EssilorLuxottica Completes Acquisition of Supreme From VF Corporation

By Staff
Friday, October 4, 2024 12:21 AM PARIS and DENVER—EssilorLuxottica announced that it has successfully closed the previously announced transaction to acquire the Supreme brand from VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC). The acquisition was for an aggregate base purchase price of $1.5 billion in cash, subject to customary adjustments, and has been cleared by all relevant competition authorities. The acquisition was first announced in July 2024, as reported in VMAIL; J.P. Morgan and Latham and Watkins served as exclusive financial and legal advisors to EssilorLuxottica on the transaction, respectively. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, served as lead financial advisor and UBS Investment Bank served as financial advisor to VF. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP acted as legal advisor to VF.

Mido Opens Nominations for 2025 Awards in Sustainability and Design

By Staff
Friday, October 4, 2024 12:18 AM MILAN, Italy—Italian trade show Mido has opened nominations for its 2025 Awards. Nominations are open for the Certified Sustainable Eyewear (CSE) Award, the Stand Up for Green Award, the Best Store Award in the categories of design and innovation and the Sergio Cereda Design Award. Applications forms for all awards are available on the Awards section of the Mido website. Mido 2025 exhibitors can apply to participate in the CSE Award through December 13, 2024.

Marcolin Partners With AIRC Foundation to Support Breast Cancer Research

By Staff
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 12:15 AM LONGARONE and MILAN, Italy—Marcolin and AIRC Foundation for Cancer Research in Italy (Fondazione AIRC per la Ricerca sul Cancro, or AIRC) have signed a two-year agreement, for 2024 and 2025, dedicated to supporting scientific research, according to an announcement.

Mido 2026 to Take Place January 31 Through February 2, Ahead of Milan Cortina Olympic Games

By Staff
Monday, September 30, 2024 12:21 AM MILAN, Italy—Mido has announced a change to the schedule for its 2026 Milan eyewear show in order to avoid overlapping with the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, which will take place in Milan and Cortina. The new dates are from January 31 through February 2, 2026.

Fabrice Albert Joins J.F. Rey as General Manager

By Staff
Friday, September 27, 2024 12:21 AM MARSEILLE, France—J.F. Rey has announced the arrival of Fabrice Albert as general manager of the company, effective September 16, 2024. Albert has worked in the optical industry for 25 years and has held numerous leadership positions within the industry.

National Vision Inc. and Pair Eyewear Partner on America's Best Product Expansion

By Staff
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 12:24 AM NEWARK, N.J.—National Vision, Inc., one of the nation’s largest optical retailers, is expanding its partnership with Pair Eyewear, the first direct-to-consumer and customizable eyewear brand, according to an announcement. The companies will expand the Pair Eyewear line to all America’s Best stores. According to a joint statement from National Vision and Pair Eyewear, the pairing plays on both brands’ strengths and positions, unifying the direct-to-consumer and brick-and-mortar optical experiences for the customer’s benefit.

Silmo Announces Winners of the 31st Silmo d’Or Awards

By Staff
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 12:24 AM PARIS—On Sunday, September 22, 2024, Silmo show organizers announced the winners of the 2024 Silmo d’Or Awards, the 31st edition of the design competition. This year’s categories were: Children, Sport, Vision, Vision — Optical System, Material & Equipment, Optical Frame — Brands and Labels, Sunglasses — Brands & Labels, Technological Innovation in Eyewear, Technological Innovation in Eyewear — Connected Products, Optical Frame — Eyewear Designer, Sunglasses — Eyewear Designer and the Jury’s Special Award. As reported in VMAIL, fashion designer Alexis Mabille chaired this year’s awards.

CFDA Eyewear Designers Honor 10th Anniversary with Eyewear Collection, Proceeds Benefiting Alex’s Lemonade Stand

By Staff
Friday, September 20, 2024 12:18 AM NEW YORK—To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its founding as a working group within the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the eyewear-specific designers within the council (edCFDA) has announced it will present a dedicated collection of limited-edition eyewear designs with proceeds benefiting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.

Marchon Eyewear and Canada Goose Sign Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Eyewear

By Staff
Thursday, September 19, 2024 12:15 AM NEW YORK and TORONTO—Today, Marchon Eyewear Inc. and Canada Goose announced that they have entered an exclusive, long-term global licensing agreement. New sun and optical styles designed under this partnership, the first-ever Canada Goose eyewear collection, will roll out globally beginning Spring 2025.

Marcolin and Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Enter Exclusive Licensing Agreement

By Staff
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 12:18 AM LONGARONE and MILAN, Italy—Marcolin and apparel and accessories retailer Abercrombie & Fitch Co. have signed an exclusive licensing agreement for the design, production and distribution of Abercrombie, abercrombie kids and Hollister brand eyewear, including sunglasses and optical frames.

The Eye Consortium Expands Portfolio With Addition of 15 New Suppliers

By Staff
Monday, September 16, 2024 12:21 AM DALLAS and LOS ANGELES—The Eye Consortium (TEC), an alliance group of independent eyecare practitioners and industry leading suppliers and vendors, has announced that they recently completed a portfolio expansion of 15 new supplier partners.

Mykita and Rimowa Announce Partnership

By Staff
Monday, September 16, 2024 12:18 AM BERLIN—Mykita and premium luggage brand Rimowa have announced a partnership set to launch in 2025. Both companies are German engineered and specialize in meticulous craftsmanship, as well as creating exceptional and long-lasting products.

The Vision Council Releases First Ever Canadian Report in inSights Research Program

By Staff
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 12:18 AM ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The Vision Council has announced the release of a new report exploring the vision care options and purchasing habits of Canadian consumers for the first half of 2024, offering an in-depth look at areas including managed vision care, frequency of eye exams and purchasing behaviors for eyewear.

Marchon Eyewear and Savannah College of Art and Design Announce Fashion Eyewear Design Course Partnership

By Staff
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 12:21 AM NEW YORK and SAVANNAH, Ga.—Marchon Eyewear, Inc. today announces a new academic partnership with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), a global leader in art, design and innovation in higher education, as the university launches its first-ever Fashion Eyewear Design course.

Oakley Adds Flag Football Star Diana Flores to Team Oakley

By Staff
Thursday, August 29, 2024 12:15 AM LAKE FOREST, Calif.—Oakley, from EssilorLuxottica, has signed Diana Flores, Mexican national flag football player and global ambassador for the sport, to Team Oakley, its lineup of game-changing athletes.