Italian Sunglasses Brands: Designer Market Analysis
Italian sunglasses brands are revered worldwide for their exceptional craftsmanship and design. Italy’s tradition is rooted in their rich history of artisanal excellence dating back to the Roman Empire. The legacy of Italian artisanal craft is immense, coupled with a strategic geographical position of Northern Italian republics that facilitated merchants’ access to premium materials. Italy is renowned for having a wide array of luxury brands for these reasons and many more. This has essentially solidified Italy’s reputation as a leader in the luxury eyewear market.
In the following article, we will examine the oligarchic market structure that shapes the Italian sunglasses industry landscape. Read on to decode the major players that dominate the market, their owned Italian sunglasses brands and, moreover, a selection of their iconic products to browse through. This will pave the way for a deeper exploration of emerging and independent Italian sunglasses brands that continue to shape the future of luxury eyewear.Â
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Industry Market Analysis of Italian Sunglasses Brands
Italy is the second-largest producer of eyewear, capturing 21% of the global market share. In this sector, only China surpasses Italy in prominence. In third position, the United States boasts a market valuation of $76 billion. Other countries that each possess a smaller market share are Japan, Germany and France.
In the following section, we will take a deep dive into the market of Italian sunglasses brands own by the main Italian eyewear companies.
The eyewear industry in Italy has an oligarchic structure dominated by a few major players, including Luxottica Group S.p.A. and Safilo Group. These are the most prominent Italian eyewear companies that own and distribute to some of the best Italian eyewear brands described below.
Luxottica Group S.p.A
Luxottica Group S.p.A holds the distinction as the world’s largest eyewear conglomerate and dominant frame producer. Leonardo Del Vecchio, the late Italian entrepreneur, founded Luxottica Group, which is headquartered in Milan. The company operates in two sectors: retail distribution, and manufacturing and wholesale distribution.
In this section, we will provide a background behind the major company and outline the specialist and/or luxury Italian sunglasses brands they own or distribute to.
Luxottica Group’s Portfolio of Italian Sunglasses Brands
Luxottica Group boasts an unparalleled portfolio of iconic luxury brands in the $28 billion global eyeglasses industry, including renowned designer sunglasses brands Ray-Ban, Persol and Oakley. It also holds licenses to produce eyewear for many famous brands in the fashion industry, including Chanel, Armani, Prada and Michael Kors, etc.
Luxottica Group also owns retail outlets including Sunglass Hut and LensCrafters, as well as EyeMed, one of the larges vision health insurance providers.
By 2018, the global eyewear powerhouse EssilorLuxottica was created. This transpired as a result of a merger worth $49 billion between Luxottica, with its strong brand portfolio, and Essilor, a leading French manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses.
The Group has a combined market capilisation of approximately EUR 76.29 billion. Since the merger, EssilorLuxottica holds a 42% market share in the global corrective lens market.
Its vertically-integrated business model allows Luxottica to control every aspect of the eyewear production process, from design to distribution. In this way, the company can ensure high standards of quality control and optimised services.
We will now specifically discuss Italian sunglasses brands beneath the umbrella of Luxottica Group’s portfolio, including Persol and Vogue Eyewear. (Luxottica also owns Italian brand, Sferoflex. However, Sferoflex primarily specialises in eyewear frames designed for lightweight glasses for everyday-wear with its patented hinge design rather than sunglasses.)
Persol
Guiseppe Ratti founded Persol, an innovative Italian luxury sunglasses brand, in 1917. He created Persol to address the needs of pilots and sports drivers who required eyewear offering optimal protection and clarity. The name “Persol” derives from the Italian phrase “per il sole,” meaning “for the sun.”
Today, Persol sunglasses continue to be handmade at its historic Lauriano factory in Turin, Italy, renowned for luxurious craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
Meflecto System
The brand is renowned for introducing pioneering technologies in the eyewear industry.
Persol developed the world’s first flexible stem system called Meflecto(TM). This allows the temples to bend and fit the unique shape of the wearer’s face and head without causing damage. This innovative technology, patented in the 1930s, provides superior comfort without compromising durability.
Crystal lenses and premium frames
Persol sunglasses often feature crystal lenses, which provide excellent clarity, sharpness and colour enhancement.
