(PRESS RELEASE) Luxury British eyewear brand Cutler and Gross and British designer Paul Smith announced that they have entered a three-year agreement for the design, production and worldwide distribution of Paul Smith sunglasses and optical frames.
The agreement will make use of Cutler and Gross’ production expertise spanning almost 50 years, with the aim to grow and strengthen Paul Smith’s position in the luxury eyewear market. There will be an emphasis on distribution through premium opticians and eyewear stores and a focus on optical frames, though sunglasses will also feature in the collection.
All frames will be made by hand at Cutler and Gross’ factory in Northern Italy. They will be fitted with lenses supplied by Dalloz Creations, a French sunlens manufacturer.
Paul Smith explains: “I’ve always had enormous admiration for Cutler & Gross. Before we sadly lost him, Tony Gross was a personal friend of mine. The attention to detail and expertise that Tony practiced is still absolutely central to the work the company are doing today. I’m delighted to be collaborating with Cutler & Gross and look forward to an exciting and creative future.”
“Cutler and Gross is often referred to as the authority in British Eyewear. What better way to celebrate our 50th anniversary than to join forces with the authority in British fashion,” said Graham Cutler, founding partner of Cutler and Gross. “We look forward to applying our design and production capabilities and vast distribution network to the iconic Paul Smith brand, further enhancing Cutler and Gross’ position as a leader in its field.”
The first collection under the new license features a combination of metal and acetate frames in classic shapes and with subtle design details that tie in with Paul Smith colors and tailoring.
The frames will launch at optical trade fair Mido in Milan Feb. 23-25 and will then be available from Paul Smith and Cutler and Gross outlets plus a selection of premium stores and opticians globally.