Marc Jacobs Teams up with Safilo Group to Launch ‘The Sunglasses’
Famed designer Marc Jacobs and the Safilo Group are set to debut ‘The Sunglasses,’ a new eyewear collection, on Wednesday evening in New York. This addition contributes to the modern Marc Jacobs eyewear range and marks the inaugural eyewear product within Jacobs’ successful ‘The’ Items collection, introduced in 2019. Prior collaborations have occurred between Jacobs and Safilo, but this collection is a unique offering.
Safilo Group’s CEO Angelo Trocchia highlighted the enduring corporate relationship with Marc Jacobs, established in 2004 and recently extended until December 2031. He remarked, “We built something special for 20 years and it’s a great story to build on. Now they are launching ‘The Sunglasses’ collection, which is in line with Jacobs’ ‘The’ Items collection. Finally, the eyewear has joined the club.”
‘The Sunglasses’ come in three different unisex designs, all bearing the hallmark inspiration of the Marc Jacobs fashion and accessories line. The stylish shapes in striking acetate also prominently display ‘The Sunglasses’ logo on the temples, delivering a powerful fashion statement.
The eyewear palette offers solid colors coupled with plain, shaded, or mirror lenses, in alignment with the brand’s irreverent ethos. Retail prices vary between $150 to $175. Key styles include the Marc 773/S sunglasses, boasting an oversized wraparound frame available in multiple colors and lens options. The Marc 774/S sunglasses display a geometric frame in a variety of color and lens combinations. The Marc 775/S sunglasses have a rectangular frame and flat top, available in numerous color and lens pairings.
The sunglasses will be available from September onwards in Marc Jacobs outlets, U.S. department stores like Bloomingdale’s, and selected global eyewear stores.
Trocchia mentioned that Marc Jacobs eyewear has performed exceptionally well. He stated, “It’s strong in North America, it’s strong in Europe, especially in France and Italy. We are very happy. We strongly believe that North America can be a great growth opportunity for the years to come.” While optical is a significant segment of the business, “the Sun is relevant, and we hope it will grow more with the launch of this special collection,” he added.
In terms of distinguishing Jacobs from other designer brands, Trocchia stated, “Marc has been very specific in terms of the color and the consistency. There’s a level of innovation that they put on their product and their position as a fashion house. That’s why they’re quite successful. Their product has specific materials, and we believe it will work. It’s going to be consistent with the so-called items collection of Marc’s. You will see a consistency between the eyewear collection and the other accessory collections. There will be a consistent message.”
Trocchia confirmed that during their licensing agreement renewal last April, it was acknowledged that their profitable collaboration since 2004 had made Marc Jacobs a particular standout within the eyewear category. Over these two decades, the brand has grown into one of the most recognized names in Safilo’s contemporary and premium range, appealing to both male and female customers worldwide, and continues to present new opportunities for growth.
Safilo licenses brands including Marc Jacobs, Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Carolina Herrera, David Beckham, Dsquared2, Etro, Kate Spade New York, Rag & Bone and Isabel Marant. The Safilo-owned brands consist of Carrera, Polaroid, Safilo, Smith, Blenders, and Privé Revaux.
