PONZANO, Italy—Mondottica International and Benetton Group announced the signing of an exclusive global license agreement for the design, production and distribution of United Colors of Benetton branded eyewear.

The initial agreement for both men’s and women’s sunglasses and ophthalmic eyewear will run through 2023, and the first Benetton sunglass range produced by Mondottica International will be available from SS18. The range will be distributed exclusively through Benetton’s own retail network. From 2019, the distribution of the sunglass collection along with ophthalmic eyewear will be extended to Mondottica’s global wholesale network.

Mondottica founder and CEO Michael Jardine said, “We are excited to have this opportunity to work with one of the world’s truly iconic and legendary brands. Benetton’s global reach mirrors ours perfectly in the eyewear market. We anticipate a long and fruitful association.”

Tommaso Brusó, Benetton Group COO said, “We are extremely pleased to have signed an eyewear licensing agreement with such a dynamic, innovative and flexible partner who shares with us common characteristics such as internationality, capillary distribution and design.”