Kering Eyewear and Valentino Forge Global Luxury Eyewear Alliance

While a full takeover of Valentino by the French luxury giant Kering may be experiencing delays, the strategic ties between the two entities are undeniably deepening. This intensified relationship was prominently highlighted on Monday with the official announcement of a significant global agreement between Kering Eyewear and Valentino, marking a pivotal moment in the luxury eyewear sector and underscoring a long-term vision for collaboration.

This newly inked exclusive collaboration grants Kering Eyewear the comprehensive rights to develop, produce, and distribute the sophisticated sun and optical collections under the prestigious Valentino brand. The partnership is set to officially commence at the beginning of next year, signaling the start of what both companies anticipate will be a enduring and fruitful alliance between two influential players in the global luxury landscape. This move strategically positions Kering Eyewear to further expand its high-end portfolio while offering Valentino access to unparalleled expertise in the eyewear category.

Roberto Vedovotto, founder, president, and CEO of Kering Eyewear, expressed profound enthusiasm for the partnership. He stated, “We are honoured to welcome Valentino into the Kering Eyewear portfolio, and to have the opportunity to contribute to the brand’s continued success.” Vedovotto further elaborated on Valentino's esteemed position, recognizing it as a "prestigious Maison de Couture" synonymous with "masterful craftsmanship, exquisite design, and a symbol of a one-of-a-kind style." Kering Eyewear, he affirmed, is committed to meticulously developing Valentino's sunglasses and frames collections, ensuring they align perfectly with the brand's iconic vision by leveraging Kering Eyewear’s specialized expertise in luxury eyewear alongside Valentino’s unique heritage, iconic codes, and celebrated savoir-faire.

Echoing this sentiment, Valentino CEO Riccardo Bellini underscored the strategic importance of the collaboration. Bellini remarked, “We are delighted to announce this strategically important partnership with Kering Eyewear.” He highlighted the powerful synergy created by "marrying Maison Valentino's matchless creativity and iconic style with Kering Eyewear's unrivalled knowhow in luxury eyewear manufacturing and distribution." This collaboration, he asserted, will work to "further elevate the Valentino Eyewear experience." Bellini also extended sincere gratitude to AKN Group for their successful partnership and development of Valentino’s eyewear business in previous years, emphasizing that this new chapter is embraced with great enthusiasm and excitement.

Both companies emphasized that this agreement represents a crucial step for Valentino’s brand positioning within the competitive eyewear category. It allows Valentino to leverage Kering Eyewear’s unique approach to luxury and its innovative business model, promising to enhance its presence and appeal. For Kering Eyewear, the partnership further solidifies its leadership in the high-end eyewear segment, elevating its already impressive offer through the addition of an iconic brand celebrated for its unparalleled creative excellence and profound emotional beauty.

Enthusiasts can look forward to the debut collection emerging from this collaboration, which will be for Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26). This much-anticipated collection is scheduled to be unveiled during the Valentino Show in Paris on October 5th, with the pieces expected to be available in stores globally by March of next year. This timeline signals a swift and impactful integration of Valentino's aesthetic into Kering Eyewear's operational framework.