EYES ON SMITH: Paul Smith’s one-off collaboration with Cutler and Gross in May proved a success, and the brands have now decided to solidify their partnership. WWD has learned they’ve entered into a three-year licensing agreement that will see Cutler and Gross design, produce and distribute Paul Smith sunglasses and optical frames.
An announcement is expected today.
“Cutler and Gross is often referred to as the authority in British eyewear. What better way to celebrate our 50th anniversary than to join forces with the authority in British fashion,” said Graham Cutler, cofounder of Cutler and Gross.
Paul Smith said aim is to grow and strengthen its position in the luxury eyewear market. There will be an emphasis on distribution through premium opticians and eyewear stores and a particular focus on optical frames, though sunglasses will also be featured.
All frames will be made by hand at Cutler and Gross’ own factory in northern Italy, and fitted with lenses supplied by Dalloz Creations, the French sunlens manufacturer for the high-end market. Optical prices range from $310 to $340 while sunglasses range from $330 to $360.
The first collection under the new license will feature a combination of metal and acetate frames in classic shapes, with subtle details

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RAIN CHECK: The ripples of France’s antigovernment protests have reached across the Atlantic.
Ralph Lauren was due to be decorated as an Officer of the Legion of Honor by French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, but the ceremony has been postponed until early next year due to the tense political climate, as the government seeks to defuse several weeks of violent protests over declining living standards.
The brand sent out a brief advisory to guests, saying it would advise them of the new date in due course. Lauren is expected to be the guest of honor at a gala dinner at the Château de Versailles on Tuesday held by the French-American Foundation to mark the 50th anniversary of his brand.
Lauren was made a Knight of the Legion of Honor by France in 2010 in recognition of his contributions as a designer, business leader and philanthropist.
France faces “serious and ongoing” economic fallout after a third weekend of antigovernment protests led to scenes of violence and ransacking not seen since the May 1968 student riots, according to officials.
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said mass retailers have seen a 15 percent to 25 percent cumulative drop in sales due to the ongoing protests by demonstrators in

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LONDON — British retailer Browns is amping up its efforts to support emerging talent by becoming the latest partner of the British Fashion Council’s NewGen scheme.
NewGen promotes London’s most promising up-and-comers by providing mentoring, financial support and showcasing opportunities during London Fashion Week.
As a partner, Browns said it will work toward strengthening the designers’ support network by further funding the scheme and providing mentorship programs that will focus on passing on the Browns team’s business and retail expertise.
Members of the Browns team will also sit on the NewGen judging panel to determine which designers will receive sponsorship in the coming seasons.
Current recipients include Halpern, Richard Quinn, Phoebe English, Matty Bovan, Liam Hodges, Kiko Kostadinov and Alighieri.
“Through partnerships like this, we will continue to demonstrate the Browns ethos, and we look forward to working closely with the BFC and the designers to build out meaningful initiatives with support and mentorship at the heart,” said Holli Rogers, the retailer’s chief executive officer.
Earlier this year, Browns also set up a new department dedicated to scouting and supporting young talent and is now looking to expand it into different segments, to reflect the huge variety of categories emerging talent can belong to.
As part of

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Something for the holiday wish list: Dior will release its latest photo book, “Dior by Gianfranco Ferré,” on Dec. 15 throughout Europe, with worldwide distribution set for Jan. 15. The book, published by Assouline, will be released in two separate editions, one in English and one in French, showcasing the Italian designer’s work for the house between 1989 and 1996. 

“Dior by Gianfranco Ferré” is the fourth volume in the series the Dior house is releasing chronicling each creative director of the brand. Noted moments throughout the 320 pages include the fall 1989 Ascot-Cecil Beaton collection and the fall 1996 Indian Passion collection.

The book’s copy was written by Alexander Fury with photos by Laziz Hamani. It will retail for 70 euros.

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