Auteur/autrice : Newsroom

Alberto Fratantonio

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1

More than two years ago, after an extensive professional journey in the eyewear industry, you became Head of the Southern EMEA area for Marcolin. What are the strengths and challenges that characterize this particular market segment?

«Southern EMEA represents a significant and well-established part of the European market, where our main strengths are diversity, solidity, and relationships. Here, we have the right mix of sales channels, combining independent opticians with chain stores. Over the years, we have invested heavily both to consolidate traditional channels and to implement platforms for automated restocking management. Looking ahead, I see two main challenges: finding the right balance between craftsmanship and technological innovation, and generational change. In terms of innovation, for example, we are at a crucial historical moment: AI will profoundly reshape the current landscape, and we must be ready and prepared to harness its enormous potential ethically, with the goal of being the best partner for our clients».

2

Between technological innovation, design, and artisanal quality, which “ingredient” makes the difference when choosing a pair of glasses?

«There isn’t one ingredient more important than the others: craftsmanship, design, and technological innovation are all essential today to maintain a healthy and fruitful business relationship. Almost everyone asks for the same things: an excellent product, quality relationships, and impeccable after-sales service. That is why, in recent years, we have invested heavily in these pillars, with the goal of putting the client at the center of most decision-making processes»

3

On the occasion of the inauguration of this new showroom in Barcelona, how do you think the new Marcolin home can serve as a lever and advantage for clients in the Iberian area?

«Barcelona is the latest in a series of important Marcolin inaugurations worldwide, following New York, London, and Paris. This new space will allow us to place our clients even more at the center, continuing to strengthen our relationships with them. Opening the doors of our new home will also allow us to organize sales and training events, as well as present our extraordinary brand portfolio in a truly unique setting».

Jordan Keys and Alessandro Melis

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Jordan Keys:

How did the idea for Vision Reframed come about?

«Vision Reframed grew out of a collaboration with one of my colleagues—an idea that truly spotlighted our mission at New York Tech: fostering innovative, collaborative projects. Being able to bring together our schools, the School of Architecture and Design and the College of Osteopathic Medicine, along with our industry partner Marcolin, allowed us to develop not just an abstract idea but something genuinely innovative and tangible».

Alessandro Melis:

Combining design, sustainability, well-being, and innovation requires navigating very different languages. What challenges and opportunities arise from merging these worlds?

«Bringing together design, health, and innovation is actually the very reason we organized the workshop. And this reason has become even more crucial today, in times of global crisis, because finding solutions now requires the contribution of people with different skill sets».

Jordan Keys:

Did it help you understand the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration?

«This project genuinely highlighted the value of interdisciplinary work in ways I could never have imagined. It made us reflect on how, in this technological era—with advancements like artificial intelligence—we simply cannot operate in isolation. Collaboration is essential: osteopathic medicine students working hand in hand with Architecture and Design students. Not only because it enables us to create a truly innovative product for people with diverse disabilities, but also because it let us reach technological heights that, as a physician, I could never have imagined».

Alessandro Melis:

Which ideas from the workshop best embodied the concept of ‘borderless design’?

«It’s impossible to single out just a few: all the ideas presented at the end of this journey fully embraced the complexity involved in designing a pair of glasses, and they all worked toward a universal design—not aimed at a specific target. We often tend to see technology as something distant from creativity, even as a limitation for design. But in this workshop we discovered the opposite: technology does not belong to a separate realm; it’s the tool that can bring together various dimensions of design, starting with careful attention to materials. Because diversity in creativity—and technology itself—is the driving force behind the designer of the future».

Jordan Keys:

How is the role of universities changing in promoting innovation and shaping the next generation of creatives?

«Industry and academia now depend completely on each other. At the university, we’re training the next generation of professionals—truly the most intelligent and capable generation I’ve ever worked with. But when you turn to industry, you have to ask: what does the community need? And when both sides come together, that’s when the most innovative and stimulating ideas can emerge».

