Legendary cute character, Miffy, created by Dutch author and illustrator, Dick Bruna (23 August 1927 – 16 February 2017), will mark its 65th anniversary in 2020. (cute fact: Miffy was made a female rather than male rabbit because Bruna preferred drawing dresses to trousers!).
A new book about the life and works of Dick Bruna – The Illustrators: Dick Bruna – is due for publication by Thames & Hudson in spring and a luxury handbag partnership is amongst a host of licensing collaborations planned for the milestone year.
Blueprint has already launched its first collection of Miffy stationery featuring an eye-catching black and yellow pattern, whilst gift company, Magpie, will introduce a new range of homeware and gift lines for autumn. Celebrating Miffys instantly recognisable, simple style in Dick Brunas iconic primary colours, the range will include mugs, glasses, bamboo coffee cups, trinket trays and a 3D ceramic money box.
Online personalisation store Papier are also new to the Miffy licensing programme and will release a range of personalised wall art and stationery later in the year.
In North America much of the recent Miffy licensing activity has been tied to the 3D-animated TV show, which continues to air on Nickelodeon. Collaborations with fashion-forward designers and experiential initiatives such as touring museum shows, which have been important internationally, are also part of the plan.
Bruna wrote 124 original picture books that have sold 85 million copies worldwide, with 32 of those featuring Miffy. American publisher, Simon & Schuster, has released Sweet Dreams, Miffy—its first book in the style of Bruna’s classic publishing rather than the TV tie-in look. The Miffy brand drives approximately $300 million globally in retail sales of books and merchandise.
