Blog

December 10, 2019December 10, 2019

Safilo and Marc Jacobs Renew Licensing Agreement

Safilo and world-renowned designer Marc Jacobs announce the early renewal of their licensing agreement for Marc Jacobs branded optical frames and sunglasses collections. The new agreement will now run until December 31st, 2026.

The renewal of this partnership, that has reached its 15th year of collaboration, further strengthens Safilo’s portfolio in the contemporary segment, while extending the positioning of the brand in the luxury segment with the launch of the Marc Jacob’s Runway eyewear collection which will hit the market in January 2021.

Click HERE for the press release.

December 9, 2019December 9, 2019

Safilo Acquires 70% of California-based Blenders Eyewear

Safilo Group announces the acquisition of a 70% stake in the equity of the California company Blenders Eyewear. Safilo purchased the stake from the company’s founding entrepreneur and full owner.

Founded in San Diego in 2012 by Chase Fisher, Blenders Eyewear has built an advanced e-commerce platform with unique digital and social media skills. The company generates approximately 95% of its current business through its proprietary direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform, more recently complemented by the opening of the first Blenders flagship store in San Diego.

The brand, profitable since its inception and with strong current profitability, has fuelled its rapid growth through highly effective social marketing strategies, partnering with influencers, athletes, lifestyle enthusiasts, and product collaborations which have driven sales and brand awareness.

In 2019 the Company expects to reach profitable net sales of approximately USD 42 million, all generated in the United States and up around 40% compared to the previous year and with a 3-year CAGR of 175%.

Angelo Trocchia, Safilo’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are thrilled to welcome to Safilo an inspiring brand like Blenders Eyewear, a fast-growing e-commerce-powered business at the forefront of the latest direct to consumer and omni-channel capabilities, which will enrich our proprietary portfolio with new strong skills and a particular focus on our key US market.”

Chase Fisher, founder and CEO of Blenders Eyewear commented: “This marks a huge step forward for Blenders and we’re excited to be part of Safilo to reach a wider marketplace. Safilo’s product know-how and global distribution capabilities are the perfect complement to our digitally native business model, opening up worldwide expansion potential. We’re on a mission to build a thriving global community that inspires people to live in forward motion.”

Safilo acquired the 70% controlling interest in the Company, based on a total value on a cash-and debt free basis equal to USD 90 million.

Click HERE for the full press release.

December 9, 2019December 9, 2019

Marcolin Sponsors Inaugural Positive Luxury Awards 2020

Marcolin Group announces its partnership with Positive Luxury for their first edition of the Positive Luxury Awards. The ceremony is taking place in London on February 25, 2020 and the Group will present the Innovation of the Year Award.

The Positive Luxury Awards 2020 is a global celebration of sustainability and innovation within the luxury industry, featuring a variety of categories recognising companies or individuals affecting positive change in businesses and the global community.

Marcolin Group will sponsor the Innovation of the Year Award which identifies true innovators taking an entirely new approach to their service, product, technology or business model, improving their social or environmental performance while also offering large scale improvements internally and externally.

The evening’s winners will be selected by a special jury consisting of 12 global business leaders.

Massimo Renon, Marcolin Group CEO, affirmed: “Marcolin Group is the first international eyewear company collaborating with Positive Luxury. We will demonstrate to our partners and consumers that we are tracing a new path in the sustainability. Our relentless pursuit of innovation and experimentation has led Marcolin Group to become the first sponsor for The Positive Luxury Innovation of the Year Award”.

Diana Verde Nieto, Co-Founder and CEO of Positive Luxury, stated: “Marcolin Group’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality has helped them build an unparalleled reputation in the eyewear industry. We are proud to work with them and have their support for the Positive Luxury Awards 2020, more specifically, the Innovation of the Year Award”.

Click HERE for the full press release.

December 6, 2019December 6, 2019

Introducing Chromalis, the New Photochromic Frames from Nikon

In 2019, Nikon Optical Canada officially launched its new “Eyewear” collection featuring an exclusive collection of ultralight ophthalmic and sun frames constructed from pure titanium, B titanium, acetate, and nylon. All the frames are designed expressly for use with Nikon lenses, thus ensuring an incomparable fit and finish.

