Optical Prism September 2018 | Page 47

Glimpses DAVID PIERSON NAMED VISION COUNCIL’S OPTICAL RETAIL DIVISION LIAISON The Vision Council has named David Pierson as the Staff Liaisonto its recently created Optical Retail Division. MARCOLIN, BALLY SIGN WORLDWIDE LICENCE AGREEMENT Marcolin Group and Bally, the Swiss luxury brand, have signed an exclusive worldwide license agreement for the design, production and distribution of sunglasses and optical frames for women and men with the Bally brand. The agreement will last for five years, up to December 2023, with the possibil- ity of a renewal for another four years. A preview launch of the eyewear collec- tion is to be held for the Asian market, later extending to the rest of the world. The Swiss label, introduced as a footwear brand over 160 years ago, today of- fers a complete luxury lifestyle, crafting desirable quality products thanks to a blend of artisan skills and innovation, function and elegance, values at the centre of both Bally and Marcolin Group’s philosophy. MARCHON, G-III APPAREL SIGN LICENSING AGREEMENT Marchon Eyewear and G-III Apparel Group have announced that they have entered into a long-term exclusive global licensing agreement for DKNY and Donna Karan New York eyewear. Product introductions under the license agreement will begin with DKNY sun and optical eyewear and rollout globally beginning March 2019. DKNY eyewear will embody the modern appeal of the global lifestyle brand, taking inspiration from DKNY’s iconic sportswear and accessory offerings. Plans are to extend the offering to include Donna Karan New York sun and optical eyewear shortly thereafter. Through his 30-plus years of experi- ence in the retail industry, Pierson has spearheaded and managed opera- tions, merchandising and strategic planning through a variety of leadership positions with organizations such as Refac Optical Group, CPI Corp., Cole National Corp., Federated Depart- ment Stores, Target and Sears. Most recently, he served as the founder of J. David Optical Consultants. The Vision Council’s Optical Retail Division – which was announced in January and continues to grow with more than 30 participating companies of various sizes – focuses on the unique business needs of optical retailers, as well as the important relationship between retail and wholesale. With his robust experience, The Vision Council believes Pierson will provide a unique perspective in driving the programs for the Optical Retail Division, with guidance from already-appointed Divi- sion Chair James Rosin of Rosin Eye and Vice Chair Stuart Jolly of Walmart. The new line is planned to be sold globally in select department stores, specialty stores, and premium sun and optical retailers, as well as in DKNY retail locations and online at DKNY.com. Marchon Eyewear held the eyewear licenses for DKNY and Donna Karan New York from 1999 through 2004. OPTICAL PRISM | September 2018 45