Retro Charm
Our presence at Silmo İstanbul provides us with valuable opportunities to connect with professionals, while gaining insights into the evolving trends and preferences of the Turkish market.
Alexander Wintsch, was born in Barcelona in 1958. He spent most of his childhood living in the Swiss Alps, where his mother, Mireya Wintsch, was originally from. She was a pillar and a fundamental figure in his life. She taught him the value of discipline, effort, perseverance, and above all, her passion for the mountains and skiing. He started, with the help of his father, with whom he opened his first eyewear company in Madrid. From his father, he inherited his innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, which helped him create his first collections. Mireya Wintsch used to tell him stories of her travels, as she worked as a flight attendant, which allowed her to meet various cultures and people who inspired her. With each trip, a new collection was born in honor of his mother’s memories. Hence, each model was named after a different imposing mountain. Now, it is none other than Alexander Wintsch’s daughter who preserves this special heritage and carries it into the future. We present our exclusive interview with Marta Llopis, International Director and Creative Director of Alexander Wintsch, one of the important players in the global optical industry.
You became the Director and Creative Director of this well-established brand by embracing the legacy of your designer father Alexander Wintsch. Could you tell us about how your career was shaped? How did your interest in design begin?
I attended IE University in Madrid, where I pursued a degree in Business Administration. While my focus was on business studies, IE is widely recognized for its emphasis on technology and innovation. It was during my time there that I developed a keen interest in the intersection of innovation, design, and business. My father is the most creative person I know. With over 40 years of experience designing for numerous brands, he introduced me to the world of eyewear design. His influence on me has been profound; from a very young age, I accompanied him to his office, where I would play with colorful acetates and witness the creative process firsthand. Upon completing my degree, I fully immersed myself in his career. One of the most valuable lessons I learned from him is the importance of discovering and collaborating with new suppliers. We frequently travel to different countries to source the finest materials, ensuring that our creations are truly unique. The impact of my father’s guidance and mentorship on my life cannot be overstated. He has not only shared his passion for design with me but also encouraged me to explore my own creativity and voice.
What would you like to say about Alexander Wintsch’s design language? How does it differ from other brands at this point?
Alexander Wintsch’s design language is a unique blend of tradition and innovation, standing out for its elegant and timeless style. Rooted in family heritage, Wintsch’s creations capture enduring elegance while incorporating fresh, innovative elements. This balance resonates with authenticity and excellence, appealing to clients who value both tradition and modernity. Wintsch’s attention to detail and commitment to sharing family tradition ensure each piece is a tribute to the past and a glimpse into the future, creating a lasting connection with discerning clientele.
What are your sources of inspiration for your collections? Do your inspirations differ in each new collection?
There are two main sources of inspiration that accompany our brand: the family legacy and market trends. The value that underpins our brand is rooted in our family legacy, particularly inspired by my grandmother and my father’s childhood. My grandmother was a remarkable woman, ahead of her time and remarkably courageous. All these elements are imbued within the collections we design. We strive to infuse our collections with meaning through Swiss values and culture. To achieve this, whenever we travel to Switzerland, we seek inspiration, as seen in our latest Davos collection. Another clear source of inspiration is international trade fairs, where our team of designers regularly attends to capture new trends, colors, and materials. Additionally, visiting the factories we collaborate with is fundamental. What is offered to you versus what you see can often be two different things.
Could you tell us about the characteristic structure of the brand’s famous Icon collection? Will this exclusive series expand with new models?
The idea behind the Icon collection is to maintain the best-selling models over time or to create unique and retro models that do not follow market trends but rather serve as a symbol of our brand. Yes, we will definitely expand it over time with new special models that have a strong brand identity.
Your latest Davos collection has striking details that stand out. Could you tell us about the characteristics of Davos?
Our latest Davos collection is a testament to our commitment to introducing capsule collections that maintain the essence of our Swiss inspiration. This year, we’re excited to debut two capsule collections: Davos and Arosa. Davos, named after the picturesque ski town in Switzerland where winter sports competitions are highly popular, embodies a retro aesthetic with unique hinge details and bamboo temples. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this capsule collection draws inspiration from the exhilarating world of winter sports, including slalom, snowboarding, and ski jumping. Each frame features special touches such as pin terminals, intricately engraved temples, and subtle embellishments on the front, all crafted from eco-acetate materials. In September, we’ll be launching the Arosa collection, inspired by another charming Swiss ski village where we often spend our holidays. This exclusive collection will feature frames crafted from titanium, offering a luxurious and durable option for eyewear enthusiasts.
Which are the most special designs for you at Alexander Wintsch and why?
The most special designs for us at Alexander Wintsch undoubtedly reside in the Icon collection. The most iconic ones are the AW6145 Sulegg and AW6144 Grunhorn. We’re constantly working to develop more lines inspired by these two models. However, our designer Alexander’s personal favorite is the women’s model, AW20155 Bernnina.
You are represented in Turkey through your distributorship. What could you say about the contributions of this co-operation to the Alexander Wintsch brand?
We are very pleased to have Optiser as our exclusive distributor in Turkey. It was during my first visit to the Silmo Paris fair when curious individuals approached our stand. They were seeking a retro brand that stood out from others in the market and were drawn to us, even with a small, tucked-away booth. Thanks to them, the brand has not only grown in Turkey but also internationally. They instilled confidence in me that the brand could become significant. Today, we are represented in more than 15 countries, but undoubtedly, the best representation is in Turkey. They share our values of tradition, family, and fashion. Additionally, in Turkey, they have exclusive models tailored for the market and always stay ahead with the latest trends.
As one of the brands represented at the Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair in Turkey, how would you evaluate the fair and your presence in the geography reached by the fair?
We are honored to be part of such a significant event, like Silmo İstanbul Optical Fair, for our brand. Having personally attended the fair, I’ve witnessed its effectiveness in representing our brand and showcasing our latest collections. The fair’s management team does an excellent job in this regard. Our presence at the fair provides us with valuable opportunities to connect with industry leaders and potential customers, while also gaining insights into the evolving trends and preferences of the Turkish market. Given Turkey’s status as a rapidly expanding market, participating in this fair allows us to capitalize on growth opportunities and strengthen our brand presence in this region.
April 2024