designs created especially for true fans within the Hot Topic and Box Lunch audience. Product will be showcased beginning Sept. 1.
Crailtap first collaborated on one skateboard deck design, featuring The Little Prince, with professional skateboarder Niels Bennet. The Little Prince x Girl Skateboards partnership now expands to exclusive apparel featuring short and long sleeve t-shirts, pullovers, and snapback hats.
Funko translates The Little Prince in its signature Pop Vinyl style with an all-new figurine available worldwide in 2022.
Chouette launches ancillary publishing formats including board books, cloth books, novelty books, paperback, 6” x 9” readers, and vinyl bath books. Goodnight Little Prince debuts in both English and French in September with six additional titles slated for April 2022.
Hands Craft presents an assortment of wooden puzzles and craft items including, paper 3D pop-up stickers, 3D wooden puzzles, paint-your-own wood puzzles, kits with motion, miniature room craft kits, and wooden music boxes. The initial collection, available across channels features The Little Prince with the world’s popular monuments including the Leaning Tower of Pisa, London’s tower with Big Ben, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
Boss Fight Studio brings The Little Prince to life through highly articulated figurines, lunch boxes, and collectibles (see photo above). The first offering, delivering now, features The Little Prince on his beloved Asteroid B612 accompanied by his friend The Fox and The Rose. Wave 2 launches in Spring 2022 and includes a series of “moments’ from the novel recreated as small displayable scenes.
Le Panier Francais, the U.S. based French supermarket, adds The Little Prince collection of authentic French candies to its online and in store product offerings. Packaged in beautiful collector tins, fans can select from more than 12 all natural flavors inspired by the iconic novel.
Mighty Mojo Toys introduces The Little Prince plush products later this year.
Studio B offers collectible posters featuring a combination of The Little Prince classic and new brand artwork.