Marcolin
Advanced technology and the pursuit of excellence.
By Karen Giberson for Ac Magazine's first ever eyewear issue.
Long recognized for its unique ability to combine craftsmanship with advanced technologies in eyewear, Marcolin is continuing its innovative streak at Vision Expo East with the introduction of its new collections and ongoing partnerships. In addition, the Italian-based company is offering booth attendees an Augmented Reality experience that goes inside its Longarone headquarters, where the company was founded in 1961, and its Fortogna production facilities.
The virtual reality headset takes wearers through the entire chain of eyewear production — from the creative process to prototyping to manufacturing to product distribution. The final step of the journey ends with a virtual sale inside the optician’s shop. The customizable experience can be tailored to speak to any audience, including sales reps, opticians, or brand enthusiasts.
Marcolin holds a wide and diversified portfolio of well-positioned and globally-recognized brands, including adidas, BMW, Guess, Kenneth Cole, Max Mara, MCM, Pucci, Tod's, TOM FORD, and ZEGNA. Its house brands include ic! berlin and WEB Eyewear. Three design and development teams based in Italy, the US, and Asia work together to ensure that the DNA of each brand translates into unique and high-quality products that are distributed in more than 125 countries.
Made in Italy with great attention to detail, TOM FORD sun and optical styles, for example, combine vintage and contemporary influences and are immediately recognizable by the use of the elegant metal “T” at the temple.
The success of the TOM FORD Eyewear collection can be seen in the recent announcement made by the company that “the second quarter of 2023 saw the historic agreement for Marcolin Group, the closing of a perpetual license with The Estée Lauder Companies (“ELC”) for TOM FORD Eyewear, a substantial extension of its license with TOM FORD, a brand for which Marcolin has manufactured and distributed eyewear since 2005.”
Marcolin’s first collection of MCM sunglasses and optical frames is set to emerge as a refreshing new take on luxury eyewear.
Born from the innovative and rule-breaking ambiance of 1970s Munich, today MCM champions a new age of elegance, one that blends wanderlust and inclusivity while addressing the nuanced requirements of modern travelers and digital nomads.
Marcolin has also extended its partnership with Pucci and is strengthening its partnership with Zegna.
Last month, Marcolin announced a licensing agreement with the iconic French brand Christian Louboutin.
As Christian Louboutin continues to roll out a strategy to become a complete lifestyle luxury brand, its strategic partnership with Marcolin will extend its creative mark into the high-end aspirational optical and sunglass arenas. This collaboration will be available worldwide through a select network of stores.
For more information about the Marcolin Group and its portfolio of brands, visit marcolin.com.