VON DUTCH TEAMS UP WITH POPEYE AND THE SEACLEANERS FOR A CUSTOM COLLECTION SUPPORTING THE FIGHT FOR A POLLUTION-FREE OCEAN
Cue up “Last Resort” on your playlist and add “Fight Club” to the Netflix watch list: Von Dutch is back and has partnered with Popeye for a collection to support ocean-cleanup organization The SeaCleaners. The collection celebrates the iconic sea-faring comic characters while supporting The SeaCleaners’ mission for a pollution-free ocean. This is the first collaboration Von Dutch has done, expanding its philanthropic efforts and helping spread awareness for important causes.
The collection hits shelves next week on November 17th and consists of a line of reimagined streetwear staples, including unisex hoodie and jogger sets, short-sleeve tees, and crewnecks. This collaboration was heavily focused on creating a sustainable line of clothing while limiting the impact on the environment: the collection is made with organic, GOTS-certified fibers and raw material used for the products in the collection — from trucker hats to hoodies and t-shirts — have been produced with approval from the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). Even hang tags are made with recycled paper.
“Ultimately, this collection is a blend of two cultural icons in both the fashion and the entertainment industry by creating pieces that are reminiscent of the comic legend,” said Olivier Mercier, CEO of Von Dutch LLC. “Collectively, Von Dutch and the creators of Popeye pushed the envelope and challenged the typical parameters of streetwear to present this nostalgic and philanthropic collection.”
Popeye, the iconic, spinach-eating sailor, and clean ocean advocate, is owned by King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst and home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters. The deal was negotiated by its French agent, MJA Licensing. Popeye first announced his representation of The SeaCleaners, an organization that focuses on long-term and worldwide preservation of the ocean, in 2020, joining its fight against plastic pollution and raising awareness of its ocean conservation efforts. This partnership continues Popeye’s commitment to sustainability and a plastic-free ocean.
“Popeye stands up for what’s right and defends those in need, so joining The SeaCleaners fight to save the ocean was a natural fit,” said Carla Silva, VP/GM, global head of licensing, King Features. “Partnering with an iconic fashion label like Von Dutch gives the cause greater visibility among style-savvy consumers who will be actively making our world better with each purchase — a portion of the proceeds goes back to The SeaCleaners.”
“Fighting for a pollution-free ocean must mobilize all energies,” said Yvan Bourgnon, President & Founder of The SeaCleaners. “Popeye and The SeaCleaners have been working together for two years to raise awareness for this cause. We are very grateful to Von Dutch for joining us. With this eco-designed collection, we are proud to partner with a pioneering brand that is leading the way for the fashion industry to develop new creation and production practices.”
The Von Dutch x Popeye Collection line is available for purchase at specialty streetwear shops, select retailers, and vondutch.com.
