Optical Prism April 2017 | Page 46

Glimpses LONGCHAMP, MARCHON SIGN AGREEMENT IRIS ACQUIRES OPTICAL RETAIL CHAIN Longchamp and Marchon Eyewear, Inc. have announced the signing of a new global licensing agreement for the development, production, and distribution of Longchamp Eyewear collections under the design and creative direction of Sophie Delafontaine, Longchamp’s artistic director. The two companies will launch the new women’s lines in fall/winter 2017 with a full range of styles for both optical frames and sunglasses. IRIS, The Visual Group Inc. has announced the asset acquisition of D.R. Josephson Limited, an optical retail chain also known as Josephson Opticians. The aim of Longchamp’s partnership with Marchon is to expand the brand’s reach in a major fashion accessory segment. The collections will retail in Longchamp boutiques, in selected premium opti- cal retail locations, multi-brand fashion channels and travel retail locations worldwide. “As a Parisian luxury fashion house, we are pleased to offer our customers the opportunity to adopt Longchamp Eyewear. Eyewear will be the ultimate touch of French elegance and Parisian lifestyle that we promote throughout the world along with our bags, ready-to-wear, shoes, luggage, and accessories,” said Jean Cassegrain, CEO of Longchamp. 44 Optical Prism | April 2017 Founded in 1935, Josephson Opticians presently operates six locations and enjoys an enviable market position as a fashion-forward retailer of exclusive brands. Dr. Michael Chaiken, president and chief executive officer of IRIS, The Visual Group, is pleased to announce that with the latest acqui- sition of Josephson Opticians, the IRIS group presence in Ontario increases to 15 locations; thus, reinforcing its development strategy across Canada. “We are especially proud of this new partnership with Dr. Josh Josephson, his excellent staff, opticians and network of independent optom- etrists. Josephson Opticians has been an optical industry icon for over 80 years in the GTA and we have every intention to further enhance the glowing reputation of Josephson Opticians in Ontario.”