Montblanc, a prestigious brand under the Richemont umbrella, has recently decided to end its long-standing 17-year partnership with Italian eyewear manufacturer Marcolin. Instead, Montblanc has chosen to enter into a new licensing agreement with Kering Eyewear, a subsidiary of the renowned Kering group. This strategic move comes after Richemont acquired a 30% stake in Kering Eyewear back in March 2017, solidifying the bond between these two luxury powerhouses.
Under this new collaboration, Kering Eyewear will take charge of the development, production, and global distribution of Montblanc’s eyeglasses and sunglasses. CEO Nicolas Baretzki of Montblanc expressed his excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the goal of pushing the boundaries of design and introducing innovative products to cater to the tastes of urban nomads and Millennial adventurers who resonate with Montblanc’s values.
The inaugural collection resulting from the Montblanc-Kering Eyewear collaboration is scheduled to make its debut in January for the Spring/Summer 2019 season. Anticipation is mounting for the unveiling of this collection at the prestigious SILMO optics and eyewear trade show in Paris. This newly forged partnership follows similar agreements between Kering Eyewear and other brands within the Richemont portfolio, including Cartier and Alaïa, signaling a trend of successful collaboration between these luxury entities.
In terms of financial performance, Richemont reported an impressive revenue of nearly €10.98 billion in the 2017-2018 fiscal year, while Kering Eyewear boasted sales of €352 million. The global eyewear market, valued at €12 billion in 2017, represents a significant portion of the luxury goods industry, making up 5% of total revenue. With Montblanc and Kering Eyewear’s shared commitment to innovation and design, this partnership is positioned to leave a lasting impact on the industry landscape.
To learn more about Montblanc and Kering Eyewear, visit the official websites: Montblanc and Kering Eyewear.
