MILAN—Brunello Cucinelli Casa di Moda and EssilorLuxottica signed, at Casa Cucinelli in Milan, an exclusive 10-year license agreement for the design, manufacture and distribution of eyewear under the “Brunello Cucinelli” brand. The new agreement will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2023 and run until Dec. 31, 2032. The first collection will be introduced to the market in the first quarter of 2024. This agreement represents an extension of the ongoing collaboration between the two companies started in 2021, which included the launch of a capsule collection signed by Brunello Cucinelli and Oliver Peoples, an EssilorLuxottica’s exclusive brand.

The success of the partnership is “inspired by culture and beauty” and is built around “a shared passion for superior quality, true artisanal craft, exquisite aesthetics and understated approach to luxury,” according to a joint statement issued by the companies. “The long-lasting relationship continues thanks to a common vision, a taste of the beauty and the elegance of the Italian style but also thanks to strong personal affinities based on mutual esteem and loyalty,” the companies said.

Brunello Cucinelli, executive chairman and creative director of the Casa di Moda, and his family stated that the new, long-term commitment aims to further strengthen the bonds between future generations of the two companies. They referred to the late Leonardo Del Vecchio, chairman of EssilorLuxottica as “a model of humanity and a man of extraordinary class and fine competence.”

“The choice we met with the highly esteemed EssilorLuxottica is much more than an agreement. It is a token of mutual affection and respect between two realities that are inspired by a passion for beauty and for things done well,” remarked Cucinelli. “After all, I have always enjoyed a special relationship with the late Leonardo Del Vecchio and I will never forget his words to me: ‘Look Brunello, I don't know if my eyewear is beautiful, what I can vouch for is that it is made in the best possible way.’

"It is a statement that I feel is very close to the way I myself view work. Then I still fondly remember when, in the last days of his life, he spoke of the "beautiful factory" in Agordo: for me he was a true source of inspiration and it is not a coincidence that our constant commitment is directed precisely to increasingly beautify our factory in Solomeo. This is also why I am deeply confident in this precious understanding that our respective, new generations are called upon to nurture for the future.”

Francesco Milleri, chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica commented, “We are thrilled to continue our journey with Brunello Cucinelli, a luxury lifestyle brand that represents the glamour of contemporary Italian style. Through our new branded eyewear collections, we will continue to deliver beautifully designed and crafted eyewear that embody the best of Brunello Cucinelli style for the consumers around the world.”