The Fielmann Group, a global eyewear provider, reported 12 percent sales growth year-over-year for the first half of 2024 as well as improved profitability. According to preliminary figures, the company generated consolidated sales of around €1.1 billion in the first half of 2024, a 12 percent increase compared with the previous year and in line with its forecast, the company said. The company stated that the loyalty of its customers, an increased share of progressive lenses and hearings aids, as well as the positive impact of its cost leadership program helped its ebitda grow disproportionately to around €235 million to €240 million, which is about a 14 percent increase compared with the previous year’s €208 million, corresponding to an improved ebitda margin of about 21.6 percent that compared with previous year of 21.2 percent. The company’s international markets increased sales by 26 percent in the first half of 2024. While it noted that most of its European markets were affected by low consumer sentiment, it recorded double digit sales growth in Austria (10 percent), Spain (10 percent) and Poland (32 percent) compared with the same period last year. Germany delivered growth of 6 percent, while Switzerland improved 5 percent over the same period last year.

August 2024

Etnia Barcelona presents the Moi Aussi project. This time Etnia Barcelona benefits from a special collaboration. The Barcelona-based eyewear brand collaborates with an art commission to transform a pair of glasses into a canvas for the ultimate artistic expression. The collaboration with the creative community by optician and art lover Andrea Zampol D’Ortia aims to support artists globally and help them showcase their art on an international stage. Art, emotion and contrast are the three pillars of Moi Aussi, a space of artistic exploration representing cultural diversity. The Abbazia della Misericordia church in Venice, recently acquired by Etnia Barcelona, will be transformed into Moi Aussi’s Creative Lab. Every month two international artists will have the opportunity to create their own artworks using glass as a medium. The works will be exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, increasing the visibility of both the artists and the project. All proceeds will be reused to support and sustain the Moi Aussi project. With Moi Aussi, Etnia Barcelona once again proves its ability to cross cultural boundaries with fresh, bold and youthful fashion pieces.

August 2024

EssilorLuxottica and VF Corporation have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for EssilorLuxottica to acquire the Supreme® brand from VF for $1.5 billion in cash. Francesco Milleri, Chairman and Ceo of EssilorLuxottica, and Paul du Saillant, Deputy Ceo, said: “We see this as an incredible opportunity to bring an iconic brand like Supreme® into our company. It is perfectly aligned with our journey of innovation and development, offering us a direct connection to new audiences, languages and creativity. With its unique brand identity, completely direct commercial approach and customer experience, and a business model we will work to protect, Supreme® will have its own space in our core brand portfolio and will complement our licensed portfolio.” “Under the VF umbrella, Supreme® has expanded its presence in key markets such as China and South Korea and is experiencing strong growth. Alongside other key brands in EssilorLuxottica’s portfolio, Supreme® and its talented team will be well positioned for continued success,” said Bracken Darrell, President and Ceo of VF.

August 2024

Sweden-based Eoe Eyewear, known for its avant-garde, high-quality and sustainable eyewear, presents its new advertising campaign in collaboration with Pelle Lannefors. The campaign features shots of mother and son duo Ursula and Aaron Wångander wearing Eoe frames – including the made-to-order Stone Collection by Eoe Eyewear. Ursula Wångander is a stylist and model and is an iconic figure in the Swedish fashion scene. Among the frames worn by the duo are pieces from Eoe’s Stone Collection, one of particular interest and style, combining timeless frame styles with “nature’s raw jewellery” in the form of precious stones sourced in Swedish Lapland. The stones featured include stunning amethyst, smoke quartz, and pyrite – placed with jewellery techniques to embellish temples. The summer campaign, which features a series of portraits, was shot by Pelle Lannefors.

August 2024

De Rigo Group has announced changes in its North American leadership. Jeff Fitzhugh will take over as President of De Rigo Rem, replacing Alessandro Baronti, who has served as President of De Rigo Rem for the past six and a half years. “With a proven track record of success, Jeff will bring valuable experience aligned with our Group’s vision and objectives,” the company said in a statement. Fitzhugh has held various roles at companies such as Converse, DC Shoes, Oakley and most recently as President and CEO of Raen Optics. Managing Director of De Rigo Group, Michele Aracri said: “We would like to take the opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Alessandro for his dedication, hard work and strong contribution to our organization during his tenure and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors After careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of our strategic goals, we will make an important leadership change to better position ourselves for accelerating our growth. We believe that this change will not only strengthen our company growth but will also create new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.”

