VALENTINO SIGNS GLOBAL LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH MARCHON
Valentino SpA has signed a global licensing agreement with Marchon. The exclusive license grants Marchon the rights to manufacture and distribute the sun and ophthalmic collections under the Valentino brand, effective from Jan. 1, 2012. Valentino Eyewear will embody the timeless elegance of the Valentino brand, taking inspiration from its seasonal ready-to-wear collection, accessories and iconic pieces, and will be sold in Valentino boutiques, department and specialty stores, and select optical stores worldwide.

THOM BROWN SIGNS WITH DITA

Menswear designer Thom Browne and Dita Eyewear have signed a global licensing agreement for the design, production and worldwide distribution of sunglass and ophthalmic collections under the Thom Browne brand. Scheduled to launch in Fall 2011, the eyewear collection will consist of 20 styles made from custom-colored acetate and titanium with such features as leather and metal mesh side cups, horn brow bars and cable temples.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN AND SÀFILO EXTEND LICENSE

Alexander McQueen and Sàfilo Group announce the renewal of their licensing agreement  through Dec. 31, 2015 for the design, production and worldwide distribution of Alexander McQueen’s eyeglass and sunglass collections.

EYE DEALS UNVEILS PAWS ’N’ CLAWS

Eye Deals Eyewear launches Paws ’N’ Claws, an eyewear collection targeted to cat and dog lovers. Eye Deals will donate 5 percent of net sales from Paws ’N’ Claws to the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Included in the initial collection are three ophthalmic styles and two sunglasses embellished with paw prints or bones.

SIGNATURE RENEWS LICENSE WITH CARMEN

MARC VALVO4Signature Eyewear has renewed its Carmen Marc Valvo license through April 30, 2016. The eyewear collection will continue to reflect Valvo’s vision of fusing texture, fit and color, Signature says.

TOMS EYEWEAR TO HELP PROVIDE SIGHT TO THE NEEDY

TOMS Shoes founder, Blake Mycoskie, launches TOMS Eyewear. Established in 2006, TOMS Shoes gives a pair of new shoes to a child in need for every pair of TOMS shoes purchased. With each pair of TOMS Eyewear sold, TOMS will help give sight to a person in need through medical treatment, prescription eyeglasses and sight-saving surgery, administered by its first Sight Giving Partner, Seva Foundation. TOMS Eyewear consists of three sunglass styles.

TUMI’S TRAVERSO DEBUTS
Tumi, the premium lifestyle, accessories and travel brand, introduces Traverso, a sunglass collection that takes design inspiration from iconic bridges around the world. Included are 13 designs, all featuring ZR3 CR-39 polarized lenses developed exclusively by Carl Zeiss with a proprietary, transparent lens coating that allows dirt, water, oil and dust to slip off the surfaces. Frames are constructed of beta titanium, aluminum, handmade acetate and stainless steel.    

–Gloria Nicola