MILAN--The Marcolin Group SpA (MCL.MI), Dean and Dan Caten, designers of the brand Dsquared2, and Staff International Spa, licensee of the brand Dsquared2, have announced an exclusive five-year licensing agreement for the production and worldwide distribution of sunglasses and ophthalmic frames under the Dsquared2 brand name.

The agreement, which is renewable for another five-year term at its conclusion, marks Dsquared2’s debut in the eyewear market and is projected to generate a turnover of approximately $20 million once established, according to a joint statement from the companies. The launch of the first sunglass collection is planned for the first half of 2009 and will be followed by prescription frames.

Dsquared2, a ready-to-wear line which describes itself as a mix of the American dream and refined Italian tailoring paired with attention to details and an ironic and provocative image, was launched in 1994 by designers Dean and Dan Caten. The Dsquared2 Eyewear line will have selective distribution and be positioned in the high-end segment of the market offering styles for both men and women.

“I’m very satisfied for Marcolin Group’s opportunity to launch a brand such as Dsquared2 in the eyewear industry,” said Maurizio Marcolin, style and licensing officer of the Marcolin Group. “Dean and Dan Caten’s great potential and stylistic talent, combined with the high market appreciation for this brand, will ensure an extreme success over the years, thanks to the synergy of Marcolin’s high quality standards and Dsquared2’s unique creativity.”

“We are pleased to work with Marcolin because we believe that, from a creative perspective, they are the most innovative group on the market, able to distinctly diversify the brands of their portfolio and devote all the efforts necessary to support a project as important as this,” said Dean and Dan Caten.

“We are extremely happy that Marcolin decided to invest in our brand for its notoriety and also for its tremendous potential.”