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Etnia Eyewear Culture Strengthens Leadership to Drive International Growth

Etnia Eyewear Culture logo
Massimo Vian, CEO of Etnia Eyewear Culture
Massimo Vian, CEO of Etnia Eyewear Culture

Etnia Eyewear Culture has appointed Massimo Vian as CEO, marking the beginning of a new phase focused on accelerating the national and international growth of its portfolio of brands. In his new role, Vian will oversee the executive management of the group — which includes Etnia Barcelona, lool, Pellicer, Moi Aussi, and The Readers — and lead the implementation of the company’s global strategy. Etnia Barcelona remains one of Europe’s best‑selling eyewear brands, while lool is among the group’s fastest‑growing labels.

As part of the company’s expansion strategy, the B2B channel, driven by independent opticians, will continue to play a central role, remaining one of Etnia Eyewear Culture’s key assets.

The appointment comes 25 years after the creation of Etnia Barcelona, the group’s flagship brand, and reflects the ambition to elevate the company’s international presence and accelerate its growth trajectory. In this new phase, David Pellicer, founder and owner of Etnia Eyewear Culture, assumes the role of Executive Chairman. Pellicer will remain actively involved, guiding long‑term strategic direction and overseeing the creative identity of the brands. The goal is to preserve the independent spirit and artistic DNA that have defined Etnia Eyewear Culture while strengthening the organizational capabilities needed for global expansion.

According to Pellicer, “the addition of Massimo Vian is a significant step for Etnia Eyewear Culture, as he will help us take the necessary steps to accelerate our growth and consolidation at an international level. An objective in which the rest of the team will also play a key role.”

A global career in eyewear and fashion

Massimo Vian brings more than two decades of international experience in the eyewear and fashion industries. His career includes executive roles at Gucci, Prada, and Falconeri, as well as a 13‑year tenure at Luxottica, where he developed a comprehensive vision of the global eyewear market.

For Vian, “Etnia Barcelona is a unique brand with a highly talented team and enormous potential. The company has a strong foundation and now the challenge is to grow by strengthening the organization and its execution capabilities, without losing the DNA that makes it unique: its distinctive approach to luxury through quality, color, and art.”

Source: Etnia Eyewear Culture

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Most Women Don’t Recognize Dry Eye as a Symptom of Perimenopause and Menopause, New Survey Finds

Bausch + Lomb

A new survey released by Bausch + Lomb reveals that dry eye disease remains one of the least recognized symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. According to the press release, “only 14% of peri-, menopausal and post-menopausal women recognize dry eye as a menopause-related symptom,” compared with 79% who identify hot flashes.

The findings underscore a significant gap in awareness: 78% of women were surprised to learn that dry eye can be linked to perimenopause or menopause. This lack of recognition may delay care and contribute to worsening symptoms.

Dry eye symptoms affect daily activities

Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can influence tear production, tear quality and tear evaporation, leading to symptoms such as burning, irritation, fluctuating vision and discomfort. Among women who experience dry eye during these stages, 80% said the symptom came as a surprise.

The survey also highlights the impact on daily life. Women experiencing dry eye during perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause reported:

  • 58% difficulty reading
  • 53% difficulty using screens
  • 26% difficulty driving
  • 17% reduced productivity

These findings illustrate how dry eye can interfere with routine activities and overall quality of life.

Women report challenges navigating menopause

Beyond dry eye, many women expressed difficulty managing menopause-related symptoms. More than 43% said the process feels overwhelming, and over 40% reported not knowing where to begin when seeking support or treatment.

Mayssa Attar, Ph.D., senior vice president of Consumer and Pharmaceutical R&D at Bausch + Lomb, notes: “Dry eye symptoms can have a meaningful impact on everyday activities and quality of life, yet they are often not associated with perimenopause and menopause.” She emphasizes the importance of encouraging women to speak with eye care professionals when symptoms arise.

Dr. Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, IFMCP, adds that these findings are a reminder that eye health should be part of the menopause conversation, and that early recognition can help women explore management options that improve comfort and daily functioning.

Supporting women’s eye health

Bausch + Lomb offers a broad portfolio of solutions for dry eye management, including nutritional supplements, over-the-counter drops, prescription treatments and diagnostic technologies. The company states it remains committed to advancing education and awareness to help women better understand and manage dry eye symptoms during perimenopause and menopause.

For more information on dry eye symptoms, risk factors and available treatment options, visit KnowYourDryEye.com.

Source : Bausch + Lomb

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IEE Paris 2026 Showcases Italian Eyewear Excellence

Italian Eyewear Exhibition IEE Paris

Twenty‑six Italian eyewear companies will take center stage at IEE Paris | Italian Eyewear Exhibition, an initiative organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) with the support of ANFAO, the Italian Optical Goods Manufacturers’ Association. The event returns on September 24, 2026, at Pavillon Cambon Capucines, following the success of last year’s inaugural edition at the George V in Paris.

IEE Paris reaffirms its role as a key platform for promoting the excellence of Made in Italy eyewear, celebrated for its blend of creativity, artisanal tradition and industrial innovation. The exhibition highlights the heritage of expertise and quality that has positioned Italy as a global benchmark in the eyewear sector.

