The Marcolin Group signs exclusive license for Dsquared2 Eyewear

Dean and Dan Caten, stylists for the Dsquared2 label, the Marcolin Group and Staff International S.p.A., licensor of the Dsquared2 brand, announced the signing of a license agreement for the design, production and worldwide distribution of vision and sun eyewear with the Dsquared2 label.

The license agreement is for 5 years and is renewable for another 5. The terms are essentially in line with those of the Fashion & Luxury division of the Marcolin portfolio. When up and running, billings for the line are expected to be around Euro 20 million.

Dsquared2 is making its debut in eyewear with the launch of the first sun collection slated for the first half of 2009, to be followed soon thereafter by a collection of vision frames. The line will be distributed to the world's most prestigious opticians' stores and department stores as well as the Dsquared2 monobrand stores.

The Dsquared2 Eyewear line will be positioned in the top range of the market with models for men and women developed with strict attention to detail and innovative materials, elements that have always made Dsquared2 unique on the international fashion scene.

Maurizio Marcolin, Style&Licensing Officer of the Marcolin Group, commented: 'I am very pleased that the Marcolin Group has this opportunity to launch a brand like Dsquared2 into eyewear. The high potential and stylistic qualities of Dean and Dan Caten and the brand's huge popularity on the market, will guarantee a successful debut that will be confirmed over time thanks to the synergy between Marcolin's high standards of quality and sought-after creativity, the distinctive mark of Dsquared2.'

Dean and Dan Caten: 'We are pleased to work with Marcolin because we think that the Group is the most avant-garde on the market from a creative point of view, that it is capable of differentiating the brands in its portfolio, and of dedicating the commitment that such an important project requires. We are really happy that Marcolin has decided to take on our brand, not only because it is so well known, but also because it is aware of its huge potential.'

Renzo Rosso, president of the Only The Brave Group of which Staff International is also a part, stated: 'With this new license agreement Staff International confirms its mission of a group open to transversal collaborations that are not strictly linked to prêt-à-porter and of a company that is aware and capable of promoting the potential of the brands it represents. I am certain that the Staff International, Marcolin and Dsquared2 collaboration will immediately bring excellent results in terms of billings and image, thanks to Dean's and Dan's fresh and modern design'.