NEW YORK—Signature Eyewear (SEYE.OB) and HMX Group have announced a new licensing agreement that enables Signature to continue with the companies Hart Schaffner Marx brand while adding the Hickey Freeman, Bobby Jones and Monarchy brands to its portfolio. The agreement gives Signature exclusive rights to distribute the brands’ optical and sunwear collections worldwide.

“Our partnership with Signature has spanned almost 20 years and we are pleased to be expanding our relationship,” said Doug Williams, CEO of HMX Group. “Their experience and broad knowledge of the optical and sunwear arena will be invaluable to our growth and expansion.”

Hickey Freeman is a luxury American tailored clothing and sportswear brand, while Bobby Jones Apparel features classic, American luxury products for the contemporary lady and gentleman and Monarchy is an eclectic premium men's and women's apparel brand focused on tees and denim.

“We are very excited to bring the heritage of these iconic American brands to the men’s eyewear category,” added Michael Prince CEO of Signature. “Hickey Freeman has long been considered the American standard for men’s fashion; attention to detail and bespoke tailoring has set Hickey Freeman in a class by itself. Bobby Jones will allow us to expand our sunglass business around the globe.”

The collections will be designed under the creative direction of designer Joseph Abboud, with Signature’s director of business development, Jim Sepanek, in charge of sourcing the lens and frame materials. “The lens story will be critical as we appeal to consumers seeking performance whether on the golf course, the ski slope or the water,” concluded Sepanek.