Kering Eyewear and Valentino announce a global partnership agreement
Kering Eyewear and Valentino have signed a global partnership for the development and worldwide distribution of Valentino-branded sunglasses and optical frames, with the first debut set for SS26.
The agreement, effective January 1, 2026, marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between two global players in the luxury industry.
Roberto Vedovotto, Founder, President and CEO of Kering Eyewear, commented:
"We are honored to welcome Valentino to the Kering Eyewear portfolio and to contribute to its continued success.
As a prestigious couture Maison, Valentino is synonymous with craftsmanship, sophisticated design and a unique style. We will develop the sunglasses and optical collections by combining Kering Eyewear’s expertise in luxury eyewear with Valentino’s timeless codes, heritage and unparalleled savoir-faire."
Riccardo Bellini, Chief Executive Officer of Valentino, said:
"We are delighted to announce this important strategic partnership with Kering Eyewear. By merging the unmatched creativity and iconic style of Maison Valentino with Kering Eyewear’s excellent know-how in luxury eyewear production and distribution, we will work together to further elevate the Valentino Eyewear experience.
We would also like to express our deep gratitude to AKN Group for the collaboration and for the valuable development of our eyewear business in recent years. With great enthusiasm and emotion, we are now ready to begin a new chapter."
The new agreement represents an important step in ensuring the perfect positioning of Maison Valentino in the eyewear category, combining its unique approach to luxury with Kering Eyewear’s innovative business model.
Through this collaboration, Kering Eyewear further strengthens its leadership in the luxury eyewear segment, enriching its portfolio with an iconic brand celebrated for its unparalleled creative excellence and inspiring beauty.
The first Valentino Eyewear collection under the agreement will be Spring/Summer 2026, to be unveiled during Valentino’s fashion show on October 5, 2025 in Paris, and available from March 2026 in Valentino boutiques (offline and online), department stores and eyewear retailers worldwide.