More Images
PADUA and SHANGHAI—Safilo and Ports (Ports Asia Holding) have announced a new 10-year license agreement for the design, manufacture and distribution of Ports branded sunglasses and optical frames. The agreement is set to cover the Mainland China market and "foresees the first right option for Safilo to expand distribution in the market according to demand and category development, to further develop a win-win partnership," Safilo said in an announcement.. The first eyewear collection will launch in January 2021.

Ports was founded in Toronto in 1961, and was the first luxury fashion label to enter the Chinese market in the early 90s. In an announcement, Safilo said that Ports "not only inspired the fashion sense of Chinese women, but also enormously changed their fashion style, becoming the favorite brand of well-to-do Chinese women."

Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group said, “China is a key strategic market in our development plans, and we know how important it is for eyewear brands to be locally relevant to their target groups, especially in China, which is very specific, not only in terms of fitting but also with distinct tastes and local consumer trends. With the addition of such an important brand for the Mainland China market, we will be able to further expand our presence in the country by adding a high-potential and very promising business.”

Rolando Santana, director of Ports Asia Holdings Limited said, “The Ports brand is well known for its clean and minimalistic design and close attention to unique details and impeccable craftsmanship. These characteristics have been key for the success our collections have enjoyed since the establishment of the brand. We recognize in Safilo the best partner able to understand our distinctive DNA and translate it into the Ports eyewear collections. We count on Safilo as the best player to partner with, and together we will work to grow the eyewear category and expand it broadly throughout our country."