Danish company Design Eyewear Group has acquired six French eyewear brands from KNCO, strengthening its presence in France and entering the strategic kids' eyewear segment.
Design Eyewear Group takes over François Pinton and Karavan, two iconic creator brands, as well as Karavan Kids and Kaliboo, focused on children’s frames. The acquisition also includes two well-established licensed children’s brands: Jacadi and Catimini. This diverse portfolio reflects both creative identity and product variety, ranging from high-end adult frames to playful children’s collections.
KNCO has long been a major player in French eyewear, thanks to its strong position in the kids' segment and its distinctive creator brands. Its local roots and product expertise have helped build a robust distribution network and long-standing industry recognition.
This move allows Design Eyewear Group to expand its geographic footprint in Europe, deepening its presence in France—one of the most dynamic optical markets. It also marks the company’s entry into the children’s eyewear segment, a high-potential category with specific product demands.
Approximately 15 KNCO employees will join the Danish group, including four designers and product managers. Retaining this team ensures continuity in creative direction and product knowledge. It also supports a smooth integration into Design Eyewear Group’s existing commercial and customer service structures.
Following its acquisition of MENRAD in June and licensing agreements with Jaguar, JOOP!, and Morgan, this new step reinforces the group’s multi-brand strategy. It reflects a commitment to both organic and external growth, focusing on brands with strong identity and complementary market segments.
Because it marks a pivotal moment in the consolidation of the European eyewear market. It shows how French creator brands and KNCO’s kids' eyewear expertise are being integrated into a bold, growth-driven strategy by Design Eyewear Group.
Further reading :
Saint Laurent introduces HOWL, a new eyewear line first launched with the Men’s Summer 26 collection and later shown on the Women’s Summer 26 runway and in Women Spring 26. Defined by bold volumes, glossy surfaces and a distinctive plumped effect, the line brings a sculptural attitude to the house’s eyewear vocabulary. What does Saint […]
Eco-friendly eyewear made in France reflects a new way of thinking about design, craftsmanship, and durability. In Shelter’s world, eyewear is not reduced to a functional object. It becomes a carefully constructed design piece shaped by responsible materials, French artisanal know-how, and a strong visual identity. The brand was born from the meeting of Florent, […]
From the very first frames of the Chloé Eyewear Spring–Summer 2026 campaign, a soft, almost liquid light sets the tone. Under the creative direction of Chemena Kamali, the house celebrates a free-spirited, spontaneous, and sun-drenched femininity — the timeless essence of Chloé. Between curved lines and translucent shades, this eyewear collection captures the idea of […]
Smart glasses 2026 mark a decisive step forward in wearable technology. Once considered experimental devices, they are now evolving into tools designed for practical, everyday use: communication, content capture, contextual assistance and real-time interaction. In 2026, the discussion no longer centres solely on technical capability. Design integration, social acceptability and meaningful functionality define the direction of […]
The Gucci Spring Summer 2026 collection shines a light on individuality and diversity. Staying true to its heritage, the Italian Maison unveils a Gucci Eyewear campaign created under the brand’s artistic direction in collaboration with Kering Eyewear.This season fuses retro elegance, modern attitude, and artisanal craftsmanship, portraying the gaze as the ultimate expression of self. […]
The Andy Wolf glasses 2026 collection captures a new vision of fashion — one where style meets emotion, and design becomes a way of seeing. This season, the Austrian eyewear house transforms each frame into a statement of identity. Between sculptural silhouettes, translucent colors, and organic energy, Andy Wolf defines the aesthetic codes of 2026: […]
With Soft Power, FACE A FACE enters a new phase of its creative language. Presented on 5 February 2026, the collection marks the evolution of Face à Face 3.0: a femininity that asserts itself, breaks free and refuses compromise. Here, softness is never submissive. It becomes strength — a controlled tension between line, volume and […]
In 2026, men’s sunglasses move toward a clearer, more controlled aesthetic. Lines become more precise, volumes more structured, and colors favor depth over immediate impact. The frame acts as a balancing element: it defines an overall look without overpowering it. This shift reflects a stronger search for coherence. Sunglasses are designed to accompany the men’s […]
Women’s sunglasses 2026 move toward a more refined vision of style. Lines are cleaner, proportions are better balanced, and colors feel more nuanced. The accessory asserts itself without overpowering the silhouette. It frames the face, structures an outfit, and enhances personal style with restraint. This year favors thoughtful choices: frames designed to last, adaptable to […]
Receive exclusive updates on the latest in the world of eyewear, our favorite selections, and unique offers reserved just for our subscribers. Join the Parisée community and elevate your style today!
Photo : Lumiprod