Design Eyewear Group

What Design Eyewear Group does

Design Eyewear Group International A/S is a privately held Danish eyewear company headquartered in Aarhus that designs, develops, and markets a portfolio of 17+ eyewear brands sold exclusively through premium opticians worldwide. The portfolio spans proprietary heritage brands (ProDesign Denmark founded 1973, FACE A FACE founded 1995, François Pinton founded 1953, Karavan launched 1993, William Morris London, Charles Stone New York, Nifties, Inface, Karavan Kids, Kaliboo), licensed brands (Jaguar, JOOP!, Morgan, Catimini, Jacadi Paris), and brands acquired in 2025 (Menrad from insolvent German owner; six brands from insolvent French company KNCO including François Pinton). The product range covers optical frames and sunglasses for adults, children (0-36 months through 12 years), and adults with small facial features, with acetate and metal manufacturing including Origine France Garantie certification for selected FACE A FACE and ALIUM products.

The business operates a B2B wholesale model with regional sales representatives and dedicated customer service in 14+ countries across Europe (Denmark, UK, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Luxembourg, Italy) and North America (USA, Canada). Distribution is supported by a B2B service portal (webshop, order management, warranty claims, media bank) and a Partner Plus loyalty program with Partner and Ambassador tiers based on annual order intake. The company has wholly-owned regional subsidiaries in the US, UK, France, Germany, and Spain. Marketing relies on industry events (SILMO Paris, where the company has won SILMO d'Or awards in 2024 and 2025), brand-level social media, artist collaborations, and a press archive distributed through Mynewsdesk.

Revenue is generated from wholesale frame sales to opticians (B2B) and from licensing royalty streams on the Jaguar, JOOP!, and Morgan brands. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and all channels are business-to-business — there is no direct-to-consumer pricing or e-commerce on the public-facing site. The company has 101-250 employees and reports no external investors, parent company, or public listing. Recent strategic activity has been acquisitive rather than capital-raising, with two completed acquisitions in 2025 funded internally from operating cash flow and no funding rounds disclosed.

Name

Design Eyewear Group

Legal name

Design Eyewear Group International A/S

Website

https://www.designeyeweargroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Design Eyewear Group is a privately held Danish eyewear company that designs, develops, and markets 17+ proprietary, licensed, and acquired eyewear brands (including ProDesign, FACE A FACE, Menrad, Jaguar, JOOP!) sold exclusively B2B to premium opticians across 14+ countries in Europe and North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Designer Eyewear

NAICS

Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115), Ophthalmic Goods Merchant Wholesalers (42346)

SIC

Ophthalmic Goods (3851)

akta.pro primary industry

Luxury Eyewear (Sunglasses & Optical) (CRAKAFAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Luxury & Designer Eyewear (CRAAAKAD), Prescription Eyewear Frames (Optical) (CRAAAKAA), Kids & Teen Eyewear (CRAAAKAE)

Keywords

• Designer eyewear
• Optical frames
• Premium sunglasses
• Eyewear manufacturing
• Optical wholesale

Headquarters

HQ city

Aarhus

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Eyewear Frame Sales to Opticians: Design Eyewear Group designs, develops, and markets eyewear brands sold worldwide through premium opticians. Products include optical frames and sunglasses sold B2B to optical retailers.
2. Licensing Agreements: The company holds licensing agreements with brands including Jaguar, JOOP!, and Morgan for eyewear, expanding revenue through brand royalties and controlled distribution.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Design Eyewear Group designs, develops, and markets a portfolio of more than 17 proprietary, licensed, and acquired eyewear brands (optical frames and sunglasses) sold exclusively through premium opticians worldwide. The portfolio spans Danish, French, British, and German design traditions, including proprietary brands such as ProDesign Denmark, FACE A FACE, WOOW, William Morris London, Charles Stone, François Pinton, Karavan, Nifties, Inface, and specialized children's lines, plus licensed brands (Jaguar, JOOP!, Morgan, Catimini, Jacadi) and acquired brands (Menrad and brands acquired from KNCO).

