Origins & Heritage

We have a long history, which began in Italy’s Veneto region in 1878 with our first eyewear and optical frames production facility. Today, we are a major player in the eyewear market in the design, production and distribution of sunglasses, optical frames, sports helmets and goggles and sports glasses. Research, development and design have always been our strengths. Building on our unique heritage and values, we have never stopped experimenting with innovative styles, techniques and skills, without ever compromising the high standards of quality and craftsmanship that set us apart. Our eyewear collections are the result of a long tradition of craftsmanship, allowing us to interpret today’s fashion trends and stay ahead of global ones.

A deep passion for our work, our innovative creativity and our skills developed and perfected over many years have enabled us to grow and achieve key results, while always being at the forefront of a constantly evolving industry. In 1970, we patented the Elasta hinge and launched the new UFO sunglasses. In 1996, we acquired the prestigious Smith and Carrera brands, followed in 2012 by Polaroid Eyewear, a leader in optics and polarised lens technology.

We invest in technological progress and digital transformation, as demonstrated by our latest acquisition of two major brands - Privé Revaux and Blenders Eyewear. In 2020, we introduced a next-generation sustainable material into our collections: the ECONYL® regenerated nylon. Through innovative choices such as these, we project our legacy of expertise and know-how forward into the future.

Our goals guide us in our daily choices: we aspire to be a partner of trust and one of the leading Italian eyewear manufacturers on a global scale. We aim to create long-lasting value and shared wellbeing, which can be achieved through choices that interpret and express people’s new needs. These needs are always at the heart of our mission, which is also deeply connected to caring for our planet and our commitment to the products we bring into the world. We cultivate responsible, long-term partnerships based on trust to create mutual value and continue to exceed our own and our stakeholders’ expectations. The human value of the skills that have guided us and set us apart from the very beginning marks the path towards where we want to go: a sustainable global leader.