August 2024

Eyewear by David Beckham and Safilo Group announced their partnership with world-renowned UK retailer Selfridges to bring an exciting brand pop-up store this summer. Eyewear by David Beckham is excited to showcase exquisite craftsmanship, high-quality materials, premium design elements, and distinctive details with Selfridges – widely acknowledged as the UK home of stylish and contemporary brands. The pop-up is an invitation to discover the full expression of David’s universe – a space to relax and enjoy the Selfridges environment whilst discovering the full David Beckham Eyewear collection. Designed to appeal to a broad audience, the Selfridges selection offers timeless designs infused with effortless British sophistication, as well as a stylish fashion silhouette enhanced with refined details. The Selfridges exclusive pop-up store will also showcase a bold and fearless sense of style, all characteristic of the iconic David Beckham style, but perfectly representative of the Selfridges customer.

August 2024

Am Eyewear emerges with a bold, young modern line in the New Order collection, evoking new life to celebrate 20 years since the eyewear label’s frames first hit the market. Paying homage to the cultural landmark of New Order’s 2001 release “Get Ready”, Am Eyewear Founder Simon Ponnusamy has captured the magic, excitement and electricity of that Brit Rock movement and channelled it into Am Eyewear’s new collection. The New Order collection sees the addition of 8 new sunglass styles and shapes with a defiantly young modern aesthetic. This collection uses sustainably produced bio-based custom coloured Zeiss sun lenses in the inspired tones of Brit Green, Rust Red and Navy Blue. Italian-made bio-based acetates carry the traditional tortoiseshell and black frames, while introducing a heavier new palette across the crystals with Wheat, Maple, Khaki. The collection also introduces new block colours in Nude, and pastels in Baby Blue and Baby Pink.

August 2024

Los Angeles eyewear brand Akila have released their second volume of sunglasses in collaboration with The Beatles. The officially licensed Akila x Beatles collection features Good Night and Blackbird, two new styles inspired by the band’s classic self-titled album. Both designs give nods to The Beatles’ mod era, characterized by clean looks and timeless silhouettes. Each set of sunglasses comes in custom-designed packaging and carrying case with visual cues that White Album fans will readily recognize. The two products are produced in bio-acetate, feature scratch-resistant optical class 1 nylon lenses for clarity and offer 100% UVA/B protection. The second Akila x Beatles collection is now available at Akila stores and online. The deal was brokered by Bravado International, the North American licensing agent for the Beatles.

August 2024

Sophistication, innovation and stylistic diversity are the hallmarks of the new Tom Ford eyewear collection. The inspiration for sunglasses and optical frames is both current and retro. The former is realized in sleek, modern looks, the latter in mid-century references ranging from the quirky to the mysterious. Throughout the collection, it showcases unparalleled elegance, superior function and exquisite Italian craftsmanship – the essence of the Tom Ford philosophy. The aviator shape is undoubtedly the most iconic of the designs in the collection. Celebrated in a series of variations, the Tom Ford Redford offers a contemporary take on this classic design. The square aviator combines the minimalism and versatility of a square frame with the cool allure of an aviator, bringing together the best of both worlds. The glossy black acetate frame is a modern alternative to a sleek metal frame and can be worn effortlessly. Esme sunglasses, on the other hand, feature a large, eye-catching frame with square lenses that complete a very contemporary look. The thick acetate frame is essential for a casual aesthetic, while the metal T logo adorning the temples is a signature of the brand and the kind of minimalist elegance Tom Ford admires.

August 2024

The new Palm Angels Eyewear collection is a true tribute to the brand’s Dna and originality. Eyewear is an agent of empowering individuality, immediately revealing the collection’s expansion into new territories and styles. Vintage inspirations from the 80s and 90s, aviator frames and models from the Palm Angels archives are reinvented with the addition of a sculptural material where robustness never compromises comfort thanks to the lightness sought in the construction. Oval, rectangular and square frames coexist with metal frames and huge masks that immediately define your style. The Yosemite model represents a reinterpretation of the archival Palm Angels style, presented in a refined and more precious way. These 90s-inspired frames feature a long and narrow silhouette and a sleek design that seamlessly combines vintage flair with a contemporary look. The thick, tapering temples showcase the iconic metal Palm logo placed on the sides, adding an even more iconic touch to this eyewear piece. With Yosemite, you can experience a mix of nostalgic charm and modern sophistication. Where Italian craftsmanship and West Coast rebellion come together to create a distinctive blend of style and urban elegance, Palm Angels designs are the epitome of contemporary eyewear fashion, capturing the essence of a brand that redefines the boundaries of style.

August 2024