De Rigo will distribute Tommy Hilfiger, Guess and Gant in Italy

Starting in September, De Rigo will be the exclusive Italian distributor of the Tommy Hilfiger, Guess and Gant eyewear collections and the distributor of the Tommy Hilfiger colletion in Greece. This is the first tangible effect of the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding that the Italian group signed with Viva International this past May.

In fact, the agreement will go into effect with cross-distribution of the brands. 'Starting in January 2005, Viva will begin the U.S. and Canada distribution of Givenchy, Etro, Fila, Furla and Escada (the latest designer name added to the company's license of portfolio),' explained De Rigo CEO Michele Aracri to Milano Finanza Fashion.

The partnership with Viva International is also intended to increase the incidence of the U.S. market on the total sales posted by De Rigo (currently 8%), and the company also has other innovations in store.

'Negotiations are underway to define new worldwide licenses, which should be operative starting in 2005,' continued Aracri. 'We need a powerful and prestigious men's brand, and we are also focusing on a brand in the area of luxury goods and jewelry.'