To mark this milestone, Nikon is introducing Chromalis. Inspired by our know-how in optics and light management, Chromalis photochromic frames allow you to change your look without changing frames. The Chromalis frames are transparent indoors, but when exposed to the sunlight outdoors the frames change into an elegant translucent dark grey colour.

Chromalis frames are made with innovative materials and construction, to offer high comfort and a refined design.

The frame darkens (in 15-20 seconds) depending on sunlight intensity and returns to clear in the absence of UV light.
Flexible and lightweight frame for utmost comfort.
Reverse groove to highlight the lenses within the frame design.
Transparent structure revealing a logo engraved corewire floating inside the temple.

The Chromalis collection is available in 5 different models.

Click HERE for the full press release.

December 6, 2019December 6, 2019

New Survey Reveals Vision Is Deprioritized by Parents in Children’s Overall Health

A new survey from The Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) reveals that while parents remain focused on their children’s overall success, only 57% make regular appointments to stay on top of their children’s health.

Parents ranked annual visits to the eye doctor as less important than visits to the dentist or pediatrician. In fact, only 27% of parents reported taking their children to an optometrist in the past year. This may be due to the misperceptions the survey also revealed about what comprehensive eye exams entail.

For example, while most parents (85%) said they were at least somewhat familiar with comprehensive eye exams, 88% also believed that comprehensive exams aren’t needed until their children enter school, and nearly half (48%) believed that a pediatrician could conduct them. In reality, an annual comprehensive eye exam should be scheduled for children as early as six months old, can only be conducted by an eye care specialist, and are vital to diagnosing common vision problems like myopia, or nearsightedness, which can increase the risk of eye diseases later in life.

Unlike regular visits to the dentist or pediatrician, parents reported waiting until something is “wrong,” like their children telling them they can’t see the whiteboard (66%), seeing their children squint more than normal (62%), or seeing their children hold materials far away (52%), in order to take them in for a comprehensive eye exam.

“We know parents will do just about anything to help their kids succeed, and healthy vision plays a big role in that, whether a child is able to express it to their parents or not,” said Matt Oerding, Co-Founder and CEO of Treehouse Eyes and GMAC Board Chairman. “Knowing your children’s potential risk of myopia and taking action before it’s too late can benefit their academic and athletic performance, personal growth and overall health.”

GMAC is committed to increasing public awareness about myopia and ensuring parents set their children up for success today and in the future.

Click HERE for the full press release.

Safilo and Marc Jacobs Renew Licensing Agreement

Safilo Acquires 70% of California-based Blenders Eyewear

Marcolin Sponsors Inaugural Positive Luxury Awards 2020

Introducing Chromalis, the New Photochromic Frames from Nikon

New Survey Reveals Vision Is Deprioritized by Parents in Children’s Overall Health

Featured Posts

Closing Gaps: Building Better Vision Carefor Indigenous Communities

Longchamp: Fresh Transparency, Refined Detail

Ray-Ban Meta Expands Portfolio with First Audio‑only AI Glasses and Next‑generation Smart Eyewear

Costa Expands Untangled™ Collection with New Apparel Made from Recycled Fishing Nets

First Look London 2027: A New Stage for Independent Eyewear

Closing Gaps: Building Better Vision Carefor Indigenous Communities

Longchamp: Fresh Transparency, Refined Detail

Ray-Ban Meta Expands Portfolio with First Audio‑only AI Glasses and Next‑generation Smart Eyewear

Costa Expands Untangled™ Collection with New Apparel Made from Recycled Fishing Nets

First Look London 2027: A New Stage for Independent Eyewear

Closing Gaps: Building Better Vision Carefor Indigenous Communities

Longchamp: Fresh Transparency, Refined Detail

Ray-Ban Meta Expands Portfolio with First Audio‑only AI Glasses and Next‑generation Smart Eyewear

Costa Expands Untangled™ Collection with New Apparel Made from Recycled Fishing Nets

First Look London 2027: A New Stage for Independent Eyewear

Closing Gaps: Building Better Vision Carefor Indigenous Communities

Longchamp: Fresh Transparency, Refined Detail

Ray-Ban Meta Expands Portfolio with First Audio‑only AI Glasses and Next‑generation Smart Eyewear

Costa Expands Untangled™ Collection with New Apparel Made from Recycled Fishing Nets

First Look London 2027: A New Stage for Independent Eyewear