A strategic initiative led by ANFAO

Through this event, ANFAO strengthens its commitment to supporting Italian manufacturers in their growth and internationalization strategies. “The Italian Eyewear Exhibition is an important opportunity to illustrate the value, prestige and distinctive quality of Italian eyewear in a strategic market such as France,” stated Lorraine Berton, President of ANFAO. She emphasized the association’s ongoing investment in initiatives that enhance competitiveness and highlight Italy’s legacy of creativity, quality and innovation.

Italy’s global leadership in eyewear

Italy remains a world leader in high‑end eyewear production, with 800 companies, 22,800 employees, and a production value of €5.64 billion. Nearly 90% of Italian eyewear production is exported, and Italy manufactures more than half of the licensed collections distributed worldwide. France stands as Italy’s largest European market and the second‑largest export market globally, underscoring the strong economic ties between the two countries.

An immersive Made in Italy experience

Beginning at 3 pm, buyers will meet the 26 participating manufacturers and preview their latest optical and sun collections. The evening will continue with a cocktail dinner from 7 pm, offering networking opportunities and trend‑focused experiences in an elegant setting. The initiative also reinforces the strategic partnership between ITA and ANFAO, renewed annually through major industry events such as MIDO | Milano Eyewear Show, scheduled for February 6–8, 2027.

Event details

IEE Paris 2026 Thursday, September 24 — from 3 pm Pavillon Cambon Capucines 46, rue Cambon, 75001 Paris Admission by invitation only.

Source: ANFAO / Italian Trade Agency

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ic! berlin Launches First Campaign Featuring Audi Revolut F1® Team

F1 ic! berlin campaign Sept 2026

ic! berlin has unveiled its first campaign featuring Audi Revolut F1® Team drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, who appear wearing customized ic! berlin frames. The campaign marks the brand’s first global activation since announcing its partnership with the team earlier this year, making ic! berlin the official eyewear partner of Audi Revolut F1® Team.

F1_ic! berlin_campaign_RYAN_GABRIEL_RACING_EDITION

The collaboration brings together two worlds where form and function are inseparable. In Formula 1, performance extends beyond the car to include focus, precision and confidence — qualities that mirror ic! berlin’s approach to product design. The campaign tagline, “From 0.05 mm to 300 km/h: engineering performance and precision at speed,” underscores the shared philosophy between ic! berlin’s ultra‑light, flexible frames and the Audi R26 race car, engineered for agility, aerodynamics and reduced weight.

For more than 30 years, ic! berlin has built a reputation for engineered eyewear, defined by its screwless hinge, durability, comfort and contemporary aesthetic.

Shot by photographer Rupert Tapper, the campaign imagery captures movement and physicality, reflecting the intensity of the racetrack. Creative Direction by Leif Podhajsky uses motion blur to visually express acceleration and precision, echoing the fast‑paced world of Formula 1.

ic!_berlin_AUDI F1_Ryan_Gabriel_Racing Edition_blur

The campaign invites audiences to experience one of the world’s most demanding motorsports through the lens of ic! berlin — where precision engineering meets uncompromising performance.

This season, ic! berlin joins Audi Revolut F1® Team trackside at Monza (Italy), Marina Bay (Singapore) and Austin (Texas).

By offering brand ambassadors and select media an immersive experience at the pinnacle of motorsport, ic! berlin reinforces its position as a leader in precision‑engineered eyewear.

Source: ic! Berlin

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Blackfin Creates Limited‑Edition Sunglasses for the David Foster Foundation’s 40th Anniversary

40th anniversary David Foster Foundation Blackfin Sept 2026

Blackfin marked a major philanthropic milestone this September as the Italian titanium eyewear brand sponsored the 40th‑anniversary celebrations of the David Foster Foundation in Victoria, British Columbia.

To commemorate the occasion, the Foundation selected Blackfin to design a special limited‑edition series of titanium sunglasses, presented as the official gift to guests attending the exclusive anniversary events.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to excellence, social responsibility and people‑focused values. Blackfin’s long‑standing dedication to community initiatives—also demonstrated through its support of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation—aligns closely with the mission of the David Foster Foundation.

Founded in 1986 by David Foster, the 16‑time Grammy Award‑winning composer and producer, the Foundation provides essential financial support to families of children requiring life‑saving organ transplants. By covering non‑medical and logistical expenses, it has supported more than 1,600 families over four decades.

Victoria hosted a three‑day celebration featuring an exceptional roster of international guests. Among the attendees were Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Bill Gates. The weekend included performances by Adam Levine (Maroon 5), Chad Kroeger (Nickelback), Josh Groban, CeeLo Green, and vocalists Katharine McPhee, Loren Allred, Sheléa, The Tenors, Pia Toscano, Daniel Emmet and Sydnie Christmas, with appearances from Melissa Peterman and Erich Bergen.

The program opened with a welcome dinner at Government House, followed by a flagship charity gala that united supported families, donors and international guests in a major fundraising effort. The celebrations concluded with a spectacular public concert at Victoria’s Inner Harbour, drawing over 60,000 attendees for an unforgettable night of music and community.

“We are deeply honored that Blackfin was chosen to celebrate such a significant anniversary for the David Foster Foundation,” said Nicola Del Din, CEO of Blackfin. “This collaboration is born from a true alignment of values. For Blackfin, social commitment is integral to how we do business, alongside our pursuit of quality and excellence.”

Blackfin is distributed in Canada by Mood Eyewear.

Source: Blackfin

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