Levi’s has unveiled 2023 Fall/Winter eyewear collection, named as Seasonal. The Levi’s sunglasses and optical frames feature a wide range of functional yet stylish models, evoking the effortless appeal of the California lifestyle and drawing inspiration from the shades of Levi’s® denim collection, paired with warm gradients of lenses. Designed for Gen Z consumers, the new Seasonal collection includes plant-based and recycled materials, in line with the company’s commitment to help reduce the impact on the planet by using more responsible methods of production. The collection includes a range of sunglasses made of bio-injected resin, a material including bio-based content partially derived from e-castor oil, a renewable source, resulting in a highly durable and lightweight material. The new collection includes also lightweight optical frames in stainless steel, accented by subtle color touches, for an overall feeling of lightness.

December 2023

Kaleos collaborates with the architecture studio Arquitectura-G where shape and geometry are the fundamental pillars. Arquitectura-G is based in Barcelona and was founded in 2006. Their approach centers around crafting bespoke solutions to create architecture that is both humane and precise. In a unique collaboration with the two companies applied their design philosophy to eyewear, simplifying geometry and pushing the boundaries of construction. The result is a capsule collection of five frames meticulously handcrafted in Japan and made from 100% titanium. Each frame includes an elastic tube for effortless adjustment, ensuring a comfortable fit for any head size. The Arquitectura-G x Kaleos collaboration represents a seamless fusion of their respective visions, with a keen emphasis on perfect geometric shapes. The collection will be available to purchase at selected retailers and online at the Kaleos’ website.

December 2023

J.F. Rey’s first collection of sunglasses for men and women is described as “an innovative designer alternative, and a unique vision of sunglasses design”. Aesthetic research and technical performance were guiding principles for the new release, which offers a wide selection of models for both men and women. With emphasis on creative combinations of materials, design subtleties, and chromatic inventiveness, the brand has extended its Dna into the sunglasses field, combining a touch of fashion and prestige with technical details such as the protective, polarizing nylon sun lenses. For men, the range offers multi-material frames fusing style, and innovation driven by material and geometric shape experimentation. The style of the models draws inspiration from the most iconic shapes of the 80s and 90s, playing with light, structural details, and textures. Made in Italy from the highest quality materials, the metal and acetate sunglasses for women combine the glamour of the 1970s with a clear, contemporary design. Flex hinges, thin decorative metal inserts, and polarizing nylon sun lenses add a touch of luxury and prestige to the models in this statement sunglasses range.

December 2023

In their latest eyewear release Etnia Barcelona brings together exclusivity, distinction, and sophistication in eyewear. Introducing the Yokohama 24k, a highly exclusive limited-edition sunglass model with just 250 units in existence worldwide. It’s a collector’s masterpiece meticulously crafted from lightweight, durable, and hypoallergenic titanium, beautifully plated with 24-karat gold to enhance its brilliance. This unique jewel marries the grace of titanium with the pristine allure of gold, symbolizing exclusivity and sophistication. Yokohama 24k serves as an emblem of refinement and elegance. Every detail, such as the laser-engraved Yokohama 24k name inscribed in Japanese on the temple, the limited-edition numbering, and the subtle golden mirrored lens effect, has been painstakingly perfected. Titanium nose pads ensure comfort, and HD lenses offer exceptional vision. Yokohama 24k is a masterpiece teeming with intricate craftsmanship. Its graceful, slender shapes evoke Japanese minimalism, a style marked by its subtle elegance evident in every facet of the frame. Delicate interwoven gold lines accentuate the beauty of the finishes, creating a visual harmony that enthralls the senses.

December 2023

Thélios has signed an agreement to acquire Barton Perreira, a renowned luxury eyewear company cofounded by Bill Barton and Patty Perreira in 2007 in Los Angeles, California. Standing for design without compromises and superb craftsmanship, Barton Perreira has established itself among the top eyewear brands, developing a loyal customer base for its exquisite collections. The acquisition of this timeless luxury eyewear brand further expands Thélios’ portfolio and contributes to strengthening its leadership in luxury eyewear excellence. The statement of Alessandro Zanardo, Ceo of Thélios: “We are excited to welcome Barton Perreira into our Maison portfolio. The brand is a true gemstone in the eyewear industry, standing for understated luxury, timeless designs, and exceptional craftsmanship. We are looking forward to working with Barton Perreira’s talented team and dedicate ourselves to preserving its unique identity while leveraging our resources and expertise to further develop the brand.”

