‘Pushing the boundaries of design’ – Montblanc and Kering Eyewear strike powerful partnership

Kering Eyewear President and CEO Roberto Vedovotto: “Montblanc represents a unique ensemble of technological innovation and traditions of craftsmanship.” Picture: Albrecht Fuchs

Luxury house Montblanc and Kering Eyewear today announced a partnership for the development, production and worldwide distribution of Montblanc sunglasses and optical frames. For the past 17 years writing instruments-to-watches house Montblanc has worked with Italian eyewear partner Marcolin, an agreement that ends next January.

The partners said that they will further establish Montblanc in the eyewear segment, with a renewed focus on refined design, performance and the creation of stylish pieces.

“The goal is to push boundaries of design together and think of innovative ways to develop eyewear suited to the high achievers, urban nomads and millennial adventurers that connect with Montblanc’s ethos and values.” – Montblanc CEO Nicolas Baretzki

The Montblanc Eyewear Spring Summer 2019 collection will be revealed in September 2018 during Silmo (the international exhibition for optics and eyewear) in Paris, before being launched internationally in January 2019.

“Montblanc is excited to enter a new relationship with Kering Eyewear, a partner known globally for manufacturing some of the finest luxury eyewear,” said Montblanc CEO Nicolas Baretzki. “Kering Eyewear’s commitment to quality and excellence in design mirrors Montblanc’s own commitment to craftsmanship and aesthetic exploration. The goal is to push boundaries of design together and think of innovative ways to develop eyewear suited to the high achievers, urban nomads and millennial adventurers that connect with Montblanc’s ethos and values.”

Villa Zaguri, just outside Padua, northern Italy, headquarters to Kering Eyewear. Picture: Albrecht Fuchs

“We are extremely proud to announce this new partnership, which further strengthens our relationship with our shareholder Richemont”, said Kering Eyewear President and CEO Roberto Vedovotto. “Montblanc represents a unique ensemble of technological innovation and traditions of craftsmanship and I am confident that its distinctive positioning in the men’s luxury eyewear segment will be further enhanced within our outstanding portfolio of luxury brands.”

Kering Eyewear is part of the Kering Group, a global luxury powerhouse active in fashion, leathergoods, jewellery and watches. Kering Eyewear designs, develops and distributes eyewear for a portfolio of 16* brands: Gucci, Cartier, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga*, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Brioni, Altuzarra, Alaïa, Boucheron, Pomellato, Puma, McQ, Christopher Kane, Tomas Maier.

*Balenciaga from January 2019

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