Georgio Armani Frames

[Jennifer]

Does anyone know who will be distributing Georgio Armani and Emporio Armani frames after Luxottica's contract ends Jan. 31??
I know Luxottica will carry a warranty on any frames purchased before Jan. 31, but where can new frames be purchased?

[Jedi]

Jennifer,
There are a couple of recent threads regarding the Armani issue, check them out, and as far as I know there is no official word on who will be distributing Armani, although all bets point towards Safilo , It will probably be some time before we see "new" stuff. The license with Lux ends in May (I think), I can't fathom anyone would want launch a new Armani line right away, but anyways you can still order current Armani stuff from Lux.

[Augie]

I was told by a Major Vendor's rep that Safilo got it.

[BobV]

Correct...Safilo will be producing Armani frames.

Bob V.

[Joann Raytar]

From VisionMonday.com Vol. No: 17:03Issue: 2/6/03

Safilo Gets Armani Eyewear License

PADUA, Italy--Safilo Group has signed a multi-year, worldwide licensing agreement with the Giorgio Armani design house for production and distribution of eyewear under the Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani brands, and will launch its first Armani collections in May.

The move came less than three months after designer Armani severed his 14-year relationship with Luxottica Group (NYSE: LUX).

Said designer Armani, president/CEO of the Armani Group, "Through this new collaboration we will be ensuring that we can implement policies and choices which will clearly distinguish our respective Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani eyewear collections in the marketplace. I am therefore extremely confident we are moving forward with a partner that is responsive to our strategic requirements and shares a common understanding for the future growth and development of our eyewear brands."

Commented Vittorio Tabacchi, president of Safilo Group, "Safilo is honored to have been selected by the Armani Group to further capitalize on the future potential of these brands. Our immediate priorities will be to gear up swiftly for the production of the new spring/summer 2003 collections, to refine the distribution strategies for each of the lines, and to increase the investments in a way that effectively and appropriately supports our customers."

Claudio Gottardi, president/CEO of Safilo USA, said Safilo plans to preview Armani ophthalmic and sunwear collections at MIDO in early May; adding, "In the U.S., our goal is to start showing the optical collection to our customers in May and be able to start deliveries in June."

Safilo did a great job with Ralph Lauren; hopefully, we will see an Armani line with a fresh new look.

[Mikef]

It sounds like Armani will only be sold in a few places( Like Oliver Peoples)





Read this
http://biz.yahoo.com/djus/030204/0703000345_1.html


If you have sold Armani for 12 years and then told you can't, do you care?