December 2023

Emmanuelle Khanh has unveiled 2023 Fall/Winter campaign. The photo shoot took place in a villa in Versailles designed by French architect Claude Parent in the 1960s. The new collection – Vılla Oblique – tells the story of the Emmanuelle Khanh art-de-vivre and mindset, the company relates. Every signature of the house is accounted for in the range, from an EK initial gold logo to glossy colours and timeless tortoiseshell, to the vintage-inspired oversized shapes offered in the optical collection and sunglasses line. The collection has been designed to celebrate the heritage of Emmanuelle Khanh while embracing a fluid and instinctive creative process, designing eyewear pieces in the present as collectibles for the future. The new campaign was shot by photographer James Tennessee Briandt with art direction by Eva Gaumé – Creative Director, Emmanuelle Khanh.

December 2023

100% Optical show have collaborated with ShopAR by DeepAR on a new interactive filter to try-on designs shortlisted for the Love Eyewear Awards. A new interactive social media filter has been created for the Love Eyewear Awards, taking place at 100% Optical 2024 in February. The show organisers have worked with ShopAR by DeepAR, the headline sponsor of the Love Eyewear Awards 2024, to create a filter allowing event attendees and exhibitors to virtually try on designs shortlisted in the awards. The filter has been produced in celebration of the 10th anniversary of 100% Optical, which will be held at ExCeL on 24–26 February. Marlon Cera-Marle, 100% Optical show director, commented: “These awards have grown year-on-year and truly reflect and celebrate fashion and design as well as the innovation and growing technology in this exciting sector. We’re excited to have ShopAR by DeepAR on board and can’t wait to get a look and feel (be it virtually) using the new filter we’ve collaborated on.”

December 2023

Marcolin Group reported results for the nine months and third quarter of the year for the period ending Sept. 30, 2023, noting that in the first nine months, net sales rose by 3 percent compared to the same period of 2022, reaching €421.6 million. The first nine months closed with a net profit of €13.5 million (up €11.7 million compared to the comparable period a year ago. The company also noted adjusted Ebitda for the nine months was €64.6 million, an increase of 28 percent compared to €50.5 million in the first nine months of 2022. The company said the results “confirm the business strategy adopted by the group in recent years, despite a global context marked by complex socio-political and economic scenarios.” Compared to the first nine months of 2022, Marcolin’s performance in a high potential market such as the Asian one continued to grow (+86  percent at current exchange rates and +91 percent at constant exchange rates). The performance of the EMEA area was positive (+4 percent at current exchange rates and +5 percent at constant exchange rates).

December 2023

As Opti show organizers gear up for the 2024 edition of the trade show, scheduled for January 12 through 14 in Munich, Germany, they have announced the launch of Opti Connect, a digital networking platform that will allow year-round interaction between visitors and exhibitors. The platform also offers targeted trade show planning, as well as personalized and interactive functions to bolster the exchange between exhibitors and visitors, extending it beyond the show itself, according to an announcement. With Opti Connect, exhibitors can draw attention to their company, attract the right visitors, generate new business contacts and accurately measure the effectiveness of their marketing objectives. On the platform, their products and brands are presented with images, videos and texts and provide an insight into what they will show on site even before the trade fair begins. For visitors, opti Connect allows them to filter categories and topics according to their interests and find relevant exhibitor content more quickly. In addition, they can follow focus topics and companies and plan their trade show participation in advance in a more targeted manner.

December 2023

The board of directors of Safilo Group has reviewed and approved the main economic and financial indicators for the third quarter and first nine months of 2023. In these nine months, Safilo’s performance in Europe recovered most of the sales decline in the former Grand Vision chains, while trends in North America remained soft. Thanks to the Group’s sports businesses, Q3 sales performance was better than Q2. Safilo Group also experienced a marked increase in gross margin, while higher digital and marketing investments weighed on adjusted Ebitda margin. The Group experienced a positive free cash flow and lower net debt. In addition, Safilo Group announces that it has executed an agreement with Multibrands Italy B.V., the reference shareholder of the company, and Angelo Trocchia, Ceo, which regulates the renewal of the office of the same as Ceo of the company for a further three years. Pursuant to the agreement, Multibrands Italy B.V. has confirmed Trocchia as Director and, subsequently, Ceo of Safilo Group S.p.A. Trocchia will also be confirmed as Sole Director of Safilo S.p.A. and Safilo Industrial S.r.l., subsidiaries of Safilo Group.

December 2023