Eyewear overcrowded – Gaultier with new partner

In a clear sign that the eyewear market is overcrowded with brand licenses and brands, Jean Paul Gaultier had lost the licensee.

Now the brand is being picked up in a co-branding partnership called Jean Paul Gaultier by Mikli.

For many years eyewear – especially sunglasses – was the image product number one. But the consumer has moved on to cellphones, smartphones and tablet PCs.

Smaller, weak, niche brands will be the first to leave the category.