ITVS GE Reveals Plans for Classic Thunderbirds Fashion Lines for Men

LONDON: ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) has teamed up with a trio of leaders in the high-end men's fashion industry to launch new merchandise celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Classic Thunderbirds brand.

A deal with British designer Lou Dalton will see Classic Thunderbirds cartoon strips printed on a men's knitwear collection. The limited-edition line will become available for purchase in autumn/winter 2015.

ITVS GE is also collaborating with Royal Warrant shirt maker Turnbull & Asser on a range of men's fine silk handkerchiefs and ties featuring scenes and characters from Classic Thunderbirds. These items, which will be sold exclusively at Turnbull & Asser stores and retailers, are set to launch in the U.K. and Japan this year.

Fashion Lab is working on a collection of Classic Thunderbirds apparel, including men's outerwear and nightwear, which will hit retail in the U.K. this fall.

Trudi Hayward, the senior VP and head of global merchandising at ITVS GE, remarked: "The inclusion of Classic Thunderbirds in all of these fashion-forward collections not only reaffirms the lasting appeal of this iconic brand and its characters but also its commercial ability to expand into a variety of markets, including contemporary men's fashion. It is a real privilege to be teaming up with such prestigious names and to celebrate the 50 year heritage of this much-loved brand with style."

Dalton added: "Tailoring and construction is who we are and what we do, We were really inspired by the iconic look of Classic Thunderbirds and have included subtle references in the collection that have added a quirky twist to traditional men's tailoring."