Dsquared2 launches its first eyewear collection produced by Safilo Group – WWD

MILAN – Dsquared2 is launching the first eyewear collection produced by Safilo’s group for the spring, giving the Italian manufacturer another “important opportunity for growth in the haute couture segment,” according to chief executive Angelo Trocchia, represents “a great addition to our portfolio.”

Dsquared2 founders Dean and Dan Caten also touted the relevance of the category for their brand. “Eyeglasses are incredibly important in terms of attitude and make you feel different depending on the style you’re wearing – even with optical frames,” says Dan Caten. “It’s a fun category to wear, we love it.”

His brother Dean agrees. “Glasses can help create an image, a personality, make you look smarter or more mature. This is an important and fundamental category and one of the easiest ways to buy brands and be part of a community, not only in terms of accessibility but also size and fit. ”

The designers paid attention to the shape, weight and material, tailoring it to different customers. Color is also key – even white, they say. Dan Caten says there’s also an element of “flexible” gender in the collection and unisex models, “with a line that is fashionable”. This brand’s eyewear was previously licensed to Marcolin.

The “Spring 2022 lineup” includes multiple product stories to showcase the various features of the Dsquared2 collection that address a number of consumer goals,” Trocchia said.

The collection is divided into four product categories – Hype, Icon, Refined and Dynamic – and is highlighted with the brand’s signature Maple Leaf detailing. The CEO explains, Icon is aimed at “young and needy” customers.

The Icon collection features relief details, offers a variety of pops of color, and includes a visor pattern for a strong fashion statement.

The lineup consists of men and women Trocchia said. Shapes range from cat’s eye to butterfly – sometimes embellished with crystals or teardrop and caravan lenses. Logos sometimes appear instead. Some models also have a discreet red tag incorporated on the side.

The brand is distributed globally, with a major focus on Europe and the Middle East, and it also has “huge potential in the pure internet player channel. We are working on developing a media plan for 2022 that includes a launch in Italy in the spring and a social and digital campaign to support this category,” he concluded.

As reported, Safilo’s full-year revenue Last year saw its first increase since the pandemic, boosted by online sales and strong performance in the markets of North America, Europe and the rest of the world.

In the 12 months ended December 31, preliminary 2021 sales rose 24.3% to 969.6 million euros, compared with 780.3 million euros the year before, topping estimates released by the company in October. 11.

Safilo’s full-year profit margin before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (adjusted for non-recurring items) was 8.7%, marking a significant recovery from the breakeven figure recorded. In addition, the Padua-based company reduced its net debt to 94 million euros at the end of December 2021 from 222.1 million euros in 2020, reflecting the group’s capital increase. successful in early November.

Exit of Dior, Max Mara and Fendi licensing, as well as Givenchy in late 2021, prompted Safilo to redefine its portfolio last year.

In addition to the Carrera, Polaroid, Smith and Safilo brands, Blenders and Privé Revaux, the group manufactures and distributes eyewear for brands such as DB Eyewear by David Beckham, Missoni, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s and the Parisian-luxury label Isabel Marant. Most recently, it added Chiara Ferragni, Carolina Herrera and Under Armor to its roster.