Jesse Northcott Joins Raen as President and CEO

By Staff
Friday, July 26, 2024 12:24 AM OCEANSIDE, Calif.—Independent premium eyewear brand Raen has announced the appointment of Jesse Northcott as the company’s new president and chief executive officer. Northcott brings over 10 years of experience in finance and operations across leading industry brands to Raen, the company said.

Marcolin Names Andrea Vincenzo Virgilio Group Operations Director

By Staff
Friday, July 26, 2024 12:21 AM LONGARONE—Marcolin has announced the appointment of Andrea Vincenzo Virgilio as the company’s new group operations director, effective July 15, 2024. In this role, the company stated, Virgilio takes charge of the Group’s manufacturing facilities, research and development, product compliance and supply chain departments.

Kering Eyewear Sees Rise in Revenue for First Half of 2024, While Total Kering Group Revenue Falls

By Staff
Thursday, July 25, 2024 12:27 AM PARIS—Kering Eyewear, part of the global luxury group Kering, has reported revenue of €914 million in the first half of 2024, up 5 percent as reported and up 6 percent on a comparable basis. In the second quarter, Kering Eyewear's sales rose by 3 percent both on a comparable basis and as reported, driven by solid progression of the brands in its portfolio, the Group said. Overall, revenue from the Kering Eyewear and Corporate segment amounted to €1.1 billion for the first half of 2024, mainly attributable to activities of Kering Eyewear and Kering Beauté, the latter including the sales of Creed.

Revo and US Sailing Announce Partnership

By Staff
Friday, July 19, 2024 12:15 AM BRISTOL, R.I.—US Sailing, the national governing body of sailing, announced Revo as an official partner of both US Sailing and The US Sailing Team. Revo is the 16th addition to US Sailing’s roster of partners in the past 18 months.

EssilorLuxottica to Acquire Supreme From VF Corporation

By Staff
Thursday, July 18, 2024 12:27 AM PARIS and DENVER—EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the optical industry, and VF Corporation, a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories, announced that they entered into a definitive agreement for EssilorLuxottica to acquire the Supreme brand from VF for $1.5 billion in cash. A New York-city based skate culture brand, Supreme was established in 1994 and has expanded into a global community, with 17 retail stores in the U.S., Asia and Europe, and an e-commerce platform across all regions. It runs a digital-first business.

Avulux Names Brant Southwell Chief Commercial Officer

By Staff
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 12:18 AM MIAMI—Avulux, the company behind the lens that blocks harmful light wavelengths linked to migraine attacks, has announced that Brant Southwell has joined the company as chief commercial officer.

McGee Group Names Gina Kwok Marketing Director

By Staff
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 12:24 AM MARIETTA, Ga.—McGee Group, a leader in the design and manufacturing of branded eyewear, has announced the appointment of Gina Kwok as marketing director. Kwok joins McGee after a distinguished career at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta, where she served as associate chair of luxury and brand management and associate chair and professor of fashion marketing and management. Before joining SCAD, Kwok served as vice president of marketing at Boxcraft and vice president of apparel marketing at AmericasMart.

Bajio Sunglasses Expands U.S. Sales Team

By Staff
Friday, July 5, 2024 12:18 AM NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla.—Bajío Sunglasses, an independent performance sunwear brand with sustainability at its forefront, is expanding its U.S. sales force with eight new members to help grow the sales of its prescription sunglasses.

Silmo Prepares for 2024 Edition Focused on Optical’s Future

By Staff
Tuesday, July 2, 2024 12:18 AM PARIS—Silmo 2024 organizers are preparing for this year’s edition, which will feature over 900 exhibitors and 1,500 brands from 144 countries, according to an announcement from show organizers.

De Rigo Group Announces Jeff Fitzhugh as New President of De Rigo Rem, Alessandro Baronti to Depart at End of July

By Staff
Monday, July 1, 2024 12:21 AM LONGARONE, Italy—De Rigo Group S.p.A. announced on Friday changes in its North American leadership. Alessandro Baronti, who has served as president of De Rigo Rem for the past six and a half years, will leave the organization at the end of July. On July 8, Jeff Fitzhugh will step into the role of president of De Rigo Rem.

Safilo Group Launches Share Purchase Program

By Staff
Monday, July 1, 2024 12:15 AM PADUA—Safilo S.p.A., a subsidiary of Safilo Group S.p.A., has announced that, as per the authorization granted by the Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 24, 2024, it has engaged Kepler Cheuvreux, as a qualified third-party broker, to launch the Safilo Group S.p.A. share (the “Shares”) purchase program.

Cutler and Gross Opens New, Larger New York City Location

By Staff
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 12:18 AM LONDON and NEW YORK—After over a decade at 110 Mercer Street in Manhattan, British eyewear brand Cutler and Gross has opened a new, larger store at 71 Mercer Street, according to an announcement from the company.

Tura Announces Partnership With Inspecs USA to Strengthen Its Presence in the U.S. Eyewear Market

By Staff
Monday, June 24, 2024 12:21 AM NEW YORK—Tura, a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of eyewear, has announced a new collaboration with Inspecs USA, which is part of Inspecs Group, a high-performing, globally aligned eyewear company.

Kenmark Eyewear and Original Penguin Renew License

By Staff
Thursday, June 20, 2024 12:21 AM LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Kenmark Eyewear has announced the renewal of its exclusive license agreement to develop, produce and distribute eyewear for the Original Penguin brand.

EssilorLuxottica and Diesel Announce 10-Year Licensing Agreement

By Staff
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 12:24 AM CHARENTON-LE-PONT, France and MILAN—EssilorLuxottica and Diesel have announced an exclusive license agreement for the design, manufacture and worldwide distribution of Diesel eyewear. This agreement is effective immediately until December 31, 2029, with an automatic renewal option of an additional five years.