Product overview

Design Eyewear Group is a multinational eyewear company that designs, develops, and markets iconic eyewear brands sold worldwide by premium opticians. The company operates a portfolio of 17 distinct brands across three categories: proprietary brands (ProDesign Denmark, FACE A FACE, WOOW, William Morris London, Charles Stone New York, Nifties, Inface, François Pinton, Karavan, Karavan Kids, Kaliboo), licensed brands (Jaguar, JOOP!, Morgan, Catimini, Jacadi Paris), and acquired brands (Menrad). The portfolio also includes six French brands acquired from KNCO in October 2025. Collections span optical frames and sunglasses for men, women, and children, with price points ranging from accessible to premium. The group holds the Origine France Garantie certification for selected FACE A FACE products and has won multiple SILMO d'Or awards for design excellence. Global operations include offices in Aarhus (Denmark), Paris (France), London (UK), Bilbao (Spain), and San Francisco (USA).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ProDesign Denmark: Experimental eyewear brand founded in Paris. Danish design authenticity for more than 50 years.
• FACE A FACE
• WOOW
• William Morris London
• Charles Stone
• Nifties
• Inface
• Menrad
• François Pinton
• Karavan
• Karavan Kids
• Kaliboo
• Catimini
• Jacadi Paris
• Jaguar
• JOOP!
• Morgan

Products and services

• ProDesign Denmark Experimental Danish eyewear brand founded in 1973 featuring bold, artistic optical and sunglass designs with more than 50 years of craftsmanship. CENSUR by Prodesign won SILMO d'Or 2024 in the Sunglasses Eyewear Designer category.
• FACE A FACE Avant-garde French eyewear brand celebrating 30 years of creative design, known for bold color experimentation, sculptural frames, and emotional color palettes. FLARE won SILMO d'Or 2025 for Sunglasses Designer. Holds Origine France Garantie certification for select products.
• WOOW Playful French eyewear brand with bold, mischievous optical and sunglass concepts, known for LET'S PLAY! collections featuring vibrant colors, geometric shapes, and expressive characters.
• William Morris London British lifestyle eyewear brand inspired by London's creative diversity and unmistakable character. Collections reflect the duality of East and West London with classic tailoring and urban edge.
• Charles Stone New York New York-inspired eyewear brand capturing the city's movement and attitude. City Frames collection blending bold design with timeless sophistication, inspired by Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan architecture, and Bow Bridge.
• Nifties Elegance-focused eyewear collection thoughtfully designed for adults with small facial features, known for curated minimalism, refined proportions, and lightweight construction.
• Inface Fresh Scandinavian frames rooted in Danish design with playful, sculptural shapes and retro references, including statement silhouettes like SUPREME and DRAMATIC alongside everyday classics.
• François Pinton Handcrafted heritage brand founded in Paris in 1953 by Robert François Pinton. Frames honor legacy of iconic eyewear while embracing modern comfort, precision, and sophistication with French luxury craftsmanship.
• Karavan French bold eyewear brand launched in 1993 by visionary optician Jean Lempereur. Celebrates individuality through bold artistic expression with daring shapes, expressive colors, and striking contrasts, including the exclusive Karavan Fluorite Collection.
• Karavan Kids Creative French eyewear for children aged 3-7 years with playful, colorful designs. Frames built for lasting comfort and durability with flexible hinges designed for active young lives.
• Kaliboo Specialist eyewear for babies and toddlers aged 0-36 months, developed with opticians, ophthalmologists, and eyewear professionals. Features adjustable bridges and fronts that grow with the child for healthy visual development.
• Jaguar Eyewear Iconic British licensed brand with clean, sporty design language reflecting Jaguar automotive heritage. Eyewear featuring refined materials, precision, and quality found in Jaguar's automotive design, with association with the British Royal Family since 1951.
• JOOP! Eyewear German licensed lifestyle brand with international appeal spanning fashion, bags, shoes, jewelry, watches, eyewear, body and beachwear, legwear, hosiery, and living collection. Eyewear frames spotlighting wearer's personality for fashion-conscious customers.
• Morgan Eyewear French licensed fashion brand embodying the glamorous, daring spirit of contemporary Parisian woman. Trendy and feminine with modern, refined eyewear designs featuring iconic shapes, glamorous details, and impeccable finishes.
• Menrad German eyewear brand with more than 120 years of history, known for precision engineering, quality, and timeless design. Acquired by Design Eyewear Group in June 2025 following insolvency, including design rights, technical assets, and inventory.
• Catimini Eyewear Children's clothing and eyewear brand known for fun and playful collections for ages 5-10. Eyewear features exclusive acetates inspired by ready-to-wear collection with vibrant patterns and superb detailing.
• Jacadi Paris Eyewear Timeless French children's fashion brand founded in 1976. Frames balance elegance and comfort for children aged 5-12 years with high-quality acetates, refined textures, and Parisian design.

