Kering Eyewear & Valentino Seal Global Partnership

Kering Eyewear and Valentino have entered into an exclusive global partnership, granting Kering Eyewear the rights to design, develop, and distribute Valentino's sun and optical collections. The long-term agreement takes effect on January 1, 2026, marking a new era for luxury eyewear. This partnership aligns with Kering's position among global luxury conglomerates and builds on Valentino's reputation as a leading luxury fashion house, as explored in Valentino's classic meets contemporary legacy.

Elevating Valentino in Eyewear

The collaboration will debut with the Valentino Eyewear Spring/Summer 2026 collection, unveiled at the Valentino Show in Paris on October 5, 2025, and available worldwide from March 2026 across Valentino boutiques, department stores, specialty retailers, and optical partners. This strategic move follows Valentino's continued global expansion, including Valentino's distribution in India by Reliance Brands and regional leadership initiatives like Masumi Shinohara as CEO for Japan and Korea.

Leaders on the Partnership

Roberto Vedovotto, CEO of Kering Eyewear, said: "We are honored to welcome Valentino into the Kering Eyewear portfolio. Valentino represents masterful craftsmanship and a unique creative vision. We are committed to elevating its eyewear collections by blending our expertise with the Maison's heritage and codes."

Riccardo Bellini, CEO of Valentino, added: "This is a strategically important partnership that combines Valentino's creativity and iconic style with Kering Eyewear's manufacturing and distribution excellence. We thank AKN Group for their successful collaboration and look forward to this exciting new chapter."

Strategic Impact

The partnership strengthens Valentino's position in the global eyewear market while reinforcing Kering Eyewear's leadership in the high-end segment. Together, the two Houses aim to elevate luxury eyewear through creativity, craftsmanship, and an innovative business model. This collaboration reflects broader trends in luxury eyewear partnerships, similar to Gucci's eyewear campaigns and innovative partnerships like Bugatti's eyewear collection.

The partnership also demonstrates the growing importance of eyewear innovation in luxury fashion, as brands continue to explore new technologies and distribution strategies. With Kering's investment in manufacturing excellence, this partnership positions both brands to capitalize on the expanding luxury eyewear market while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship and design.