What's Happening?
French luxury group Kering, which holds a 30 percent stake in Valentino, is set to develop and distribute Valentino's eyewear collections starting January 1, 2026. This partnership marks a shift from Valentino's previous collaboration with Swiss-based AKN. The first collection will debut at the Valentino show in Paris on October 5, 2025, with sales beginning in March 2026. Kering Eyewear, known for designing eyewear for brands like Gucci and Saint Laurent, aims to align the new collections with Valentino's vision. Despite Kering's overall financial challenges, its eyewear division has seen growth, contrasting with a significant drop in net profit and turnover. The ownership structure of Valentino remains unchanged, with Mayhoola holding 70 percent and Kering 30 percent, postponing any further acquisition by Kering until at least 2028.
Why It's Important?
The partnership between Kering Eyewear and Valentino is significant for both companies. For Kering, it represents an opportunity to leverage its expertise in luxury eyewear to enhance Valentino's product offerings, potentially boosting sales in a division that has shown resilience amid broader financial challenges. For Valentino, aligning with Kering Eyewear could enhance its brand visibility and product coherence, tapping into Kering's established distribution networks. The decision to maintain the current ownership structure until 2028 ensures stability and continuity for Valentino, allowing it to focus on strategic growth without immediate changes in control.
What's Next?
The upcoming debut of Valentino's eyewear collection at the Paris show will be a key event, potentially influencing market perceptions and consumer interest. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the collaboration impacts sales and brand positioning. Kering's continued investment in its eyewear division may lead to further innovations and partnerships, while Valentino's strategic focus will likely remain on maintaining its luxury appeal and expanding its market reach.
