Valentino is ending its ten-year licensing agreement with AKN Group (formerly Akoni Group) and entrusting the production and distribution of its eyewear collections to Kering Eyewear.
Scheduled for January 2026, this transfer will strengthen the ties between the two brands, pending the acquisition of Valentino by the Kering group.
While Kering announced last week that it had negotiated an additional two-year delay before acquiring the Italian gem from its Qatari owner Mayhoola for Investment, its eyewear subsidiary is securing its position not only on the brand but also in the rapidly growing eyewear segment.
Valentino is thus leaving the Swiss AKN Group (formerly Akoni Group) – which it joined in 2022 for ten years – to join forces with Kering Eyewear, the current leader in luxury eyewear.
In early June, AKN Group acquired Götti Switzerland and Eyetech Lenses to build the largest Swiss high-end eyewear hub.
Global agreement with Kering Eyewear
Kering Eyewear has just announced the conclusion of a global agreement with Italian fashion house Valentino.
Starting in January 2026, Kering Eyewear will be responsible for the design, development, and distribution of sunglasses and optical eyewear under the Valentino brand.
The very first collection to emerge from this partnership (spring-summer 2026) will be unveiled at Valentino’s Paris fashion show on October 5. This transfer is part of the consolidation of the Kering ecosystem, which already owns 30% of Valentino.
For the Kering group’s eyewear subsidiary, the announcement strengthens an already extensive brand portfolio that includes the group’s own brands (Gucci, Balenciaga, Gucci, Saint Laurent, McQueen, etc.) as well as external brands (Cartier, Chloé, Dunhill).
Kering Eyewear has the advantage of being a growing business, generating €1.6 billion in 2024.
In addition, this change of licensee allows Valentino to review its positioning upwards, as Kering Eyewear stands out from its competitors with its creative approach combining craftsmanship and design creativity.
“Valentino is synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and refined design, and symbolizes a unique style,” said Roberto Vedovotto, founder, president, and CEO of Kering Eyewear. He added, “We are therefore committed to developing its sunglasses and eyewear collections in line with its vision, leveraging Kering Eyewear’s expertise in high-end luxury eyewear and iconic codes, as well as Valentino’s unique heritage and craftsmanship.”
Read also > Kering postpones acquisition of Valentino
Featured photo: © Valentino