Unlike plastic lenses, crystal lenses have a higher refractive index, which means they bend light more efficiently. This property enhances colour perception by minimising colour dispersion and providing truer colour representation. The higher refractive index also creates sharper vision by reducing chromatic aberration (a phenomenon whereby different colours of light focus at different points, leading to blurriness).
This brand is also know for its use of high-quality materials in its frames. These include acetate and metal, ensuring durability and a luxurious feel.
Creative design
Persol’s iconic designs feature elements like the inverted V-bridge and strong metal temples, finished with elongated tips crafted from acetate to provide a comfortable, secure, and elegant fit.
Persol Eyewear Products
Vogue Eyewear
Luxottica Group acquired Vogue Eyewear, an Italian brand launched in 1973 under the same name as the iconic fashion publication Vogue. The brand manufactures its products in Italy or China.
Vogue Eyewear has developed as an international contemporary brand with products aimed at young, fashion-conscious individuals. Vogue Eyewear frames feature durable, long-lasting materials, including high-quality titanium for their metal eyewear. The brand offers polarised lenses and on-trend frame styles, such as the classic Aviator style and Cat-Eye style frames.
Examples include the Vogue VO4140, one of the bestsellers from the Gigi Hadid for Vogue Eyewear collection. Notable products from Vogue Eyewear include the VO4085s, co-designed by Gigi Hadid, and the popular Cat Eye style frame La Fayette VO4138S.
While this article focuses on Italian sunglasses brands, it is noteworthy that Luxottica Group also owns (or distributes to) specialist eyewear companies from other countries. This includes French eyewear brand, Alain Mikli, and American sunglasses brands such as Ray-Ban, Arnette eyewear, Costa Del Mar, Eye Safety Systems (ESS), Native Eyewear, Oakley, and Oliver Peoples.)
Luxury Italian sunglasses brands: EssilorLuxottica-affiliated
EssilorLuxottica is licensed to design, produce and distribute eyewear or frames for the following luxury Italian sunglasses brands:Â
- Giorgio Armani
- Bulgari
- Brunello Cucinelli
- Dolce & Gabbana
- Prada
- Miu Miu
- Scuderia Ferrari
- Valentino
- Versace.
Bvlgari
Bvlgari launched their sunglass ranges in the early 1990s as a fusion of Italian luxury and bold design.
Inspired by the brand’s Roman heritage, Bvlgari sunglasses often showcase intricate detailing, unique shapes, and exquisite craftsmanship. Bvlgari elevates eyewear to a new level of opulence by using precious materials such as gold, diamonds, and exotic skins in their sunglasses. Their sunglasses command a premium price range of US$250 to $700+.
Bvlgari Eyewear Products
Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana’s sunglasses are a vibrant celebration of Italian glamour and bold design since their eyewear launch in the mid-1990s.
Drawing inspiration from Sicilian heritage, the brand’s eyewear (crafted from acetate and metal) often showcases ornate detailing, playful patterns, and luxurious embellishments. Their sunglasses prices range from US$200 to $600+.
Technology – Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses
Dolce & Gabbana incorporates polarised lenses into much of their eyewear. Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as water, snow, and pavements. This technology enhances visual comfort, minimises eye strain, and provides heightened clarity and contrast.Â
Additionally, Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses often feature anti-reflective coatings to eliminate reflections and maximise light transmission. This ensures an optimal visual experience in various lighting conditions.
Dolce & Gabbana Eyewear Products
Prada
Prada’s sunglasses are synonymous with avant-garde design and cutting-edge fashion since their launch in the late 1990s.
Renowned for pushing boundaries, Prada’s eyewear often features innovative shapes, unexpected details, and a futuristic aesthetic.
Prada: Lens technology
Prada is recognised for its commitment to innovation, and this extends to the lens technology incorporated into their sunglasses.
