Two Years Of “Stories”

Beyond the Product

The goal was to tell the story of Marcolin’s identity, its social and production universe in an innovative way—through a magazine with a journalistic and contemporary style. Not just focusing on products, but also on ideas, trends, values, and visions that reveal a dynamic reality beneath the surface. This was the challenge that, two years ago, led to the creation of Stories—a magazine that, hosted on the Marcolin website, has been narrating the company’s journey, philosophy, and projects every week.

The Importance of Perspective

It does so by offering behind-the-scenes looks at industry events and exhibitions, stories of iconic brands and collections, and insights into acquisitions and the many stages of creating a pair of glasses. And, as a true magazine, Stories ventures into other realms too—featuring reflections and “limitless visions” from individuals in photography, sports, food, fashion, marketing, research, art, and design. Their unique perspectives can be deeply inspiring.

Toward Change

Stories isn’t just a compelling brand journalism project made up of 134 articles over two years—it’s a constantly evolving lab, because the world itself is changing faster than ever. Markets shift, public tastes evolve, each generation’s interests transform, and needs, priorities, travel habits, and the planet’s demands all adapt. And if a company—like a living organism—must evolve with these changes, an editorial project like this must do the same.

Gaia Bonanomi

1

Is it possible to effectively communicate a product without ever showing it, by interpreting the brand’s values instead, as you were asked to do for the WEB EYEWEAR – Framing Light project?

«Personally, I find this approach extremely interesting, bold, and definitely innovative. Focusing on atmospheres, emotions, and the imagery surrounding a product – without actually showing it – means telling a stronger story, one that makes the product itself much more intriguing and desirable. In this case, since we were talking about sunglasses, it was inevitable to dive into themes of travel, discovery, and immersion in nature».

2

What inspired you in expressing concepts like transparency, taste, and quiet luxury?

«For gusto, I focused on the values of “Italian gusto” – made of simple, everyday things that, perhaps precisely for that reason, are extremely poetic and possess their own elegance. I tried to highlight ordinary household objects and, through a play of mirrors, reflections, and transparencies, I gave these objects a new story, a new dimension. The same goes for the concepts of transparency and quiet luxury, which I translated by playing extensively with light, reflections, and shadows. For quiet luxury in particular, warm light allowed me to capture images that look as if they were seen through a pair of sunglasses».

3

Which shot was the most challenging among all of them?

«Definitely those linked to the concept of quiet luxury, which I chose to evoke with the figure of a woman dancing in nature, silhouetted against the light: the sun was setting, and time was running out. Since I work with film, I can’t shoot 40 photos per second – I’m “forced” to capture the moment. So those images – especially the ones taken in the final 20 minutes – carry within them the desire to “freeze” the right light in time».

Retro Design Meets Modern Innovation

A Consolidated Collaboration

The latest eyewear collection from Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, and ic! berlin unites the timeless appeal of retro design with modern innovation. This exclusive collaboration, now in its sixth edition, features four distinct eyewear styles: two pairs of prescription glasses and two pairs of sunglasses. Each model is a testament to the precision and expertise of ic! berlin, handcrafted in their Berlin manufactory. The collection is inspired by the distinctive design elements of Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG vehicles, ensuring that each piece combines superior wear comfort with robust construction. With over fifty-five years of automotive excellence, AMG brings its dynamic, performance-oriented aesthetics to the world of eyewear, merging with ic! berlin’s minimalist approach for high-end designs that work both on the racetrack and in everyday life.

Mercedes-Benz: Iconic and Timeless Elegance

The Mercedes-Benz eyewear models in this collection showcase a minimalist design approach, translating retro elements into a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. Sophisticated details such as the star pattern on the temples and flowing lines are key highlights. A standout feature of the collection is the inclusion of photochromic lenses, which automatically adapt to changing light conditions, offering optimal visual comfort in various environments. Additionally, the collection introduces two acetate hybrid models, exuding a modern and luxurious look that aligns perfectly with the brand’s iconic elegance. The collection continues the longstanding collaboration with ic! berlin, combining high precision with innovative technology to ensure both style and function.

Mercedes-AMG: Performance Meets Dynamism and Sportiness

For Mercedes-AMG, the eyewear collection embraces a more dynamic and bold design, reflective of the brand’s performance-oriented spirit. The models feature ultra-lightweight comfort combined with a sporty retro design that remains suitable for everyday use. Notably, two of the models incorporate FLEXARBON® carbon fiber, a revolutionary material made from the precise lamination of up to eight layers of carbon fibers. Available in striking “Twill Night” and “Raw Night” patterns, these designs are inspired by the interior of AMG vehicles, offering a unique fusion of performance and style. FLEXARBON® is the result of a three-year collaboration with scientists and boasts exceptional strength, flexibility, and an ultra-lightweight construction of only 0.3 mm thick.