Marvel and young designers from The Prince’s Trust release new collection inspired by The Avengers 

Disney worked with aspiring designers aged 18-30 to create a collection that is part of a three-year mentoring partnership which aims to help young people break into the world of fashion and product design. The programme, which launched in spring 2021, consists of a series of workshops, hosted by Disney, culminating in the aspiring designers creating two Marvel-inspired product ranges.

The first, which spotlights Marvel’s The Avengers, features products with design influences from American street culture and sports after exploring current trends in the market, taking into consideration the themes of inclusivity as well as being inspired by the teamwork of Marvel’s super heroes. The collection will be available to purchase from The Disney Store and online at shopDisney in the UK and across Europe.

This gender neutral collection features a range of products and includes clothing, apparel, accessories and stationery, as well as a themed backpack.

Throughout the programme, participants worked with Disney designers, marketers and retail teams, with the support of The Prince’s Trust, to learn about the product design industry, with the designers involved at critical stages in their products design and production lifecycle.

Joe Orebiyi, aged 20 said: “The programme gave us so much opportunity to create lots of different ideas. It’s so nice to see the output and it’s exactly how I envisioned it! The experience was phenomenal. All of us in the group gained so much, especially for our own character development. This pushed me to the next level and helped me grow as a person.”

Joe designed the Deluxe 10 piece pin set & Panel Printed Basket Ball

Zahrah Sheikh, aged 29 said: “The whole programme helped me to create my product. From the development day in Disney Stores to having the time to research online trends and work with the others to create ideas. To see what we’ve designed on paper turn into a real-life product was an incredible experience – mind-blowing in fact!”

Zahrah designed the Satchel Backpack & Knitted Beanie

To celebrate the product launch, Marvel actor and Prince’s Trust ambassador, Sir Ben Kingsley, met with the young people at a celebratory event, to congratulate them on their achievements and listen to their design inspirations and individual stories.

Sir Ben Kingsley said: “As a proud Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust for many years, who’s played a part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it has been inspiring to meet young people today who have completed the Get Started in Product Design programme delivered by The Trust and Marvel. These talented young designers have shown creativity and skill, and it is brilliant to see Marvel supporting the next generation of talent to break into the creative industries. I wish the young people all the best as they pursue their careers.”

To support the three-year partnership, Disney is also making a commitment of a £100,000 donation to The Prince’s Trust each year of the programme.

This not-for-profit initiative with The Prince’s Trust is part of Disney’s global social purpose commitment which sees Disney working to provide inspiration and opportunity to help young people reach their potential. For more details visit: www.thewaltdisneycompany.eu

Frances Milner, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at The Prince’s Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to join forces with Marvel on this unique partnership, creating opportunities for young people that support them to realise their potential.

“The Get Started in Product Design with Marvel course has brought together young people with a diverse range of skillsets and backgrounds to harness their creativity and build their confidence and self-belief. The course has also given young people invaluable mentorship and work opportunities, and some of them have now begun exciting careers in the industry.”

Mike Stagg, Senior Vice President, Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing EMEA said: “We are so impressed and proud of the designs produced by these young people. It has been truly inspiring to see the products come to life from their initial sketches. We know how hard the fashion and design industries can be to break into, and our partnership with The Prince’s Trust offers such an invaluable experience which we look forward to continuing.”

Marvel fans can look out for the second collection which celebrates the incredible female super heroes from across the Marvel Universe which is due to launch in spring 2022.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About The Prince’s Trust

The Prince’s Trust believes that every young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter what their background or the challenges they are facing. We help those from disadvantaged communities and those facing the greatest adversity by supporting them to build the confidence and skills to live, learn and earn. The courses offered by The Trust help young people aged 11-30 to develop essential life skills, get ready for work and access job opportunities. We support them to find work because having a job or running a business can lead to a more stable, fulfilling life.

Since The Trust was founded by The Prince of Wales in 1976 we have helped more than a million young people across the UK, and three in four of those we supported over the last five years have moved into work, education or training. We are committed to enabling even more young people to create a better future for themselves. By helping young people today, the benefits for them, their communities and the wider economy will be felt for years to come.

Further information about The Prince’s Trust is available at princes-trust.org.uk or on 0800 842 842.  

About Disney’s Social Responsibility

Empowering the next generation of storytellers and innovators to create the future they imagine, is one of The Walt Disney Company’s global commitments. Disney’s partnership with The Prince’s Trust is an example of how, through working with others, we can help build emotional resilience for children and young people, so they can reach their potential. If you would like more information on Disney’s social purpose, you can visit www.thewaltdisneycompany.eu

About Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s powerful brands and franchises—including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, 20th Century Fox and National Geographic—into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime. When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment.

More than 65 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 52 resorts in the United States, Europe, and Asia; a top-rated cruise line with four ships and plans for three more; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawai‘i; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business; the world’s largest children’s publishing brands; one of the world’s largest licensors of games across all platforms; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and consumer products—including books, games, and merchandise.

About Marvel

Marvel, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over eighty years. Marvel utilises its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2022 MARVEL