Altair and Draper James sign optical eyewear deal

Altair Eyewear, a subsidiary of Marchon Eyewear, has signed an exclusive
global licensing agreement with Reese Witherspoon’s Southern-inspired
fashion and lifestyle brand, Draper James to design, manufacture and
distribute Draper James optical product.

This will mark the brand’s first ever optical collection, with eyewear
set to be available to the public beginning in March 2019, following its
debut to wholesale accounts at Vision Expo East in New York.

According to a press release from the eyewear manufacturer, the optical
styles will “take cues from Draper James’ vibrant, upbeat ready-to-wear and
accessories collections, celebrating femininity with a contemporary take on
Southern charm”.

“I am thrilled that Draper James is partnering with Altair Eyewear Inc.,
a leading expert in optical eyewear, to create a new line of glasses,” said
Reese Witherspoon, Draper James founder and creative director in a press
release. “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.”

Marchon president and chief executive officer Nicola Zotta added: “We
are excited to embark on this venture with Draper James, a unique brand
with a fresh point of view. 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 new Draper James optical eyewear line is planned to be distributed
globally and sold in optical chains and specialty retailers as well as
through independent eye care practices.

Image: courtesy of Marchon/Draper James