YrStore x Topman: Spongebob Prints

SpongeBob SquarePants is enjoying his second bout influencing the fashion industry. The Nickelodeon classic has been signed up in a global licensing deal with all-over print brand YrStore. The innovative retailer recently put pen to paper on the agreement, which will see characters from the cartoon worked into the firm’s design collaboration with Topman.

News of the partnership comes a few years after the Bikini Bottom resident teamed with Savile Row tailor Richard James to create a limited edition capsule collection.

The original collaboration between Topman and YrStore was set up in late 2013, in a bid to allow consumers to bring their own style to a variety of garments. Using interactive touch pads named ‘tee-tilers’, customers are able to design one-off patterns and see them printed on to high quality garments on the shop floor of Topman’s flagship.

The more recent deal with SpongeBob SquarePants will see YrStore’s interactive design archives filled with motifs of popular characters, including Patrick, Plankton, Gary, Sandy Cheeks and, of course, SpongeBob himself.

Debuting on Nickelodeon in 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has been dubbed a ‘cult’ show by Topman and YrStore. The title character has taken on a life of his own in recent years, working with credible brands such as i-D Magazine, Nooka and Karl Lagerfeld.

“Our collaboration with YR will mean that fashion-forward fans will be able to interact with our characters in a way that has never been available to consumers before. It is a brilliant opportunity for fans to show off their own creativity and love for our properties and I cannot wait to see what they come up with.” Marianne James, Nickelodeon

While SpongeBob is the first licensed character to appear on YrStore clothing, the brand has confirmed there will be further collaborations with other Nickelodeon shows and characters later in 2014.