Author: Newsroom

«When the Accessories Council was founded in the mid-1990s, fashion was at the height of minimalism: many designers did not place much importance on accessories, and several brands had not yet expanded into handbags, jewelry, eyewear, or footwear. Today, accessories are an essential part of a brand’s identity and strategy. They are no longer secondary categories but are often among the most visible elements of a collection, thanks to their accessibility, versatility, and durability. Accessories can have exceptional longevity: they can be worn repeatedly, stored, collected, and appreciated for years—often much longer than apparel. The right accessory is one of the simplest and most effective ways to refresh a wardrobe, transforming a basic piece into something unique. In terms of ‘cost per wear,’ accessories remain one of the best investments in fashion».

«Today, one of the greatest opportunities for brands lies in expanding into new categories while staying true to their core identity. The most successful brands are those that manage to enter new product categories while preserving the essence, perspective, and DNA of the designer or the company. At the same time, the current retail environment, particularly in the luxury segment, presents challenges in how and where brands connect with consumers. Many brands are developing direct-to-consumer initiatives, partnering with specialty stores, and finding innovative ways to engage audiences through pop-up stores, festivals, social media, collaborations, and experiential retail. Fashion is constantly evolving, and only brands that are innovative, agile, and willing to experiment with new ideas will endure. In today’s market, standing still is not an option».

«Marcolin has built an extraordinary portfolio of brands spanning different aesthetics and price segments, with each collection reflecting a deep understanding of the brand’s DNA. What makes Marcolin particularly compelling is its ability to combine functionality with fashion: eyewear must serve a practical purpose, but Marcolin’s collections also offer a reason to desire something new and special, closely connected to brands that consumers love. As the company continues to evolve, its ability to combine outstanding design, international talent, and a strong strategic distribution network strengthens its global leadership. Marcolin has the opportunity not only to respond to the future of the accessories industry, but also to help shape it».

Jennie McCormick: «The design principles behind our eyewear started with the same foundation as everything we do at rag & bone — quality materials, signature hardware details, and a commitment to getting the small things right. We focused on classic yet innovative shapes and material combinations that feel unmistakably us, while also allowing room to evolve.The color and material stories, the signature hardware, and the branding details all work together in a way that feels considered rather than decorative. Nothing is arbitrary. The balance between design quality, functionality, and restraint is the space rag & bone embodies — and the eyewear is no different. What makes a pair feel unmistakably rag & bone is something you notice immediately. There’s a weightiness to the frames — the quality is apparent the moment you pick up a pair, much like touching one of our fabrics. The closer you look, the more intentional the design feels: logo placement, hinge functionality, finishing details — all of it is considered, and all of it feels. That quiet attention to detail is at the core of who we are».

Kyle M. Sweeney: «The Spring ’26 collection was our first large drop, so we approached it with a sense of restraint – starting from familiar, archetypal shapes and refining them through proportion, tone, and materiality to feel modern and relevant. We’re not interested in reinventing icons – we’re interested in refining them. A key part of the design language comes from our three clusters, inspired by workwear – an enduring pillar of the brand. Across our ready-to-wear, you see details like contrast bartack and railroad stitching in knitwear, and triple-needle construction throughout some of our denim and wovens. That thinking translated directly into the eyewear. The “triple stitch” cluster reflects that heritage, expressing our focus on quality, innovation, and authenticity through subtle detailing and construction. From there, the collection opens into something more expressive, where color and transparency introduce a quiet sense of individuality, and into a more technical space where hardware and construction become part of the visual language. The palette is intentional – olive, fudge, tort – colors that feel lived-in rather than decorative. It’s designed for a global, urban customer who moves fluidly between environments and dresses with instinct rather than effort. There’s a quiet confidence – nothing feels forced, but everything is considered».

Jennie McCormick «We always start with a strong foundation in classic eyewear shapes — that’s non-negotiable. But within that foundation, there’s a lot of room to play. Our design meetings are genuinely fun and inspiring: we try on shapes, debate proportions, and discuss how to adapt emerging trends so they feel like rag & bone. As someone who is obsessed with eyewear — I own more than 20 pairs of sunglasses and counting — being in those conversations never gets old. The key is creating shapes with intention. The eyewear world is vast, and trends move fast. But much like our clothing, we want our eyewear to feel effortless and timeless — something that enhances an outfit and adds a quiet edge without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard. Innovation shows up in the details rather than the headline. Our color combinations, finishes, and hardware details are where we push boundaries — subtly, deliberately, and always in service of the overall aesthetic, and completing the rag & bone look».

