Valentino and Prada innovate in the eyewear market with new launches and partnerships

Luxury Italian brands Valentino and Prada are shaking up the eyewear market with major launches. Valentino presents its first sunglasses model signed by new creative director Alessandro Michele, bringing a vintage touch and exclusive shades to the piece. Prada has decided to strengthen its partnership with EssilorLuxottica and is renewing the contract until 2030, promising to bring innovations to its future luxury eyewear collections.

Valentino presents sunglasses by Alessandro Michele

Valentino has revealed a preview of the first sunglasses model created by Alessandro Michele, a designer known for his bold vision and inspiration from the 1970s. The model features oversized round frames, evoking the style of John Lennon, but with a modern approach. Made from gold metal with black acetate details, the glasses feature Valentino's iconic “V” logo on the temples and nose pads.

Part of the “Avant les débuts” collection, for spring 2025, the accessory offers three lens options in vintage tones: dark green, amber and light green. The model costs €490, approximately R$2,670 at the current euro exchange rate, and will be available exclusively in Valentino boutiques and on the brand's official website. The global launch is scheduled for February 2025 in selected stores.

_{Light green oversized round metal frame signed by Alessandro Michele (Photo: reproduction/Valentino)}

In 2022, Valentino signed an exclusive licensing agreement with the Swiss group Akoni, valid for ten years. Since then, they have been producing the brand's collections, both sunglasses and prescription glasses.

Prada renews partnership with EssilorLuxottica

Prada strengthens its collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, a group formed by the merger between Luxottica and Essilor, which manages the design, production and distribution of the Prada, Prada Linea Rossa and Miu Miu eyewear collections. The contract between the companies began in 2003, renewed in 2015, and has now been extended until 2030, with the possibility of being extended until 2035.

_{Sunglasses with Prada logo (Photo: reproduction/Prada)}

Previously, Prada collaborated for four years with manufacturer De Rigo on its eyewear collections. The renewal of the contract with EssilorLuxottica ensures that the brand continues to innovate in its future collections, including the one scheduled for spring-summer 2025.

Featured photo: light green oversized round metal frame signed by Alessandro Michele (Reproduction/Valentino)