The group is aiming for a more balanced and diversified model, with Kering Eyewear playing an increasingly central role in supporting performance and driving future development.
Kering is accelerating its turnaround plan with the introduction of “ReconKering,” the new strategy presented by CEO Luca de Meo. The initiative is designed to strengthen the group’s positioning in the luxury segment while guiding a broader evolution of its business model.
The plan comes at a challenging time, marked by a slowdown at Gucci, but also by encouraging signals from other divisions. In particular, jewelry and eyewear are helping to stabilize overall performance, demonstrating growing resilience within the group’s portfolio.
Kering Eyewear, in particular, continues to stand out as one of the most dynamic assets, posting solid growth and benefiting from sustained global demand. The segment leverages an integrated industrial platform and a business model that has proven highly effective over the years, progressively reinforcing its strategic importance.
In this context, the group continues to invest in the development of its integrated luxury eyewear platform, built on a portfolio of 15 brands and strong industrial and design capabilities. Kering also aims to lead the smart eyewear segment. Through a partnership with Google, Kering Eyewear is working to transform connected glasses into a true luxury experience, combining craftsmanship, design leadership, and advanced functionality within its Maisons.
At a time when the core fashion business is facing headwinds, eyewear is becoming increasingly central in balancing the group’s performance, contributing to greater stability and diversification.
Geographically, Kering is placing particular focus on the Chinese market, identified by de Meo as a strategic priority. This includes the Craft project, aimed at supporting local talent, as well as a new investment in the Far East through a partnership with the ICCF group, originating from ICICLE Fashion. The deal is intended to support the development of the Icicle brand and is led by House of Wonders, Kering’s new initiative dedicated to emerging brands.
Overall, the “ReconKering” strategy seeks to build a more balanced business model by acting on product offering, distribution, and customer relationships, while also leveraging the categories and regions with the highest growth potential.
Photo courtesy of Laura Stevens