French luxury group Kering has struck a licensing deal to develop eyewear for Valentino, deepening ties between the two companies days after Kering said it would take more time before buying full control of the Italian fashion brand. The agreement announced Monday, which gives Kering the rights to develop and distribute glasses and sunglasses under the Valentino label, was announced as Kering CEO Luca de Meo started his first official day at the French group. The delay reduces the list of tasks facing de Meo as he takes on his new role with a mandate to put the struggling Gucci owner back on track. Kering and Valentino said the first glasses collection under the agreement - which comes into effect in January 2026 - would be presented at Valentino’s fashion show in Paris on October 5, with eyewear sold in stores and online from March 2026. By Mimosa Spencer: Editor Mark PotterLearn more:Mayhoola Denies Report It Is Considering Valentino Sale with KeringThe head of Qatar-backed Mayhoola said an Italian newspaper report suggesting the investment fund and Gucci owner Kering were considering selling their jointly owned fashion house Valentino was ‘untrue.’