Illumination Entertainment and Universal Partnerships & Licensing to launch Designer Capsule Collection
Inspired by Illumination’s Minions
“Minions Bello Yellow Collection” to Debut Exclusively at Selfridges in June in Celebration of Universal Pictures and Illumination’s Minions, in Theatres 26 June 2015

Illumination Entertainment and Universal Partnerships & Licensing today announced the curation of a designer capsule collection based on the Minions from Universal Pictures and Illumination’s Despicable Me global film franchise, including the upcoming prequel Minions, opening in theatres 26 June 2015. The “Minions Bello Yellow Collection” features limited-edition apparel and accessories from UK-based designers Rupert Sanderson, Giles Deacon, Piers Atkinson, Tatty Devine and Criminal Damage and also includes denim designs from SJYP, a new label out of South Korea. The Minions capsule will debut exclusively at Selfridges in June 2015, followed by roll out to global retail partners including Parisian retailer Colette in July 2015.

“We are always looking to create meaningful partnerships that will elevate our brands to a global audience,” said Chris Meledandri, Founder and CEO, Illumination Entertainment. “The same careful thought, consideration and creativity that we try to bring to our films goes into each of these collaborations. The delightfully flawed and truly original Minions have connected with a vast worldwide audience of all ages, and we are thrilled that they inspired these amazing creatives.”

“Thanks to the phenomenally successful Despicable Me films, the Minions have become cultural icons the world over, so we set out to create a collection of fashion-forward pieces that will appeal to the brand’s young adult and adult fans,” said Jamie Stevens, Executive Vice President, Global Retail Development, Universal Partnerships & Licensing. “We took inspiration from the London setting of the all-new film and partnered with several UK-based designers we felt could accurately translate the sweet and subversive personalities of the Minions to fashion. We love the collection, and we’re very excited to launch the program this summer.”

The designers behind the Minions capsule collection include:
• Rupert Sanderson – modern Minions take on best-selling pump, Malory. 100mm set back heel, printed fabric
• Giles Deacon - contemporary womenswear, including shift dresses, t-shirt dresses and t-shirtsSJYP – premium unisex denim including denim dungarees – the Minions’ uniform of choice – alongside denim shirts, jackets, pants, half pants and sweats and tees
• Piers Atkinson – headwear including a mini bowler, caps, a beanie and pom pom headbands
• Tatty Devine – statement jewellery including perspex necklaces, highlighted by the signature Tatty Devine dinosaur necklace, now including an “Au Naturel” Minion
• Criminal Damage – urban street men’s and womenswear in the form of tees and sweats

“The Minions have been a big part of my life with my family. In keeping with the unexpected and rebellious nature of the Minions, the idea of combining one of my shoes with their highly distinctive personalities makes perfect sense,” said Rupert Sanderson.

“It has been a lot of fun to work alongside the Universal Partnerships & Licensing team around the launch of the forthcoming Minions prequel – I have long been a fan of Illumination’s delightfully flawed characters,” said Giles Deacon. “The resulting collection is a capsule very much inspired by London in the swinging 60’s and pays homage to their enduring style.”

Following the 11 June film premiere in the UK, Selfridges will enjoy a six-week window of exclusivity in the UK. Products will be available in both the London and Manchester stores and at www.selfridges.com Prices for collection pieces are anticipated to range from £30 to £545.

“I love the Minions. My kids love the Minions. My friends all love the Minions, too! We are very excited to be welcoming Stuart, Kevin, Bob and friends to Selfridges London and Manchester this summer. We’re happy to be the exclusive UK launch partner for this collaborative collection from some of our favourite designers and brands, proving what we already know: yellow is the new black,” said Sebastian Manes, Buying & Merchandising Director, Selfridges.

Today in another first, Pantone, Illumination and Universal Partnerships & Licensing also announced the launch of Pantone Minion Yellow – which served as inspiration to the designers for the capsule collection. The development of Pantone Minion Yellow marks the first time a colour has been created in honour of and named after a character. The custom colour is an extroverted hue designed to represent the sweet and subversive nature of the characters. The custom Pantone Minion Yellow color will be added to the Pantone Fashion, Home + Interiors color palette with the next color addition.