Quantifiable outcome

• CENSUR by Prodesign won SILMO d'Or 2024 in Sunglasses Eyewear Designer category
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• MondotticaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 March 2026Distribution agreement with Mondottica for Hackett London, Scotch & Soda, Pepe Jeans, and Ted Baker London brands in Germany and Austria. This partnership leverages existing infrastructure and market knowledge in DACH region.
• KNCOcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 October 2025Design Eyewear Group acquired six eyewear brands from French company KNCO, which was undergoing insolvency proceedings. The acquisition included François Pinton and five additional French brands, expanding the company's presence in the French market and strengthening its European portfolio with heritage brands.
• Valentin LebigotminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 August 2025Designer collaboration for FACE A FACE 30th anniversary installation at DEGree flagship store during Paris Design Week. Lebigot created a pop and inventive scenography for the celebration of the brand's heritage.
• MENRADcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 10 June 2025Design Eyewear Group acquired full ownership of German eyewear brand MENRAD following its insolvency, including design rights, technical assets, and inventory. The 125-year-old brand brings German precision engineering excellence and strengthens the company's presence in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
• JaguarcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 10 June 2025Licensing agreement with Jaguar for eyewear collection. The brand reflects Jaguar's refined materials, precision, and surface quality found in automotive design, appealing to customers seeking sporty luxury eyewear with British heritage.
• JOOP!coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 10 June 2025Licensing agreement with JOOP! for eyewear. The German lifestyle brand with international appeal brings fashion-conscious designs targeting customers who want eyewear that makes a confident statement.
• MorgancoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 10 June 2025Licensing agreement with Morgan for eyewear. The Parisian fashion brand embodies glamorous and daring spirit for contemporary women, offering trendy and feminine designs with impeccable finishes.
• Jessica PoundstoneminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 March 2025American artist collaboration for FACE A FACE 30th anniversary. Poundstone's vibrant color palettes inspired the special FACES concept, with her 'Power Colors' emotional response research influencing the limited edition frame designs.
• VOSH/InternationalminorOthers · 13 March 2025Design Eyewear Group donated 90,000 frames to VOSH/International to support their mission providing vision care to communities in need. VOSH operates in 32 countries offering free eye health services through volunteer optometrists. The donation replaced frame discards with humanitarian impact.
• DSVminorOthers · 13 March 2025Logistics partner handling shipment of 90,000 frames donated to VOSH/International. DSV enabled safe delivery of the donation to humanitarian clinics globally.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Safilo Group: Italian eyewear manufacturer and wholesaler with a portfolio of proprietary and licensed brands (Polaroid, Carrera, Smith, Tommy Hilfiger) sold B2B through optical retailers. Highly comparable in operating model, multi-brand strategy, and reliance on licensing income.
• Marcolin: Italian eyewear maker that designs, produces, and distributes proprietary and licensed brands (Tom Ford, Ermenegildo Zegna, Guess, Bally) via optical retail channels globally. Closely comparable in B2B premium eyewear model and licensing-heavy brand mix.
• De Rigo: Italian eyewear group producing licensed (Police, Loewe, Fendi via prior license) and proprietary (Vittorio branchia) brands for global optical distribution. Direct peer given the B2B wholesale model, brand portfolio strategy, and European heritage.
• Marchon Eyewear: VSP Global's eyewear division, manufacturing and distributing licensed (Nike, Calvin Klein, Lacoste) and proprietary brands through optical retailers worldwide. Comparable scale, multi-brand portfolio, and licensed-brand revenue mix.
• Silhouette International: Austrian premium eyewear manufacturer known for lightweight titanium frames (Silhouette, Adidas Eyewear) sold through optical retail. Comparable as a premium European eyewear maker with deep design heritage.
• Mondottica: UK-based eyewear distributor and brand owner (Paul & Joe, Christian Lacroix, Hackett, Scotch & Soda licenses) selling into optical retail globally. Direct comparable as a multi-brand licensed eyewear distributor; already a DEG distribution partner.

Emerging players

• Mykita: Berlin-based independent eyewear brand with strong design identity, handmade in Germany. Partial overlap as a premium design-led European eyewear maker, though smaller and more single-brand focused than DEG's portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• EssilorLuxottica: Global eyewear and lens conglomerate owning Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, and major licensed brands, plus retail (LensCrafters, Sunglass Hut). Comparable as the dominant incumbent in premium eyewear, but vastly larger and vertically integrated.
• Kering Eyewear: Kering Group's in-house eyewear division developing and distributing licensed luxury brands (Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga). Comparable in B2B premium eyewear with brand licensing, but anchored in luxury fashion houses.

Regional players

• Mondi Optical: European eyewear company with portfolio of design-led proprietary and licensed brands distributed through optical retail. Comparable in multi-brand B2B model, though typically with a more regional footprint than DEG's transatlantic reach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/design-eyewear-group

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Design Eyewear Group