CHARENTON-LE-PONT, France and MILAN, Italy—EssilorLuxottica and the Armani Group announced Wednesday the renewal of their licensing agreement for the development, production and worldwide distribution of eyewear under the Giorgio Armani, Giorgio Armani Privé, Emporio Armani, EA7 Emporio Armani and A|X Armani Exchange brands. The existing agreement, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2013, and expires on Dec. 31, 2022, has been renewed for 15 years, effective Jan. 1, 2023. The relationship between EssilorLuxottica and The Armani Group dates back to 1988, when Luxottica’s founder and late chairman Leonardo Del Vecchio teamed up with Armani’s founder and chairman Giorgio Armani to bring Armani-branded glasses, using the highest quality materials and skilled craftsmanship, to the global market.

This move helped to change the way consumers used their glasses, evolving them from a necessary medical device into a fashion accessory and a symbol of personal style. Giorgio Armani said, “During the course of my career I have always built long-term collaborations and agreements with trusted partners.
 
"The relationship with EssilorLuxottica has been a cornerstone of my path, born from personal and professional esteem, which has led to challenging choices. Such an important renewal is the confirmation of a mutual loyalty that makes me proud and that will lead to further, important innovations,” Armani said.
 
“We are extremely proud of our history with the Armani Group and the magic we’ve created together. Leonardo Del Vecchio saw in Giorgio Armani a fellow entrepreneur with a shared passion for quality and innovation, and we are excited to continue on the journey they started,” said Francesco Milleri, chairman and CEO of EssilorLuxottica. “In keeping with Leonardo Del Vecchio’s vision, with Armani we inaugurate a new long-term partnership model that will anchor us in the same spirit for many years to come.”
 
Established in 1975 by Giorgio Armani, chairman and CEO, the Armani Group is one of the leading fashion and luxury goods companies in the world. With 8,189 employees and nine production plants, the Group designs, manufactures, distributes and directly retails fashion and lifestyle products including apparel, accessories, eyewear, watches, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, and furniture and home décor and operates in the areas of food and beverage and hotellerie.