Fendi, part of French group LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), announced on Thursday that it had signed a partnership with eyewear maker Thelios to develop, produce and distribute the Italian fashion house’s eyewear line.

Thelios is a joint venture between LVMH and Italian eyewear manufacturer Marcolin, in which the luxury group holds a 51 per cent stake.

The 2021 autumn/winter collection will be the first to be launched under the new partnership and will include both prescription eyewear and sunglasses, the companies said in a joint press statement.

“This collaboration is an important step for both (companies), which are joining forces to increase the appeal of Fendi eyewear and making it a leading brand in the luxury segment,” it added.

Thelios produces and distributes eyewear for other group brands, including Dior, Stella McCartney and Kenzo, and is part of a broader strategy by Paris-based LVMH to expand its eyewear business.

The announcement came a day after Fendi’s licensing deal with Italy’s Safilo expired.

Safilo, the world’s second-largest eyewear manufacturer, is affected by LVMH’s decision to end the two companies’ previous agreements and form a joint venture with Marcolin.

Safilo, which this week announced it would raise 135 million euros ($160 million) by issuing new shares, lost its famous Dior licence earlier this year.