The luxury brand utilises advanced lens coatings and materials to enhance eye protection and visual performance. Some Prada sunglasses feature photochromic lenses, which automatically adjust their tint based on ambient light conditions. This adaptive technology provides optimal visibility in varying environments, ensuring comfort and clarity.Â
Additionally, Prada sunglasses may incorporate high-quality materials, such as polycarbonate, with UV protection to shield the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Notably, Prada has a history of collaborating with renowned architects and designers for limited-edition collections. Prada prices their sunglasses from US$250 to $600+.Â
Prada Eyewear Products
Miu Miu
Sunglasses by Miu Miu (under the Prada Group) embody a playful and eclectic aesthetic, challenging traditional notions of eyewear design. The brand launched their sunglasses range in the early 2010s and priced them from US$200 to $500+.Â
Known for its avant-garde approach, Miu Miu often incorporates bold colours, unique shapes, and unconventional materials such as glitter-infused acetate in its eyewear collections.
Many prominent fashion editorials and celebrities feature Miu Miu sunglasses. Miu Miu “MU 13NS” glasses attract fashion-forward individuals for its oversized cat-eye shape, bold colours, and unconventional designs.
Miu Miu Eyewear Products
Versace
Versace’s sunglasses have been a bold statement of glamour, luxury, and opulence since their introduction in the early 2000s.
Iconic Medusa accents and Greek motifs
The bold prints and patterns often seen in Versace eyewear draw inspiration from the brand’s rich archives and iconic motifs. Medusa accents, one of Versace’s most recognisable symbols, frequently grace the temples or frames of Versace sunglasses, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the designs. Additionally, intricate detailing such as baroque-inspired patterns, Greek key motifs, and geometric shapes further enhance the distinctive allure of Versace eyewear. Browse a few of the ever-so-slightly more understated designs in the below Versace product carousel.
Overall, Versace eyewear exemplifies the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing creativity in fashion. The brand often utilises metal alloys and high-quality acetate in their frames. Versace prices their eyewear products in the range of US$200 to $600+.Â
Versace’s advanced lens coatings
Versace places a strong emphasis on eye protection. Some of their sunglass models feature:
- Advanced lens coatings
- high-quality materials with UV protection, safeguarding the eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays
- anti-scratch coatings to enhance the durability of the lenses;
- anti-reflective coatings are also a common feature in Versace sunglasses. These minimise glare and reflections for improved visual clarity.
These advanced coatings and materials contribute to superior eye protection whilst enhancing the overall durability and longevity of Versace eyewear. This aligns with the brand’s commitment to quality and style.Â
Versace Eyewear Products
Luxury brands from other countries affiliated with Luxottica Group:
- United States brands: Brooks Brothers, Coach, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ralph Eyewear (Ralph Lauren), Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch
- UK brands: Burberry,
- French brands: Chanel, Starck Biotech Paris.
Thelios
In 2017, Thélios emerged as a prominent player in the sunglasses industry. Thelios was established as a joint venture between LVMH (Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton), the renowned French multinational holding and conglomerate in luxury goods, and Marcolin, an esteemed Italian sunglasses manufacturer.
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The name “Thélios” itself carries profound symbolism, derived from the fusion of the names of the Greek gods Theia, symbolising light and sight, and Helios, representing the sun.
Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy – Marcolin merger
In April 2018, under the ownership of Bernard Arnault, the group inaugurated its eyewear factory located in the northern region of Venice, Italy. The establishment of the Thélios factory marked a pivotal shift for LVMH, initiating the process of internalising the manufacturing of eyewear. This move deviated from the conventional licensing system, wherein production and distribution of sunglasses and frames were outsourced to third parties. In a significant stride towards vertical integration, LVMH constructed a second factory in Italy alongside its partner Marcolin in 2019. The addition of this facility elevated the collective output capacity from 1.5 million pairs per year (from the first factory) to an impressive 4.5 million pairs annually.
Since 2019, Thelios has continued to acquire more prominent brands within its portfolio. Today, Thelios has overtaken Safilo Group as the second-largest Italian eyewear conglomerate.
Leveraging a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technologies, Thélios crafts eyewear that harmonises seamlessly with the ready-to-wear collections of LVMH Maisons. Strengthening its alignment with its parent company, Thélios proudly bears the “LVMH Eyewear Excellence” baseline alongside its logo.
Sunglasses brands: Thelios-affiliated
Maisons Portfolio of Italian Sunglasses Brands
Thélios caters to a prestigious portfolio of Maisons. The company is directly involved in crafting, producing, and distributing sunglasses and optical frames for some of the most esteemed names in fashion, including Dior, Fendi, Celine, Givenchy, Loewe, Stella McCartney, Kenzo, and Fred.
