Safilo expands licence portfolio

Safilo Group has announced several updates to its eyewear licensing portfolio, forming a new agreement with Italian fashion company, Etro, and announcing the early-renewal of an agreement with lifestyle brand, Kate Spade.

Safilo has formed a 10-year global and exclusive licensing agreement for the design, manufacturing and distribution of Etro branded eyewear.

The first collection will include sunglasses and optical eyewear, and will be presented for Spring/Summer 2024.

Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group, described Etro as a “luxury brand that boasts a rich history in reinterpreting beauty standards” and is recognised for its iconic patterns.

He added that the teams are working to create a distinctive collection “able to enhance the brand potential in the eyewear category to the fullest.”

Fabrizio Cardinali, CEO of Etro, said: “I have always considered Etro a 360° lifestyle brand, and I’m very pleased to achieve this new milestone to complete a global and integrated vision dedicated to different product categories and consumer types.”

23 years with Kate Spade New York and counting

Safilo has also seen the early renewal of its global eyewear licensing agreement with Kate Spade New York.

Safilo has held the licence for the design, manufacturing and distribution of Kate Spade New York eyewear, since 2000.

Trocchia shared that renewing the licence “gives continuity to the longstanding and successful 23-year collaboration.”

“Together we have achieved outstanding results built around shared business values and a fruitful collaboration,” Trocchia continued. “We are now extending the journey further, with the goal to continue growing this award-winning brand in its North American core market and realising its potential in other strategic regions.”

Liz Fraser, CEO and brand president of Kate Spade New York, shared that the brand works to create products that aid people to “express their unique sense of style and spark joy,” adding that, in renewing the licence agreement: “we look forward to continuing to provide our customers with exciting and innovative eyewear choices.”