MIAMI—Perry Ellis International (NASDAQ: PERY) has announced that it has entered into a license agreement with Oxford Ophthalmic Corporation, a division of Eyewear Designs Ltd., to design, manufacture and distribute men's and women's eyewear under the Cubavera brand.

The Cubavera line is a lifestyle brand influenced by the Latin lifestyle but meant to transcend categorization and appeal to a broad consumer demographic throughout the U.S. and abroad with its signature shirts, a variety of suit separates, shirts, jackets, pants, shorts and accessories.

"Cubavera is an internationally renowned brand and we are thrilled at the prospect of working together to market Cubavera Eyewear,” said Andrea Gluck, co-president of Eyewear Designs. “The collection reflects the design aesthetic of the brand and reinforces its strong heritage. We feel Cubavera is an excellent addition to our impressive brand portfolio and offers our customers the ability to not only satisfy a niche in the eyewear market, but also appeal to a broader audience."

"Eyewear Designs Ltd. is an industry leader in the eyewear market and the right partner for adding a new product category and interpreting the Cubavera lifestyle,” added George Feldenkreis, chairman and CEO of Perry Ellis International. “We are extremely excited about the potential of this agreement and we look forward to working together with Eyewear Designs on a successful launch."

Eyewear Designs Ltd., based in Syosset, N.Y., will offer a line of men's and women's ophthalmic frames, ophthalmic sunglasses, ophthalmic readers, as well as non-ophthalmic sunglasses all bearing the Cubavera name. Distributed through optical retailers, department stores and specialty shops throughout the U.S, the first men's ophthalmic collection will arrive Fall 2010 and capture the modernized retro feeling inspired by Cubavera apparel.