Alessandro Melis:

Today the designer’s role seems to be shifting from ‘creator’ to ‘connector.’ How do you see this transformation?

«As a return to the origins of what the designer’s true creative role is. Students are often taught that the word architect means ‘master builder,’ but Aristotle originally gave it a different definition: the architect as a creator of ideas. And that is exactly what we hope to inspire in the next generation of designers».

See You At Mido 2026

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An International Audience

New frames, lenses, machinery, materials and cutting-edge technologies: MIDO once again confirms its position as one of the most important events in the industry, attracting more than 40,000 visitors every year. For Marcolin, within the elegant setting of its stand in Hall 1, the event will provide the opportunity to present, in preview, the new collections of its licensed and owned brands, combining well-established partnerships with recent acquisitions. Among the highlights, the new acetate frame with oval lenses by TOM FORD Eyewear, accompanied by a distinctive pilot-inspired sunglass model from the exclusive Private Collection. Also in the spotlight, the third collection signed by Christian Louboutin, showcased at MIDO with a refined rectangular-shaped sunglass model.

Previews

Among the other unmissable novelties, the new version of the iconic Orizzonte I frame by ZEGNA Eyewear, recognizable for its distinctive raised bridge construction and, for the occasion, presented in an exclusive titanium version designed to ensure “second-skin” comfort. adidas Sport Eyewear also introduces Kentro, its new mask-style eyewear, ideal for everyday running sessions. Finally, Max Mara Eyewear unveils its latest elegant acetate sunglass model. The silhouette follows the classic cat-eye shape, enhanced by tubular metal temples.

Two Anniversaries

Within the spaces of Fieramilano, Marcolin also celebrates two significant milestones, starting with the 30th anniversary of ic! berlin’s debut. The iconic Berlin-based brand will be honored in a dedicated area with a special edition consisting of six models, optical frames and sunglasses, characterized by the minimalism and material excellence that define the brand. Lastly, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the acquisition of the house brand WEB EYEWEAR, visitors will be able to see and try on two new sunglass models featuring the brand’s unmistakable metal torchon detail on the front and temples, where, as a surprise, the new logo created specifically for this anniversary makes its appearance.

Leadership Academy 2025/2026

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The Project

That people are the true foundation of a company like Marcolin is once again confirmed by its innovative continuous training project, which for five years has promoted the development of professional skills within the organization. Leadership Academy – the name of the program launched in 2021 and enriched in 2023 with modules focused on strengthening soft skills linked to female leadership – goes beyond creating the best conditions to enhance individual aptitudes. It also serves as a training ground for building new, competent and inclusive teams, capable of addressing today’s challenges.

The Values

Openness to change, pragmatism, responsibility and a strong sense of belonging are among the key themes explored over the years during Academy sessions. Topics addressed – including in the most recent edition – have touched on major strategic areas, from the increasingly close dialogue between the physical and digital worlds to corporate social and environmental responsibility, as well as competition among European, Chinese and North American development platforms. A complex and challenging landscape that, more than ever, calls for agile, change-oriented thinking from aware and well-prepared leaders.

The Visit

Enhancing these days of work, study and workshops was a visit to Barovier & Toso in Murano, a historic company founded in 1200 and today an undisputed leader in glassmaking, as well as a point of reference for contemporary designers and artists eager to engage with a medium as unique and fascinating as glass. A manufacturing excellence where, much like at Marcolin, craftsmanship, technology and creativity converge – and for this reason, a true source of inspiration.

adidas Sport: Style meets Technology on the Slopes

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Precision for Every Ride

Always see clearly in any weather condition, with an ergonomic frame that ensures a perfect fit. From alpine skiing to freestyle and snowboarding, adidas Sport Performance snow goggles redefine visibility and comfort. Designed for athletes, they feature high-definition lenses and a contemporary design that satisfies both the functional and aesthetic needs of sports enthusiasts at every level. Two snow goggle models are available which join the iconic Dunamis Evo sunglasses, also ideal for snow sports such as cross-country skiing.

