Kering Eyewear Secures Exclusive Valentino Global Partnership

French luxury group Kering, which currently owns a 30% stake in Valentino, has signed a long-term exclusive licensing deal to develop and distribute Valentino's eyewear collections starting January 2026. This partnership will see Kering Eyewear take over production from the previous collaborator, AKN Group, with the first collection debuting at Valentino's Paris fashion show in October 2025 and available for sale from March 2026. The collaboration aims to combine Valentino's iconic style and craftsmanship with Kering Eyewear's expertise in luxury eyewear manufacturing and distribution, further strengthening Valentino's position in the eyewear market. The deal also supports Kering Eyewear's growing portfolio, which includes other luxury brands like Gucci and Saint Laurent, amid Kering's broader focus on managing debt and prioritizing its main brand Gucci. Meanwhile, Kering has postponed its plan to acquire the remaining 70% stake in Valentino until at least 2028. Both companies expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting it as a strategic step to elevate the Valentino eyewear experience globally.