British luxury brand Dunhill switches to Kering Eyewear

Eyewear from the British luxury brand Dunhill will be handled by Kering Eyewear from 2021. This is stated in a new partnership agreement between the two companies for sunglasses and prescription frames. Dunhill’s current cooperation with De Rigo expires at the end of 2020 after five years.

The first release under this exclusive partnership will be the new Dunhill Spring/Summer 2021 collection, which will include a tailored offering for the Asian market with a key focus on Japan. The new collection will be distributed from January 2021.

With this important addition to its portfolio, Kering Eyewear continues to strengthen its leadership in the high-end eyewear segment, capitalizing on dunhill’s longstanding history in luxury and lifestyle. Founded in London in 1893, Dunhill maintains the values of craftsmanship, tailoring and quality, while leading a discreet revolution in ready to wear and accessories, through the new vision of Creative Director, Mark Weston and CEO, Andrew Maag. The expression of the diversity of British culture, the quest for technical excellence and the continuous commitment to research and experimentation earned the brand the award of “British Luxury Brand of the Year” at the 2019 Walpole British Luxury Awards.

Kering Eyewear with Relaunch Strategy

“We are extremely proud of our new partnership with Dunhill, an authentic design-driven brand with flawless sophistication”, said Roberto Vedovotto, Kering Eyewear’s President and CEO.

“I am confident that our relaunch strategy will lead Dunhill to establish itself as the most recognizable British luxury brand in the eyewear segment, strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region while exploring new opportunities in high-growth markets. This new synergy is also particularly valued as it once again and once more reinforces Kering Eyewear’s alliance with the Richemont Group”.

“We are grateful to De Rigo for 5 years of brilliant partnership that enabled us to elevate our eyewear business alongside the new direction of the brand”, commented Andrew Maag, CEO of Dunhill. “We are now excited to be working with Kering Eyewear, a leader in the luxury eyewear business, on the launch of a brand new Dunhill Eyewear collection. We look forward to creating an incredible strategic partnership and building a success story with them”.

Kering Eyewear is part of the Kering Group, a global Luxury group that develops an ensemble of luxury houses in fashion, leather goods, jewellery and watches. Today, Kering Eyewear designs, develops and distributes eyewear for a complete and well-balanced portfolio of 15 brands: Gucci, Cartier, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Chloé, Alexander McQueen, Montblanc, Brioni, Dunhill, Boucheron, Pomellato, Alaïa, McQ, Puma.

Founded in 1893 in London by Alfred Dunhill, Dunhill is design driven, with style, innovation and excellence. With over 90 stores in 16 countries spanning London, New York, Tokyo, Osaka, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Dubai, Dunhill is the leading luxury British menswear brand.