Adaptability in Action

Thanks to a practical magnetic attachment system, the polycarbonate lenses of the adidas Sport SP0120 model can be swapped effortlessly depending on weather conditions. Two lenses are included: one optimized for bright sunlight, and the other designed to enhance contrast in foggy or low-light environments. The upper ventilation system prevents fogging, while the combination of foam padding and an elastic strap ensures a secure, stable fit even on the most demanding descents.

Design without Limits

The adidas Sport SP0121 snow goggle stands out for its clean, minimalist aesthetic combined with high functionality. Lightweight polycarbonate lenses reduce glare and eye fatigue, while the full-frame construction and integrated ventilation expand the field of vision and keep lenses consistently clear. Available in multiple color options, these goggles are designed to deliver comfort and confidence all day on the slopes.

Best Of 2025

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The numbers

Four licence agreements renewed (Max Mara, adidas Sport and Originals, GUESS and GANT); the addition of two new brands to the portfolio (rag & bone and GUESS Jeans), joining more than 20 luxury and lifestyle brands already in the line-up; and three anniversaries. Forty years of the Marcolin DACH subsidiary, the twentieth anniversary of TOM FORD Eyewear, and two years since the launch of this magazine, Marcolin Stories. A platform that not only offers a behind-the-scenes perspective, but over time has also given visibility to many members of the Marcolin family, becoming part of a wider content ecosystem that has helped the brand surpass 100,000 followers on LinkedIn. These are just some of the figures that tell the story of the past 12 months.

An international footprint

Staying true to its international vocation, and following Paris, London and New York, Marcolin this year opened a new showroom in Barcelona: a 500 sq m space combining offices and exhibition areas, overlooking the strategic and central Avenida Diagonal. This presence, together with the most anticipated and now well-established events such as international Press Days and the Summer Buying Days across Europe, Asia and the United States, helps to further strengthen the Group’s presence in 125 countries worldwide.

Events

No year-end review would be complete without mentioning Framing Light, the exhibition-event held at the beginning of 2025 within the setting of Milan’s Salone dei Tessuti, which saw five photographers explore and interpret the values of the house brand WEB EYEWEAR. But 2025 was also the year in which Marcolin published its first Sustainability Report, an important milestone which, together with the Best Employers 2025/26 recognition and the Pink Walk organised across all subsidiaries to support cancer research, allows the year to close with confidence. And with a little extra pride.

A New Showroom in Barcelona

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The Location

Set along one of Barcelona’s main and most iconic thoroughfares, Avenida Diagonal, Marcolin’s newly inaugurated showroom brings a bright, flexible 500-square-meter environment to the city center. The layout seamlessly integrates day-to-day office operations with an expansive exhibition area dedicated to the company’s portfolio brands, a versatile stage for product presentations, meetings, and business negotiations.

The Goals

Following recent openings in Paris, New York, and London, the Barcelona showroom marks an important milestone for a company that has embraced an international outlook since its beginnings. It reinforces Marcolin’s footprint in Spain and Southern Europe, offering a space designed for dialogue, idea-sharing, collaboration, and commercial partnerships, as highlighted by Antonio Jové, Marcolin’s Head of EMEA.

International Presence

The new Barcelona showroom joins Marcolin’s network of 15 subsidiaries across Europe (Benelux, DACH, France, Italy, the Nordics, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom), the Americas (United States, Brazil, Mexico), Asia (Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore), and Australia (Sydney). This global presence, supported by more than 150 distribution partners worldwide, reflects the company’s commitment to building direct connections with every market and delivering increasingly tailored services to its customers.

Giuseppe Orlando

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1

From your global experience, what defines the Asia-Pacific market today, and what financial strengths drive success?

«The Asia-Pacific region is one of the most complex and rapidly evolving in the world, a mosaic of mature markets with tighter margins in Northern Asia, and fast-growing economies in Southeast Asia. To succeed, you need to combine global discipline with local agility, acting simultaneously as strategist and risk manager. At Marcolin Asia, we have developed a Commercial Finance function designed to drive pricing excellence, capital efficiency, and positive cash growth. Through real-time analysis and cost-optimization initiatives, we’re able to balance resilience and expansion – as shown, for instance, by the success of the bold investment decisions we made during the pandemic, what I like to call “formative risks”, which are now paying off. The real differentiator lies in turning volatility into opportunity: aligning global priorities with local realities and enabling the company to do more with less».

