NEW YORK— Marchon Eyewear, licensee of Karl Lagerfeld eyewear since 2008, and Italia Independent Group, an Italian eyewear and communications company, have announced the signing of a two year collaboration agreement, starting October 2013, for a capsule collection of eyewear designed by Karl Lagerfeld and Italia Independent.

"We are extremely excited to be partnering on this innovative collaboration" said Claudio Gottardi, CEO Marchon.

Lapo Elkann, co-founder and chairman of Italia Independent Group stated, "I am proud of this collaboration, that represents an extraordinary example of teamwork between a multinational company like Marchon, an iconic brand as Karl Lagerfeld and a fast growing brand, like Italia Independent.”

“I love the idea of bringing two incredible creative personalities and style icons like Lapo and Karl together and this resulting in amazing product,” added Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of Karl Lagerfeld.

The capsule collection will feature both sun and optical frames for men and women and will be illustrated with a specific logo that reflects the mix of both creative companies. Under the agreement, Italia Independent Group will manage the Italian market while Marchon handles all other international distribution of the collection.

This news comes on the heels of the recent public offering of Italia Independent at the end of June on the Mercato Alternativo del Capitale (AIM Italia), translation Alternative Market for Capital, Borsa Italiana’s market for small and medium Italy-based enterprises.