More Images
MILAN/MELVILLE, N.Y.—Marchon and Marni  have announced the signing of a new global licensing agreement for the development, production and distribution of the Marni Eyewear collections under the design and creative direction of the brand’s designer, Consuelo Castiglioni.

The aim of Marni’s partnership with Marchon is to expand the brand's reach by developing the market potential of what is a major fashion accessory segment, the companies said.

"We are really excited to embark on this collaboration with Marni, which will enable us to focus on empowering our licensing strategy with the European luxury brands and to produce collections that are 100 percent designed and made in Italy, a driving force of our growth strategy," said Claudio Gottardi, president and CEO of Marchon Eyewear.

Found in 1994 as a family company, Marni was acquired by the OTB Group in in 2012. The core business is focused on women’s ready-to-wear, bags and shoes, with menswear and accessories, as well as bijoux, children’s wear and fragrances, as additional product categories.

"We are strongly invested in this important agreement with Marchon, which aspires to further diversify and grow the Marni accessories business and to significantly consolidate our brand identity," added Gianni Castiglioni, CEO of Marni Group.

The eyewear collection will launch with men’s and women’s lines in Spring/Summer 2016 with a full range of styles for both optical frames and sunglasses. The collections will retail in Marni stores as well as in select optical retail locations and fashion multi-brand channels worldwide.