Rag & Bone signs deal with Safilo

New York city-based brand Rag & Bone has signed a new licensing agreement for eyewear with Safilo for the design, manufacturing and worldwide distribution of its sunglasses and optical frames.

The partnership will run for five years beginning in January 2018 and ending on December 31, 2022. The new licensing agreement allows for growth opportunities, especially in the US and the UK for both companies according to Safilo.

Luisa Delgado, chief executive of Safilo, said: "With Rag & Bone we add a directional brand to our growing designer portfolio that benefits from an interesting market shift towards new, trendy and experimental brands.

“This license thus opens different new business growth opportunities, especially in the US and the UK. It is consistent with our strategy to diversify across segments capturing growth spaces, innovate through trendsetting brands, and leverage our leading product and distribution capabilities accordingly.”

Rag & Bone chief executive, founder and creative director, Marcus Wainwright added: "We're incredibly proud to partner with Safilo to bring Rag & Bone eyewear to life. An emphasis on quality and an attention to detail have always been deeply ingrained in Rag & Bone's DNA, and Safilo follows that same philosophy.

"Both of us share a dedication to expert craftsmanship and a history of working with some of the most supremely skilled manufacturers.”

The eyewear partnership will cover both men's and women's ranges and will be distributed in all Rag & Bone directly operated stores, e-commerce site at www.rag-bone.com, boutiques, department stores and the best optical stores worldwide.

Rag & Bone is the latest brand to join Safilo’s brand portfolio, which includes Dior, Gucci, Givenchy, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Carrera, Juicy Couture and Kate Spade.