Alain Mikli Signs Azzedine Alaïa Eyewear

The French designer, Alain Mikli, has signed an agreement with the Franco-Tunisian stylist, Azzedine Alaïa, for the production of his first eyewear collection. To be officially presented in September-October 2003, the new line should make its appearance on the market starting January 2004.

Initially there will be 10, mainly sun models, all for women, to be sold through a network of stores, including Mikli's mono-brands worldwide, some haut-de-gamme opticians, and a limited number of specialty stores linked to the world of fashion (including Milan's Corso Como 10).

'I've returned to my old love', Alain Mikli said, 'When I began working it was with designers. When this collaboration came up, I accepted immediately. I think very highly of Azzedine and I've worked well with him. I tried to translate his style into my design. And I think the result is very interesting'.As far as the new project is concerned, all we know is that the frames will have a decidedly female look, just like all Azzedine's products: 'But they'll also have a design spirit', explained Mikli, who also has other new ideas on the cards. These include a possible agreement for Jill Sander eyewear.

These are all signals that point to the French brand's excellent performance and, after the growth of 2002 (39.1 million euros in 2002, with 50 million the goal for 2003), he recently inaugurated the tenth mono-brand, an area of 100 square meters in Helsinki. 'I adore this city', said the designer, 'and it was very important to me to be here with my own boutique. I've always believed that it's essential to combine major capitals with small places you have a strong feeling for. And I feel very close to Finnish culture'.

The next opening, forecast within one or two years, will be in Milan, proof of the excellent results achieved in Italy (currently the brand's second market together with Japan and after France): according to the French designer, within three years our country should become the brand's reference market.

(Source: MF Fashion)