Through its commitment to excellence, innovation, and alignment with the vision of its parent companies, Thélios continues to redefine the standards of luxury eyewear, captivating discerning consumers with its unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless elegance.
In terms of Italian sunglasses brands under Thelios’ affiliation, one notable example is Max Mara.
Max Mara
Max Mara, Italian fashion house established in 1951, terminated their more than 20-year eyewear license agreement with Safilo Group in 2020. They signed a new licensing agreement with Marcolin Group in September 2020 for the production, design and global distribution of their sunglasses.
These sunglasses often feature premium materials such as high-grade acetate and lightweight metals, offering durability and comfort without compromising style. Max Mara incorporates cutting-edge lens technology, including polarised and anti-reflective coatings, to enhance visual clarity and protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. The collection includes a diverse range of styles, from classic aviators and oversized frames to sleek cat-eye and retro-inspired designs, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Max Mara Eyewear Products
Safilo Group S.p.A
In recent years, the third largest Italian company on the global eyewear market is Safilo Group S.p.A. Safilo Group was founded by the son of Italian emigrants in the United States in the 1930s. Today, the company is based in Padua in Northern Italy.
The market capitalisation of Safilo Group has reached €410.85 million. Annual revenue generated reaches almost one billion Euros, with 47% comprising sunglasses sales.
This Italian eyewear company specialises in designing, producing, and distributing prescription frames and sunglasses under its own five house brands and other licensed brands. Safilo Group is also a famous producer of ski glasses, sports eyewear and helmets.
Safilo Group: House Eyewear Brands
Specialist sunglasses brands to which Safilo Group S.p.A owns or distributes eyewear are as follows:
SAFILO
The namesake brand of the company, Safilo offers a range of eyewear designs that emphasise quality, style, and innovation.
CARRERA
Austrian luxury eyewear brand known for its sports-inspired sunglasses and optical frames.
POLAROID
A popular brand from the U.S.A that offers a wide range of polarised sunglasses and optical frames.
OXYDO
An Italian brand that offers contemporary and creative, modern eyewear designs that cater to trend-conscious consumers.
SMITH
A brand from the U.S.A that specialises in performance eyewear.
Luxury Italian sunglasses brands: Safilo Group-affiliated
Safilo Group is licensed to design, produce, and/or distribute eyewear for approximately 32 luxury brands. Examples of two notable Italian luxury houses who have partnered with Safilo Group for their eyewear products include Valentino Garavani and Fendi.
Valentino Garavani
Valentino Garavani, often simply referred to as Valentino, is a prestigious Italian luxury brand founded in 1960. In terms of their eyewear, Valentino ended their license agreement with Luxottica Group in 2012 and signed on with Safilo Group for the production and distribution of their eyewear.
Rockstud aesthetic
Valentino utilises high-quality materials such as acetate, metal alloys, and sometimes even precious metals like gold and silver for their frames. These materials ensure durability, comfort, and a luxurious aesthetic. Their sunglasses often feature bold shapes and intricate embellishments.
Notably, the brand incorporates its iconic Rockstuds embellishments into various aspects of its fashion accessories, including sunglasses. Manufacturers place the rockstuds, small pyramid-shaped metal studs, along the frames or temples to add a touch of edginess and sophistication to Valentino’s eyewear designs.Â
Valentino eyewear is manufactured in Italy, in accordance with the brand’s tradition of Italian craftsmanship and excellence. The production process involves skilled artisans who meticulously craft each pair of sunglasses or eyeglasses to meet Valentino’s standards of quality and sophistication.
Valentino sunglasses are priced from US$250 to $600+.
Valentino Eyewear Products
Fendi
Fendi sunglasses exemplify the brand’s commitment to innovation, luxury, and distinctive style. Renowned for their bold designs and impeccable craftsmanship, Fendi sunglasses collections often reflect Fendi’s rich heritage and contemporary sensibilities, blending classic elegance with modern flair.
