Jil Sander signs with Marchon Eyewear

Directional and leading luxury label, Jil Sander announced a strategic licensing alliance with Marchon Eyewear, Inc. For 2009, both brands will create Jil Sander men's and women's eyewear. Manufacturer and distribution eyewear company, Marchon will have the exclusive global license to  design, manufacture and distribute both the sun and ophthalmic collections for the Jil Sander eyewear line. Marchon also markets its products under Calvin Klein, Emilio Pucci, Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld.

"This new license is the next strategic step to grow the Jil Sander business. After the successful reorganization of the Jil Sander Group, our focus is on developing new business directions and luxury accessories to enhance the lifestyle world of Jil Sander," said Gian Giacomo Ferraris, CEO of the Jil Sander Group.

The new collection is being developed in collaboration with Raf Simons, Creative Director of Jil Sander. The design and palette will reflect the sophisticated and luxurious world of the Jil Sander brand. The sunwear collection will debut at retail in January 2009 and the eyewear collection in April 2009. Jil Sander is known worldwide for the cleverly mixing contemporary design, pure luxury, innovative materials and exceptional craftsmanship. The Jil Sander Group is controlled by Change Capital Partners, a London-based private equity firm.

The sun and ophthalmic collections will be sold worldwide in Jil Sander stores, select department stores and specialty stores.

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