Kador
Rooted in Italian Craftsmanship
World-renowned designer Enzo Sopracolle celebrates the Kador legacy he has taken over with Over the Hill, a new collection that pays tribute to Cadore, where he was born and raised.
Founded in 1962 by Antonio Frescura, Kador Eyewear has stood as a refined expression of Italian artisanal craftsmanship for over six decades. Based in the renowned eyewear district of Cadore, the brand has continuously balanced tradition and innovation, combining time-honoured techniques with a contemporary design language. This approach results in eyewear that reflects both heritage and modernity with remarkable coherence. Kador’s commitment to quality begins with the careful selection of premium Italian raw materials of natural origin, brought to life through meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail at every stage of production. Each frame embodies durability, precision, and a deep respect for material and process.When lifelong designer Enzo Sopracolle took over the company, he inherited far more than a brand. He stepped into a legacy shaped over decades in Cadore, widely recognised as the heart of Italian eyewear. Today, together with his son Mattia, he continues to redefine this heritage through a shared creative vision. We present an interview with Enzo Sopracolle on the evolution of Kador, the shared creative vision he has developed with his son Mattia, and the story behind the brand’s latest collection, Over the Hill.
When you took over a rooted heritage of Kador, what did you want to preserve and what did you change?
Kador has a rich heritage shaped by art, innovation, colour, and quality, and preserving this authenticity was essential for us. At the same time, my son Mattia and I wanted to transform this legacy into a more defined and recognisable brand. I focused on redesigning the collections and repositioning the company from a predominantly private label structure to a brand-driven model. In parallel, Mattia led the company’s evolution in terms of technology and organisation, introducing new systems, overseeing production processes, and expanding our facilities. Over time, the team has grown significantly, reflecting this transformation. Today, Kador is a family project that connects tradition with a contemporary identity built on shared values and vision.
What convinced you to take on a small independent workshop like Kador after working with major brands?
Eyewear has always been central to my life, and throughout my career I have focused on creating products that combine aesthetics, functionality, and identity. After working with major international brands, I felt the need to build something more personal and meaningful. My connection to Cadore played a decisive role, as it represents both my origins and the historical centre of Italian eyewear. Establishing a company in this region means contributing to its cultural and economic continuity while shaping its future. An equally important aspect is the opportunity to share this journey with my son Mattia, combining experience with new perspectives. This project reflects not only professional ambition but also personal values rooted in family, collaboration, and heritage.
What does the concept of ‘Made in Italy’, which is synonymous with the Cadore region, mean for Kador?
For Kador, Made in Italy is inseparable from Cadore, where eyewear craftsmanship has been developed and refined over generations. It represents a combination of artisanal expertise, technical precision, and respect for materials, particularly acetate. Operating within this ecosystem allows close collaboration between designers, artisans, and suppliers, ensuring both quality and consistency. Working exclusively with Italian partners reinforces this identity while maintaining aesthetic coherence. Cadore is not simply a place of production but a cultural and industrial environment that continues to evolve. For us, being part of this tradition means preserving its values while contributing to its future development.
How do you integrate new technology without losing the artisanal essence of the brand?
Our approach is based on identifying and preserving the manual processes that define true craftsmanship, as these remain essential to our identity. At the same time, we introduce advanced technologies where they can enhance precision, efficiency, and safety. Technology is not intended to replace human skill but to support and expand it. In many cases, new tools allow us to achieve levels of detail and innovation that would otherwise not be possible. This balance enables us to remain deeply rooted in artisanal tradition while continuing to evolve as a modern company.
What is the story behind the Over the Hill collection?
Over the Hill represents a synthesis of my personal and professional journey in the eyewear industry. It reflects more than forty years of experience, from early beginnings to collaborations with major international brands. At the same time, it is a tribute to Cadore, a place that has profoundly influenced my vision and development. The collection brings together these two dimensions, combining accumulated experience with a strong sense of identity rooted in place. Each model includes meaningful design elements that refer to my story, local craftsmanship, and the continuous evolution of design. It is a mature expression of my path, translated into a contemporary product.
How are the themes of experience and renewal reflected in the design of the collection?
In my usual design process, creativity is guided by market needs, research, and strategic considerations. For this collection, however, I deliberately chose to work without constraints, allowing a more personal and intuitive approach. This freedom made it possible to develop unique details that are exclusive to the collection and cannot be replicated elsewhere. These elements are not only aesthetic but also functional, resulting from a process driven by independent research rather than market logic. Each frame expresses a distinct identity shaped by experience and creative autonomy, giving the collection a refined and exclusive character.
As an independent brand, what allows Kador to remain relevant and competitive in today’s market?
Our strength lies in remaining consistent with our core values, particularly in terms of quality, design, and craftsmanship. This consistency builds trust and recognisability over time. At the same time, we continue to invest in the company’s growth through structured development strategies. Our collections are designed to meet the expectations of a diverse audience while maintaining a clear identity. By combining innovation with artisanal quality, we create products that stand out through their tangible difference. This balance is what enables Kador to remain competitive in an increasingly complex market.
What are your priorities for the near future of Kador? Tell us about your goals.
Our focus is on continuing to invest in production, materials, and human resources in order to strengthen the company and improve our processes. We are implementing a structured plan aimed at increasing brand awareness and supporting revenue growth. This includes reinforcing our presence in Europe and expanding into the American market, which we see as particularly promising. At the same time, we aim to evolve our collections while preserving a strong artisanal identity. We also place importance on maintaining our connection to Cadore by supporting local initiatives and strengthening ties with the community. Our goal is to ensure sustainable and long-term growth through a balance of innovation, development, and responsibility.
Source: 20/20 Europe
April 2026