Furthermore, Fendi sunglasses often utilise premium materials such as high-quality acetate, lightweight metals like stainless steel and titanium. They occasionally incorporate precious materials like gold and Swarovski crystals. These materials ensure durability, comfort, and a luxurious aesthetic, therefore reflecting Fendi’s dedication to quality craftsmanship.
Fendi sunglasses are characterised by their iconic design elements, including the FF logo, geometric shapes, and bold embellishments. The FF logo, which stands for “Fun Fur” or “Fendi Fashion,” can frequently be seen upon the temples or lens of Fendi sunglasses. Whilst The Redefined Feminine advocates for understatement, you may browse a few more minimal styles below. Additionally, Fendi sunglasses often feature innovative frame shapes, oversized lenses, and unique colour combinations, reflecting the brand’s avant-garde approach to fashion.
Fendi technology
Fendi incorporates advanced lens technologies and coatings into its sunglasses to provide optimal visual clarity, UV protection, and glare reduction. These technologies may include polarised lenses, anti-reflective coatings, and gradient tints, thereby enhancing both the functionality and style of Fendi sunglasses.
Fendi Eyewear Products
Luxury brands from other countries affiliated with Safilo Group for their eyewear products:
- United States brands: Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Kate Spade New York.
- UK brands: Jimmy Choo.
- French brands: Dior, Givenchy.
Pramaor Srl: Blackfin sunglasses
Pramaor Srl is the parent company responsible for the creation and management of the renowned Blackfin luxury brand. The brand was founded in 1971 by Maria Pramaor in Agordo, Italy, after she ceased working for a large optical company for nine years.
Blackfin is distinguished by its dedication to precision engineering and artisanal craftsmanship. The brand’s eyewear frames are renowned for being meticulously handcrafted in Italy from titanium since 1991, when Maria Pramaor and her husband Primo Del Din began working with titanium to make different glasses.Â
Today, Blackfin offer a wide collection of quality titanium sunglasses (and optical frames) aimed at discerning consumers who value exclusivity, craftsmanship, and truly innovative design in their eyewear choices.
Blackfin: The Brand
State-of-the-art facilities and Italian heritage
Blackfin’s headquarters and factory are located in the small town of Agordo, nestled in the picturesque Italian region of Veneto. Agordo is renowned for its long-standing tradition of eyewear craftsmanship and is home to several prominent eyewear manufacturers.
Blackfin takes pride in its Italian heritage and commitment to artisanal craftsmanship. The brand’s factory in Agordo is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced machinery and technology, combined with skilled craftsmanship, to produce high-quality eyewear frames. By manufacturing its eyewear in Italy, Blackfin maintains control over the production process, from design to manufacturing, enabling the brand to uphold its reputation for excellence.Â
What sets Blackfin glasses production apart from other Italian Sunglasses Brands?
Titanium is a material known for its strength, durability, lightweight properties, and corrosion resistance. Therefore Blackfin’s titanium use sets it apart from many other eyewear brands that, conversely, often rely on plastic or metal frames. Blackfin frames are not only durable but also exceptionally comfortable due to their ergonomic designs that prioritise wearability.
Each frame undergoes a rigorous production process, from laser cutting to hand polishing, to ensure the highest quality and attention to detail. This meticulous craftsmanship has garnered Blackfin a reputation for producing eyewear that not only looks stylish but also feels comfortable and long-lasting.
Beyond Blackfin’s core titanium collection, the brand also offers various product lines:
- Blackfin Titanium Collection: Blackfin’s core eyewear line with its exclusive use of titanium in its frames.
- Blackfin Razor: characterised by its sleek, minimalist design. The name “Razor” reflects the sharp, clean lines and precise detailing of these frames. These quality sunglasses are exceptionally thin and lightweight, offering a minimalist and elegant look.
- Blackfin Waves: The “Waves” collection from Blackfin takes inspiration from the fluid and organic forms found in nature, particularly ocean waves. Frames in this collection often feature curved lines and flowing shapes, mirroring the elegance and movement of waves.
- Blackfin Acetate: The frames from this collection are made from high-quality acetate, a lightweight and durable plastic material often used in premium eyewear.
- Blackfin Nano-Plating: The name “Nano-Plating” emphasises the cutting-edge technology used in creating these eyewear pieces. Frames in this line undergo a nano-plating process, which results in unique coloration and finishes.
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