Kyle M. Sweeney «We’ve always existed in the tension between heritage and modernity. Looking ahead, it’s about elevating the brand, expanding the lifestyle, and innovating to meet the needs of the customer of the future – while staying grounded in that heritage. We see a real opportunity in building out a broader product ecosystem, with eyewear playing a critical role in that evolution. What’s interesting now is exploring that tension through new materials, finishes, and construction techniques – particularly in categories like eyewear, where the product is both functional and deeply personal. Eyewear becomes a natural extension of the wardrobe. Something that completes a look, but also subtly defines it. It’s not an accessory. It’s an expression of identity at eye level. Ultimately, it’s about building a more complete, head-to-toe perspective, where every piece feels considered and connected».

Jennie McCormick: «Marcolin brings decades of expertise and a deep, nuanced understanding of the eyewear industry — that kind of knowledge is invaluable, especially as we continue to grow and scale the collection. What excites me most is how much their know-how elevates what we’re able to execute. The collaboration between our teams is genuinely creative and collaborative. There’s a real back-and-forth — the Marcolin team pushes us, we collaborate with them, and the result is better than either of us would arrive at alone. What makes it feel so natural is a shared starting point: quality first, always viewed through the lens of considered design and meaningful innovation. Marcolin doesn’t just manufacture — they think about product the way we do. That alignment in values is rare, and it’s what makes us genuinely excited about where this goes».

Kyle M. Sweeney: «The rag & bone customer is highly attuned. They edit, refine, and collect with intention. There’s an ease to how they dress, but it’s never accidental. They’re not chasing trends – they’re building a point of view. That mindset shapes everything. Frames are designed to move effortlessly across moments…from morning to evening, and from everyday life to travel – without needing to be reconsidered. There’s also an emotional layer. Eyewear has an immediacy – it frames the face, shifts posture, and changes how you’re perceived. A great frame doesn’t just complete a look; it alters your presence. The collection is grounded, but never static. We lean into subtle disruption in proportion, tone, and detail. It’s about precision, with just enough tension to make it feel personal».

«Murano has undoubtedly shaped my creative path. Growing up on this island means being immersed in the gestures, tools, and materials, understanding the value of the gesture, the importance and ritual of making, and the ability to transform matter. Today, more than ever, after 25 years, I feel deeply connected to this side of my roots. With Nichecraft, the independent creations signed by my studio, I wanted to bring creativity and the human dimension of making back to the center».

«Design is a form of applied art, conceived to be produced in series, numbered or not, but always with meaning and intention. It means taking risks to create something new and unexpected, exploring creativity in all its dimensions. Every project should be carefully conceived, intentionally made, and designed to last, because creativity is a way to build connections».

«Designing eyewear was a unique experience, especially because I approached that model in a very personal way, so that it would fit my face perfectly. Design, material choices, and color aesthetics all come together to create an object that doesn’t dress a part of the home, but a part of the body. Once again, these pieces are carefully designed, intentionally made, and meant to last. This is a sector whose future, especially after the advent of smart glasses, is truly unpredictable, but I believe that technological elements will ultimately add even more value to the manufacturing knowledge at the core of this industry».

«Craftsmanship and sustainability have always been two fundamental elements of Made in Italy. Our real strength lies in the supply chain: an extraordinary network of companies and skills that we must continue to enhance. Looking ahead, it will be increasingly important to invest in training young people and in innovation within production processes, while preserving the manufacturing quality that makes our products recognizable worldwide».

«Events like Vogue World are primarily about telling the story of Italian fashion to the world. They help strengthen Milan’s international role while also offering great visibility to emerging talents. The strength of Italian fashion lies precisely in this balance between historic brands and new creative generations».

«Eyewear is a sector in which Italy has built a very solid leadership over the years, thanks to the quality of design and manufacturing. New technologies, including artificial intelligence, will play an increasingly important role, but creativity, innovation, and production expertise will remain central. Looking ahead, it will be essential to continue investing in the supply chain and in product quality—elements that make Made in Italy competitive in this sector as well».