HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Billabong LAB proudly announces their latest apparel and boardshorts collection featuring iconic artwork from Pulitzer Prize-winning children’s book author Dr. Seuss. The Billabong x Dr. Seuss Earth Day 2020 Collection will release in five product deliveries – each designed according to a different Dr. Seuss book – between today and July 2020. Both companies also hope that the line will give fans something to get excited about and look forward to for when beaches and nature’s playgrounds start to re-open again.
This premium design collaboration with Dr. Seuss Enterprises comes through Billabong LAB, a platform that supports artists, musicians, designers and photographers. Made using recycled and sustainable materials, this collection embraces both the messages and the unique art of classic Dr. Seuss books including The Lorax.
Consisting of more than thirty pieces, the Billabong x Dr. Seuss collaboration inspires environmental activism and enjoyment of the great outdoors. In the words of the Lorax to young readers: “UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” As a special activation for Earth Day, Billabong will release a Dr. Seuss-inspired boardshort made from recycled plastics and – for the first time ever – CiCLO® technology in its high-performance fabric. The patent pending CiCLO® technology (pronounced sēklō, translates to cycle) is an enzyme that helps close the loop and reduce plastic pollution.
The relationship between Dr. Seuss and boardsports culture is a long and storied one. Ever since the early 1990s, the treasured author’s artwork has been featured on skateboard graphics and t-shirts. Taking things to the next level, the Billabong x Dr. Seuss collaboration marks the first full-fledged apparel release with a boardsports brand. For maximum impact, the collection will be endorsed by members of Billabong’s elite surf athlete team such as Jack Freestone, Ryan Callinan, and Seth Moniz in promotional content advocating ocean conservancy, among other themes.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Dr. Seuss team for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day,” said Evan Slater, VP of Global Marketing at Billabong. “The art (and message) from The Lorax not only had lasting positive impact on multiple generations, it remains more relevant now than ever.”
“The fashion-forward and eco-friendly styles of Billabong will resonate well with Dr. Seuss fans young and old. It’s the type of collaboration that we like to work on as it is a great way to share the magic of Dr. Seuss well beyond the page, and the Lorax line is also true to the message put forth in the book. We know fans will enjoy the line when they are able to hit the beaches and outdoor playgrounds later this summer,” said Susan Brandt, President, Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
Launching today, the first mini-collection includes t-shirts, long sleeve tees, hoodies, and pants crafted from organic cotton adorned by the Lorax-inspired designs and ‘I speak for the trees, I speak for the seas’ messaging. Boardshorts made from recycled polyester will feature the Lorax art as full-color sublimation print in a 19-inch performance fit. Accessories such as an organic cotton snapback hat and pool slides featuring vegan leather sole composites bring the opening drop full circle.
The second mini-collection emphasizes tree conservation in the Truffula-themed release. Rendered in monochromatic black and white, the drop consists of black tees and long sleeves replete with Lorax line art, a short-sleeve button-up with allover print and mechanical stretch and a tote bag from organic cotton canvas. Truffula pool slides, bucket hat and recycled polyester boardshorts complete this stylish drop.
Finally, with prominent messaging during Earth Day, we will mark the release of the Lorax Sundays Pro boardshort, the world’s first boardshort that takes one giant leap further toward reducing plastics in our oceans and landfills. Crafted from patent-pending CiCLO® technology, the sky-blue shorts are adorned with Lorax and tree artwork in a 19-inch performance fit.
Endorsed by Billabong athlete Jack Freestone, the collection also includes several Dr. Seuss-themed t-shirts, short-sleeve button-up shirts, hats, and a large-sized Billabong x Dr. Seuss beach towel made from soft organic cotton. On June 24, the ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’ drop will introduce tie-dye art vibes on boardshorts and long-sleeve tees, among other pieces, before the ‘One Fish, Two Fish’ release on July 6 imagines classic surf spots such as Pipeline and J-Bay in unmistakable Dr. Seuss style.
Each product release in the Billabong x Dr. Seuss Collection is accompanied by digital content along with retail activations as public spaces begin to re-open again later this summer.
For more information on Billabong, Billabong LAB, Dr. Seuss and the upcoming collection, please visit www.billabong.com or Instagram at @Billabong.
For further information, or interview requests, contact Kim Dresser of Indie Agency, a full-service branding, marketing and public relations firm at C: (949) 300-5546 or E: kim.dresser@indiepragency.com, or Beth Mellow at E: beth_mellow@dkcnews.com.
ABOUT BILLABONG
Billabong is a boardshort and bikini brand committed to the leading edge of surf culture. Founded in 1973 in Australia by visionary surfboard shaper and designer Gordon Merchant, Billabong is laser-focused on sharing the magic feeling of waveriding with the world. That feeling comes to life in many forms, from award-winning boardshorts and swimwear to an eclectic bunch of culture-defining ambassadors to a legacy of game-changing experiences from the ocean to the mountains and beyond. Merchant originally envisioned a world where surfers and the surf-inspired feel special — like they’re the luckiest people on the planet. Now distributed in more than 100 countries across the globe, Billabong remains dedicated to his original vision — and making that feeling even more special tomorrow.
Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.
Dr. Seuss Enterprises is a leading global children's entertainment company focused on preserving and enhancing the quality and dignity of Dr. Seuss’s body of work thereby ensuring that each generation will experience the stories, characters, life lessons and genius of Dr. Seuss. The company was established in 1993 and is based in San Diego, CA. Dr. Seuss Enterprises' global endeavors complement Dr. Seuss's iconic books and include films, TV shows, stage productions, exhibitions, digital media, licensed merchandise, and other strategic partnerships. Ted Geisel once said he never wanted to license his characters to anyone who would "round out the edges" – a guiding principle at Dr. Seuss Enterprises. For more information about Dr. Seuss and his works, visit Seussville.com, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT CiCLO Textile Technology
CiCLO® (pronounced sēklō, translates to cycle), is a patent pending textile technology that reduces synthetic microfiber pollution caused by washing, and minimizes plastic accumulation in landfills due to discarding. Intrinsic Textiles Group, LLC, was formed to develop and commercialize sustainable, closed loop solutions for textiles. By partnering with brands, Intrinsic Textiles Group offers a biomimetic approach and sustainable solutions for them to easily integrate into their supply chain. Proud members of the Textile Exchange and Outdoor Industry Association, the company is made up of scientists, engineers and textile industry veterans who are outdoor enthusiasts and feel passionately about protecting our planet. Learn more by visiting ciclotextiles.com.
Dr. Seuss x Billabong LAB Launch Video
Earth Day 2020 Collection Imagery Download Photos for Editorial Use
