Teddy Fresh

Last updated
Teddy Fresh
Industry clothing industry
Founded2017
Founders
HeadquartersLos Angeles, California
ProductsClothing, accessories
Parent Ted Entertainment, Inc.
Website www.teddyfresh.com

Teddy Fresh is an American streetwear brand founded in 2017 by YouTubers Ethan and Hila Klein of H3h3Productions and the H3 Podcast. [2] [3] [4] [5] The company is based in Los Angeles and focuses on fashion pieces with artist collaborations. [6] Consistent with this, Teddy Fresh works with celebrities and brands to license cartoon or comic book characters to inspire and design new lines of clothing.

Contents

History

In 2017 April, Ethan and Hila announced a strategic shift in priorities, steering away from its flagship H3h3Productions YouTube channel to concentrate on more consistently lucrative ventures, as the channel experienced an 80% reduction in revenue in 2017 due to the Youtube "Adpocalypse" phenomenon. Reflecting on this setback, Hila noted, "That was a bit of a wake-up call for us, emphasizing the importance of not having all our eggs in one basket and the need for diversification." [7] [4] Ethan and Hila Klein launched the Teddy Fresh apparel range in October 2017. [3] [8] Leveraging their prominence on YouTube, the Kleins strategically utilized their online popularity as a platform to expand and achieve further success. [7]

The brand's name serves as a homage to their shared affection for the name Theodore, or Teddy, which not only represents their first-born son but also serves as endearing nicknames for each other. “We’ve always just loved it. We kind of thought about a cool teddy bear,” she said. “We just said Teddy Fresh.” [8]

Teddy Fresh products are designed to be “colorful and playful” and are inspired by kids clothing and ‘90s fashion. [8] The apparel is known for featuring pastel and color-block patterns, [9] [10] [11] and products include t-shirts, hoodies, sweaters, and jackets, [9] for men and for women. [12] The brand uses materials such as denim, jacquard, angora wool, and sueded fleece. [13]

In 2018 Teddy Fresh was sold at American clothing retailer Zumiez. [14] [15]

The H3 Podcast

The H3 Podcast has played a pivotal role in the trajectory of Teddy Fresh, with co-founder Hila Klein reflecting on the synergies between the podcast and the burgeoning fashion brand. Klein noted the establishment of a healthy balance between the podcast and Teddy Fresh, emphasizing the organic nature of their marketing approach. In discussing the significance of their YouTube channel to their careers, Klein highlights its role as a genuine and effective promotional platform, where the connection with fans was cultivated authentically. [7] The podcast community, with its substantial support base, serves as a valuable built-in marketing mechanism for Teddy Fresh. [16] Klein expressed gratitude for the symbiotic relationship, acknowledging the community's role in bolstering the brand's visibility. [7] Moreover, the podcast provides Klein with a unique avenue to showcase favorite outfits to an expansive audience of nearly three million subscribers, further intertwining the realms of content creation and fashion entrepreneurship. [17]

Controversies

James Charles

In 2020, co-founder Ethan Klein, who is Hila Klein's husband, suggested that fellow YouTuber James Charles had copied the color palette and color-block design of Teddy Fresh's most popular hoodie for his Sisters Apparel merchandise. Ethan went on to state that he feared Charles' larger fanbase may later accuse the Teddy Fresh brand of plagiarism. Charles denied that the design had been copied, responding that he had never seen the Teddy Fresh design. [18] [19] [20]

Gary Kennedy

Teddy Fresh came under fire in November 2021 when a Reddit user noticed that the piece of art featured on the brand's "Gone But Not Forgotten" sweater design was plagiarized, with the original found in a 1990 book of knitting patterns authored by Gary Kennedy. The jumper in question featured vintage-style artwork of a dinosaur in front of a volcano with texts such as "Gone But Not Forgotten", "Teddy Fresh", and "Smiling Down Upon Us". Following this revelation, the controversy deepened as Ethan Klein, co-founder of Teddy Fresh, addressed a similar issue on the H3TV show. Ethan candidly admitted that the design was copied from a 1955 knitting book, offering explanations about the company's oversight and expressing a commitment to rectify the situation ethically. He disclosed efforts to locate the original creator or their relatives for proper compensation and affirmed their decision to withhold sales until resolution. Despite potential legal avenues, Ethan emphasized a desire to avoid selling the sweater without establishing contact with the original designer. Throughout this ordeal, Ethan declined to reveal the name of the designer responsible, acknowledging a shared responsibility due to the oversight on Teddy Fresh's part. [2]

Collaborations

In 2020, Teddy Fresh collaborated with the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants . [21] In 2021, Teddy Fresh released clothing in collaboration with the Care Bears brand. [22] [23] [24]

In October 2021, Teddy Fresh worked closely with Japanese artist Yurie Sekiya to translate her unique and accomplished style to the Teddy Fresh clothing creating wearable art. [25] Sekiya brings her own interpretation of “kawaii culture,” inspired by manga, cartoons, toys, and her everyday experiences. [25]

On November 13, 2021, Teddy Fresh hosted a pop-up event in Los Angeles [26] featuring the brand’s November 2021 collection— a collaboration with the Looney Tunes brand. [3] [8]

In February 2022, Teddy Fresh announced a new collaboration with singer Elton John [27] called Teddy Fresh x Elton John which was “inspired by the way John has revolutionized music and broken boundaries and by his outlandish style and lust for life.” It features "sequins…intricate patchwork and vibrant fabrics that convey Elton’s luxurious and regal taste for fashion and life.” [28]

