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.”