Sestini

Hello Carlo. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and share your journey towards creating your own eyewear brand?
I studied international law and diplomacy in London, and my dream was to become an ambassador. That was my goal in life. Later, I was scouted by a modelling agency and began working as a model in 2014. The photographs I shared on social media attracted attention, which led me to work with various brands as both a model and an influencer. During that time, I had the opportunity to travel extensively around the world. I have always seen eyewear as a way of expressing myself. When I was younger, especially during my school years, glasses also helped me hide my eyebrows and made me feel protected. When I wore glasses, I felt I could look people in the eyes while still having something that shielded me. The idea of creating my own eyewear brand was always there. Before taking concrete steps in 2019, I bought a piece of land and experimented with producing wine and olive oil. I was still working as a fashion consultant, model and influencer at the time, but by 2020 my focus had shifted entirely towards Sestini and creating luxurious Italian eyewear. I carried out extensive research on Italian eyewear and realised there were no other young Italian brands truly focused on quality, luxury and timeless appeal.

Was launching your brand in 2020, a year that affected the entire world so profoundly, particularly challenging for you?
Initially, yes, especially as it coincided with the Covid pandemic. I decided to approach retailers directly, and this is how we managed to build a very particular network for Sestini. From the very beginning, I chose not to take on investors. I wanted to grow the brand in a traditional way, step by step. Today, I work closely with CP Agency for the distribution and global development of Sestini. This collaboration began in 2021, and since then we have introduced the collection to many new markets, including Turkey, India, Benelux and Australia. This partnership has truly acted as a catalyst for the brand’s growth.

Could you tell us more about the identity of the Sestini collection and its design philosophy?
Sestini combines minimal lines with sculptural intention, merging functionality with an approach rooted in Italian craftsmanship. For us, eyewear is part of a broader lifestyle. Art, refinement and the beauty of restraint form the core of Sestini’s Dna. The design language can be described as discreet yet iconic. Subtle identity elements, such as the engraved half-lily detail, reflect this approach. We never wanted to be a brand recognised solely by its logo. Instead, we developed our own custom rivets and placed the emphasis on the details of the product. When you touch our frames, you can really feel that the temples have been shaped and carved by hand.

Could you also tell us about the materials you choose and your production philosophy?
I focus on ensuring that the material I use truly feels special to the person wearing it. Whenever someone wears a Sestini frame, I want them to experience an exceptional fit and comfort, much like the feeling of putting on a beautifully soft cashmere sweater. At Sestini, our aim is to design frames that can be passed down from generation to generation. We work with deadstock acetate sheets from Mazzucchelli and select special formulations from the brand’s archive. Traditional Italian techniques are applied with modern precision. Our lenses are provided by Zeiss, and each frame is individually numbered to ensure traceability and a sense of exclusivity. We deliberately keep our production limited, as we believe staying away from mass production is the only way to preserve quality and integrity.

Could you share some details about your frames and explain what the Sestini emblem represents to you?
We focus just as much on fit as we do on craftsmanship. I see each design as a beautiful object that you would want to keep. One of Sestini’s aesthetic signatures is the metal connector detail that joins the hinge to the acetate, which we intentionally allow to stand out and be felt by hand. The rivets used for this connection were inspired by the large bolts found on historic Tuscan doors. Although this approach is more costly and all the rivets are gold plated, I preferred them to remain visible rather than hidden within the acetate. Our dolphin emblem originates from a family memory. My grandmother gave my mother a charming dolphin necklace, which led my mother to develop a deep affection for dolphins. She used to call my brother and me “my dolphins” as a nickname. For us, the dolphin symbol represents affection and a sense of being loved. We also incorporated the Florentine fleur-de-lis. Although the hinges are positioned on the inside, they are both decorative and functional, serving as a subtle reminder of the exceptional quality of the frame the wearer is using.

How did your journey of finding the right production partner in Italy for Sestini unfold?
This was definitely the most challenging part. When I started, I had to rely on word of mouth and attend countless meetings to identify the right artisan. It took time. I am fortunate to be working with an inspiring, Veneto-based family business that truly understands my product and is able to deliver a rare level of quality. Witnessing their attention to detail and the dedication that has been passed down from generation to generation continues to excite me every time. What I really want to showcase through Sestini is this culture of craftsmanship. My aim is to present an authentic Italian expertise rooted in love and passion for eyewear. In the future, artisans will continue to lead eyewear design. The hands-on work is incredibly beautiful and valuable, and it deserves to be supported and sustained. Preserving this reality is, for me, the most important mission.

Thank you for this valuable interview. Finally, could you share the story behind your distinctive packaging designs?
The idea behind our packaging is inspired by carta fiorentina, the paper Florentine grandmothers traditionally use to line their drawers. The interior of our cases carries this texture, creating a sense of a protective layer for the glasses. I have many more ideas for developing our packaging further. We are allowing these unique concepts and additional details to evolve over time. I want my own expression to be present in these accessories as well, always with the highest level of quality and attention to detail. With Sestini, I do not simply want to offer eyewear; I want to offer history, craftsmanship and a complete experience.

Source: Eyestylist

February 2026