Draper James to launch first optical eyewear line with Altair

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Jul 10, 2018

Draper James is launching its first optical eyewear line with the announcement of an exclusive licensing deal with Marchon's Altair Eyewear. The first collection will launch next spring.

Explaining the position to expand into eyewear in a release, Reese Witherspoon, Draper James founder and creative director, said, "As a lifestyle brand, I feel it's important to continue to add new categories that meet the everyday needs of our customers both in style and function." 

The Draper James eyewear will take inspiration from the brand's ready-to-wear and accessories collections which offer an upbeat and contemporary take on Southern charm and femininity. Under the licensing agreement, Draper James will be looking to Altair to design, manufacture and distribute its new eyewear collection globally.

Nicola Zotta, President and CEO of Marchon Eyewear, Inc. said, "We look forward to partnering with Draper James and Reese Witherspoon on expressive optical eyewear collections that complement the brand's lifestyle and extend the current assortment into an exciting new category and market." 

The first optical Draper James collection will debut at Vision Expo East in New York City and will be available from March 2019. The agreement provides for the glasses to be distributed globally in optical chains and specialty retailers, as well as through independent eye care practices.

Altair's other brands include Anne Klein, Bebe, Cole Haan, Joseph Abboud, Joe Joseph Abboud, and Revlon.