How does Marcolin Asia’s finance division contribute to shaping the brand’s long-term strategy?

«Today, the CFO is no longer just a backstage manager but a strategic player in business decision-making. At Marcolin Asia, the Finance function is fully integrated across all departments, collaborating with Commercial, Marketing, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Customer Service. Externally, Finance also acts as a corporate ambassador, engaging directly with clients, distributors, suppliers, and financial institutions to foster transparent and sustainable partnerships. More recently, we’ve involved customers in joint strategic investments, demonstrating how disciplined collaboration and shared investment can drive growth without compromising governance and financial rigor».

3

What are Marcolin’s short- and medium-term goals in Asia?

«Marcolin enters 2026 with a solid structure and renewed momentum. The addition of ic! berlin strengthens our luxury portfolio and reinforces our presence in Asia, opening new growth opportunities in China, Australia, and Southeast Asia. In the short- and medium-term, the company will continue to manage its resources prudently, protecting profitability and improving cash generation, while pursuing steady, long-term growth built on trust and transparency».

The German Art of Innovation: Inside ic! berlin

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Handcrafted in the Heart of Berlin

Going against the trend of many luxury brands that have moved production abroad, ic! berlin has remained faithful to its roots. This is one of the key reasons behind the exceptional quality of its eyewear. Every frame is still handcrafted at the brand’s Berlin headquarters, where experts in design, production, and technology work side by side. From the first sketch to the final assembly, each pair of glasses is conceived, shaped, tested, and finished entirely by hand.

Stainless Steel: The Brand’s Signature

At the core of ic! berlin’s philosophy lies a bold, forward-thinking choice: the use of an industrial material, cold-rolled stainless steel, transformed into a piece of design. The process unfolds in four stages. It begins with sculpting the frame from a flat sheet of stainless steel, ensuring balance, stability, and comfort, and concludes with PVD finishing, a vacuum process that minimizes toxic waste and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions.

The Evolution of Design, according to ic! berlin

ic! berlin is recognized as one of the pioneers of screwless eyewear design. Its exclusive hinge construction has redefined durability, flexibility, and lightness, setting a new standard in premium eyewear. Each frame is guaranteed by the ic! berlin logo and its unique laser-engraved serial number. Three decades after its founding, ic! berlin remains true to its original philosophy: merging technology with a human touch to designing, engineering and manufacturing ultra-light and flexible frames that defy convention.

Pink Walk Marcolin for AIRC

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Step by step, for everyone’s health

The collaboration between Marcolin and AIRC – the Italian Foundation for Cancer Research – grew even stronger this year, thanks to the participation of hundreds of employees and partners in the Pink Walk, the solidarity walk organized during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A special moment to remind us that prevention is the first and most essential tool in the fight against breast cancer.

 

Numbers that bring hope

Every year, 55,900 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in Italy, making it the most common form of cancer among women. But there’s good news: research and prevention are making a real difference. Today, the five-year survival rate after diagnosis has reached 91%. Pink October is therefore a key time to renew our collective commitment to awareness, with free medical check-ups, open days, and initiatives across the country – including the Pink Walk, which symbolically brings together communities, institutions, and companies.

From Italy to the world: a global pink wave

From Longarone to Milan, London to Paris, Berlin to Barcelona, and all the way to New York, Mexico City, Singapore, Sydney, and Shanghai – Marcolin teams around the globe proudly wore the pink t-shirt, a symbol of research and hope. A simple yet powerful gesture that connects people and cultures in pursuit of a shared goal: supporting research and spreading a culture of prevention. Since 2024, Marcolin has been walking alongside AIRC, firmly believing that every step – even the smallest – can make a difference.