MILAN — The Aquilano.Rimondi brand has signed its first license: a five-year deal with Gilmar for the worldwide production and distribution of a knitwear line.
The collection will bow for fall. The label was formerly known as 6267 and is designed by Gianfranco Ferré’s creative directors, Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi. They launched their own collection in 2004 as 6267, but last year changed the name of the brand to their surnames. The knitwear collection will be shown and sold along with the label’s ready-to-wear, and will have a runway presentation during Milan Fashion Week in February.
“We are excited and proud to have this new growth opportunity for Aquilano.Rimondi, especially because the collaboration with Gilmar — which we have always considered one of Italy’s leading knitwear companies — will ensure top-notch quality for this new project of ours,” said the designers.
Aquilano and Rimondi have experience in knitwear following their stint as creative directors of Malo from 2006 to 2008, during which time they added a contemporary and edgier spin to the cashmere brand. Aquilano.Rimondi is available at around 120 points of sale globally, including, in the U.S., Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Gilmar, founded in 1974 by Giuliana Marchini Gerani, produces the Iceberg luxury sportswear brand with a focus on knitwear.
“Gilmar has always believed and invested in the success of new talents, devoting its industrial expertise to the backing of innovative projects,” said Gilmar chief executive officer Paolo Gerani. “Aquilano.Rimondi is an example of Italian excellence. We are proud to embark on this prestigious and stimulating professional partnership.”
Gilmar will end the year with revenues of 110 million euros, or $162.8 million at current exchange.