Safilo Group And Kate Spade LLC Announce An Eyewear Licensing Agreement For The Launch Of Jack Spade And The Extension For Kate Spade New York Through December 31, 2018

NEW YORK, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Safilo Group, worldwide leader in the premium eyewear sector and Kate Spade LLC, owned by Fifth & Pacific Companies Inc., jointly announce the signing of a five-year North American eyewear licensing agreement for the design, production and distribution of Jack Spade, and the three-year extension of the current kate spade new york international licensing agreement. Both agreements are in effect through December 31, 2018.

"We are extremely pleased to expand this very successful longstanding partnership that has excellent growth expectations. Jack Spade creates new opportunities to enhance the male segment of our portfolio that has tremendous potential, with a stylish yet timeless, functional brand that has a sense of fun. The prolongation of our Kate Spade licensing agreement by three years is particularly pleasing for us, confirming the incredible success we are having together," said Luisa Delgado, CEO of Safilo Group.

"Both Jack Spade and Safilo share a deep passion for design, quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Jack Spade's entrance into the eyewear category with such a regarded industry partner is a natural progression of our existing kate spade new york eyewear assortment," said Craig Leavitt, CEO of Kate Spade LLC. "We are confident that our customers will appreciate the design and quality of the both kate spade new york and Jack Spade eyewear collections."

The Jack Spade men's sunglasses collection will be available in top-tier department stores, sunglass specialty retailers such as Solstice Sunglasses owned by Safilo Group, and Jack Spade retail stores across the U.S. and Canada beginning February 2014, followed by the roll-out of the Jack Spade men's optical collection which will be available at select optical retailers throughout North America starting April 2014.

About Safilo Group:
The Safilo Group is worldwide leader in the premium eyewear sector for sunglasses, optical frames and sports eyewear. With an international presence through 30 owned subsidiaries in primary markets – in America, Europe and Asia – and exclusive distributors, Safilo produces and distributes its house brands – Safilo, Carrera, Polaroid, Smith Optics, Oxydo – and the licensed brands Alexander McQueen, Banana Republic, Bobbi Brown (starting from 2014), BOSS, BOSS Orange, Bottega Veneta, Celine, Dior, Fendi (starting from 2014), Fossil, Gucci, HUGO, J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Liz Claiborne, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Max&Co., Pierre Cardin, Saint Laurent, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tommy Hilfiger.  For further information www.safilo.com.

About Jack Spade:
Jack Spade began in 1996 out of a warehouse on Warren Street in New York City. It grew out of the idea that useful items could also be stylish. The first JACK SPADE bag was sold to a hardware store in 1997. Today, Jack Spade has grown to include clothing, small goods and accessories. It remains true to the idea that good design solves a problem with straightforward solutions, using timeless and durable materials. Jack Spade can be found online at www.jackspade.com, in their 13 retail stores in the US, Japan and UK, and in top select stores worldwide.

About Kate Spade New York:
In 1993, Kate Spade, frustrated that she could not find the utilitarian yet fashionable handbag she had been craving, began making handbags out of her apartment. Soon, a revolution in the accessories market began, as editors and consumers alike fell in love with the designs. In 2007, Deborah Lloyd joined kate spade new york as President and Chief Creative Officer, leveraging her significant experience leading design at Burberry and Banana Republic to broaden the kate spade new york line while honoring its rich history. Craig Leavitt joined the company in 2008 as Chief Executive Officer and helms the overall business development, operations and strategic planning. Under Deborah and Craig's leadership, the collection has expanded to include handbags, ready to wear, fashion accessories, small leather goods, tech accessories, jewelry, watches, shoes, legwear, eyewear, beauty, stationery, and home goods.

SOURCE Safilo Group