In March 2023, Teddy Fresh announced a collection using the IP of Toho International's Godzilla property. The collection featured various clothing items and a skateboard deck. [29]

In November 2023, Hasbro announced a new collaboration between Teddy Fresh and Magic: The Gathering. [30]

Celebrity recognition

Teddy Fresh has garnered recognition within the celebrity sphere, with notable figures such as Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, Billie Eilish, and Howie Mandell among its wearers. [31] [32] [7]

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References

  1. ↑ "H3H3's Ethan Klein admits Teddy Fresh 'Dino' sweater design was copied?". GINX TV. 2021-11-30.
  2. 1 2 "H3H3's Ethan Klein admits Teddy Fresh 'Dino' sweater design was copied". GINX TV. 2021-11-30. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  3. 1 2 3 Tenbarge, Kat. "Inside the Teddy Fresh pop-up in LA, where hundreds of 'H3 Podcast' fans waited in the heat despite Hila and Ethan Klein canceling their appearance". Insider. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  4. 1 2 "h3h3Productions' Hila Klein To Launch 'Teddy Fresh' Apparel Range". Tubefilter. 2017-07-25. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  5. ↑ Phillipp, Charlotte; Esters, Katherine (2023-10-10). "How Hila Klein Does It All: Managing A Massive Brand And Motherhood (Exclusive)". The Messenger. Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  6. ↑ "Is New York City the Best Place to Start a Streetwear or Fashion Brand?". Complex. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Whipple, Morgan (2023-06-09). "How Hila Klein Went From YouTube Star to Fashion Designer and CEO of Teddy Fresh". Fashionista. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Widjojo, Conchita (2021-11-11). "How Teddy Fresh Finds Inspiration in 'Nostalgia' and Reflects Hila Klein's Personal Style". WWD. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  9. 1 2 "Teddy Fresh's Hila Klein On Bringing Color & Quality To Streetwear". UPROXX. 2020-10-14. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  10. ↑ "High-end sweatshirts you need for fall". The Post. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  11. ↑ "Teddy Fresh doubles down on pastel-colored outerwear for its February collection • GEEKSPIN". geekspin.co. 2021-02-19. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  12. ↑ "Teddy Fresh, Carebears Try on Streetwear Collab". licenseglobal.com. 2021-01-29. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  13. ↑ Dobrosielski, Chuck (2021-02-02). "This New Drop Brings Care Bears to Streetwear". Sourcing Journal. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  14. ↑ "Hila Klein's 'Teddy Fresh' Brand Gets Massive Retail Rollout At Zumiez Stores Nationwide". Tubefilter. 2018-07-03. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  15. ↑ "Dolls Kill accused of ripping off H3H3's Teddy Fresh design". Dexerto. 2021-05-07. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  16. ↑ "The Pro Files: How Designer Hila Klein Balances Her Brand Teddy Fresh and Her YouTube Career (Exclusive)". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  17. ↑ "Artist Profile: Hila Klein on Teddy Fresh and Ceaseless Creativity | Arts | The Harvard Crimson". www.thecrimson.com. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  18. ↑ Harris, Margot (2021-09-21). "Beauty guru James Charles accused of stealing clothing designs from YouTubers Ethan and Hila Klein". Business Insider India . Archived from the original on 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
  19. ↑ O'Connor, Florence; Haylock, Zoe (2021-05-12). "A Complete Timeline of the James Charles Allegations and Controversies". Vulture . Archived from the original on 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
  20. ↑ Walfisz, Jonathan; Lince, Tim. "Thomas Cook brand relaunched; 'rip off' Teddy Fresh clash; Lady A legal fight continues – news digest". www.worldtrademarkreview.com. Archived from the original on 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2022-03-27.
  21. ↑ "Hila Klein's 'Teddy Fresh' Streetwear Brand Teases SpongeBob SquarePants Collab". Tubefilter. 2020-02-21. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  22. ↑ "Teddy Fresh and Care Bears Release Nostalgic Clothing Collection". HYPEBEAST. 2021-01-28. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  23. ↑ Bobila, Maria. "Here's Your First Look At Teddy Fresh's Care Bears Collaboration". Nylon. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  24. ↑ "LA Brand Teddy Fresh Collaborates With Care Bear". Ballerstatus.com. 2021-01-28. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  25. 1 2 "Artist Spotlight - Yurie Sekiya". Teddy Fresh. Retrieved 2022-04-11.
  26. ↑ Tenbarge, Kat. "Inside the Teddy Fresh pop-up in LA, where hundreds of 'H3 Podcast' fans waited in the heat despite Hila and Ethan Klein canceling their appearance". Insider. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
  27. ↑ Krishnamurthy, Chaitra (2022-02-22). "Teddy Fresh x Elton John collection celebrates singer's iconic looks". HITC. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  28. ↑ "Elton John teams with hot fashion line Teddy Fresh for new collection inspired by his "lust for life"". 2022-02-23. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
  29. ↑ "Teddy Fresh Is Tapping Godzilla For Its Latest Collab Collection". UPROXX. 2023-03-31. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  30. ↑ Media, aNb (2023-11-21). "Hasbro Unveils Epic Teddy Fresh x Magic: the Gathering Collection". aNb Media, Inc. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  31. ↑ "Artist Profile: Hila Klein on Teddy Fresh and Ceaseless Creativity | Arts | The Harvard Crimson". www.thecrimson.com. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
  32. ↑ "The Pro Files: How Designer Hila Klein Balances Her Brand Teddy Fresh and Her YouTube Career (Exclusive)". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
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