Perry Ellis enters new eyewear license for Rafaella

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Jun 6, 2017

Perry Ellis on Monday announced that it has entered into a license agreement with i-deal Optics Holding for the Rafaella brand.
 

Founded in 1982, Rafaella is known for its women’s apparel that boast a figure flattering fit for several body types and sizes. Perry Ellis acquired the brand in 2011 for $70 million in 2011.
 
As per the license agreement, i-deal Optics Holding receives the rights to design and distribute ophthalmic eyewear, sunglasses and readers under the Rafaella brand in the US, Mexico and Canada. The new line will be distributed in optical retail stores in spring 2018.

"The Rafaella brand aligns perfectly with our strategy and desire to partner with a brand that combines fashion and comfort with a strong value proposition. Rafaella's use of color, embellishment and pattern transfer seamlessly to the optical category and fills a white space opportunity to offer the consumer stylish frames to complement her personal look," commented Michael Feldman, President of i-deal Optics. 
 
License agreements are a significant part of Perry Ellis’ business. The company said in March that it would focus on its licensing, menswear and direct-to-consumer businesses in fiscal 2018. In addition, Perry Ellis has entered into seven different licensing or distribution deals in 2017 for its namesake label, Original Penguin, Morel, John Hardy and Nike Swim.