PB GÖZLÜK
Always the Best, Always Unique…
Silmo Istanbul has made a significant contribution to PB Gözlük by increasing our visibility and strengthening brand awareness. Thanks to the fair, we are taking stronger steps in the industry and reaching more locations every day.
Hello, Mr. Engin. Could you tell our readers a little about yourself and how your career in the industry began?
I entered the optical industry in 2006 with the motto of combining both school and work, starting in junior positions. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to gain experience in both retail and wholesale sectors of the optical industry, which has allowed me to closely understand its dynamics.
When and how was PB Gözlük founded? What were your main goals and motivations in establishing your company?
I founded PB Gözlük in 2023 with the motto of challenging traditional brand labels and differentiating from competitors with a unique product range beyond conventional designs, while also leveraging my industry knowledge and expertise. During the founding process, I focused on analyzing consumer expectations and needs to develop innovative and original designs. Our brand aims to make a difference in the optical world by combining quality, aesthetics, and comfort.
How did your distributor partnership with Sweden-based Vasuma and Milan-based CharlieMax begin and develop?
Simultaneously with the establishment of our company in 2023, we signed distribution agreements for Vasuma and CharlieMax in our country. My long-standing friendship with the Vasuma family led to the idea of collaboration. Later, in line with our principle of “bringing together different products” and my admiration for the CharlieMax collection, I had the opportunity to meet the management team of this Milan-based brand. Thanks to the synergy we built during our discussions, CharlieMax became our second brand, joining our distribution portfolio alongside Vasuma.
Let’s talk about the Dna of your brands, their design approach, material choices, and target groups.
Vasuma was founded in 2005 by three friends, Jan, Lars, and Steffen, as an alternative to traditional label brands. Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of the 1950s and 1960s, the brand aims to create eyewear that enhances individuality and allows users to confidently express their personal style. Located in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town, Vasuma’s headquarters reflect the city’s bohemian style in its collections, following a motto of timeless fashion. The brand is committed to using the most environmentally friendly materials. Its frames are crafted from premium cellulose acetate derived from Italian Mazzucchelli’s ‘M49’ formula and Eastman Acetate Renewal, a groundbreaking sustainable innovation. Vasuma’s metal frames, on the other hand, are made from high-quality raw materials such as high-strength Swedish Sandvik steel and lightweight Japanese titanium. Every Vasuma frame tells a story of superior craftsmanship and dedication to sustainability. CharlieMax, based in Milan, designs eyewear for those who want to stand out from the crowd, be completely different, and avoid the ordinary. Established in 2001, the brand has consistently reflected Milan’s unique Italian spirit in all its collections. CharlieMax eyewear collections are entirely designed in Milan using various acetate materials from Italian Mazzucchelli, ensuring impeccable quality.
What strategy do you follow to expand the distribution network of Vasuma and CharlieMax?
At PB Gözlük, we develop business partnerships in all the cities where we distribute our brands, ensuring that our brand Dna is represented in the most ideal locations. Additionally, through our social media and digital marketing team, we focus on increasing brand awareness and enhancing customer experience by maintaining frequent engagement with end consumers.
How do you select the optical stores you collaborate with, and what kind of support do you provide them?
Before establishing collaborations, we analyze potential sales points to ensure they align with our brand portfolio. It is essential for us that both parties enjoy representing our brands. Upon delivering the collections, we offer end-to-end support, including custom window displays, display stands, and brand presentation kits. Additionally, we provide fast solutions for both in-warranty and out-of-warranty service issues within a maximum of two weeks, ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction.
Could we expect new brand surprises from PB Gözlük, which has made a strong entry into the industry? What are your short-term plans?
Although PB Gözlük is a newly established company, we set out with the mission of always offering the highest quality and most unique products. With nearly 20 years of experience in the optical industry, we continue our quest for innovation and differentiation. We are strengthening our work with Vasuma and CharlieMax, for which we are the exclusive distributor in our country. In addition, starting in April, we are expanding our brand portfolio with Portugal-based Vava. Vava blends craftsmanship with advanced technology, offering a futuristic aesthetic that is both contemporary and elegant. The brand presents a timeless stance with its conceptual designs, skillfully combining traditional craftsmanship, high-quality sustainable materials, and the latest technologies. By introducing Vava to the Turkish market for the first time, we are bringing a fresh new perspective to the optical industry.
As an experienced professional, how do you assess the current state and near future of the Turkish optical market?
The optical market in our country is highly competitive and dynamic. In the luxury eyewear segment, consumer demand for quality and distinctive designs continues to increase. Therefore, we can confidently say that the industry will continue to grow in parallel with this trend. In the near future, I believe there will be a significant rise in the market share of products made from sustainable and recyclable materials, which have gained considerable attention globally in recent years. Consumers are becoming more conscious of eco-friendly and sustainability-focused products, and I expect this trend to continue gaining importance.
PB Gözlük exhibited in the 11th Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair, showcasing its brands for the first time. How was your experience, and how do you evaluate the fair’s contributions to the industry?
As a newly established company, we went through a very meticulous and diligent preparation process for our first participation in Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair. Our goal was to introduce our products to a wider audience, and we left the fair having met our expectations. The fair provided us with the opportunity to directly interact with industry professionals, better understand their needs, and receive valuable feedback. Moreover, Silmo Istanbul Optical Fair served as an ideal platform that reflects the standards of international fairs, allowing us to strengthen collaborations and create new business opportunities. Silmo Istanbul has significantly contributed to PB Gözlük by increasing our visibility and strengthening brand awareness. Thanks to this fair, we are taking stronger steps in the industry and reaching more locations every day.
Thank you for this valuable interview. Finally, what are your thoughts on our magazine, 4 your eyes?
First of all, I would like to thank you. I see that 4 your eyes Optical Magazine is by no means inferior to many of its global counterparts, and its readership is growing every day. Your transition to digital publishing is a significant and innovative step, allowing you to reach a broader audience and make your content more accessible and shareable. I sincerely appreciate the value and efforts you bring to the industry.
April 2025