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With Hands And Heart

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The “Double Seventh” Festival

Having been active in the Chinese market for many years and, since 2021, with a branch located in the commercial and financial district at the heart of Shanghai, Marcolin is one of the most appreciated luxury eyewear brands among Chinese customers—especially the younger generation. In recent days, in collaboration with its local retailers, Marcolin’s Eastern branch is celebrating the Qixi Festival, also known as the “Double Seventh Festival” or “Chinese Valentine’s Day.” This occasion, much like February 14th in the rest of the world, is a celebration of love—but its ancient origins also highlight the deep cultural and economic significance of craftsmanship in China.

 

A Romantic Legend

The festival’s origins trace back to one of the four great Chinese folktales: the legend of Qixi, which tells the story of a forbidden love between Zhinu, a goddess and skilled weaver, and Niulang, a mortal man. After the Queen Mother of Heaven separated them, she was moved by their sorrow and granted them a single meeting each year: on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. That day, which falls on August 29 this year, is now celebrated as the Qixi Festival. Today, it’s marked with hearts, flowers, and candlelit dinners. In the past, it was honored with moonlit weaving competitions, and girls would visit temples to pray for more skilled hands in textile crafts.

The Value of the Handmade

The importance of Qixi as a cherished tradition is affirmed by its inclusion in 2006 in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. For the Chinese, it is a time not only to celebrate love, but also to reflect on the historical significance of craftsmanship in the country—from ceramics and silk to lacquerwork, carving, and metalworking. This heritage of labor and skill continues today, merging tradition with innovation through new collaborations with international brands. One such example is Marcolin, which works with Chinese designers, has brought the successful “Marcolin Talks” series to Shanghai, and offers its Chinese customers ever-evolving, tailor-made, and immersive shopping experiences.

Trends: the shapes of summer

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Minimalist

Geometric purity and unisex design: these are the hallmarks of the most minimalist sunglasses, featuring strictly all-black lenses and a clean aesthetic reminiscent of the 1990s. Made from acetate, metal, or even rimless versions, whether oval or slightly squared, these styles stand out for their discreet elegance, making them easy to pair and perfect for both beach and city settings. They even work at night, becoming that defining accessory that adds personality to even the most classic outfit.

Pilot Shape

Since their origins nearly a century ago—originally designed to shield pilots’ eyes—the iconic pilot shape continues to reign in Summer 2025, now reinterpreted in more contemporary versions: mirrored or chunky with bold frames and tinted lenses, or in lightweight styles with thin frames. A timeless, unisex eyewear design that instantly evokes the essence of summer.

Oversized

Straight out of the ’70s, large and rounded frames are making a big comeback this summer, channeling instant diva energy. And for the bold at heart, the major trend of king-size shapes also includes visor-style sunglasses, especially loved by younger wearers. Large, colorful, and wraparound—sometimes mirrored—these sporty-inspired styles dominated recent runway shows and are ready to take over beaches, historic cities, and even nighttime scenes as must-have trendy accessories.

Evolution af a pair of sunglasses

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Lightweight and Protective

Lightweight, with excellent visibility and stable in any condition: on a bike, during a climb, or a run. The right sunglasses for outdoor sports must meet these requirements, as they are tasked with protecting the eyes for hours from sun, wind, and sweat, without fogging up and while staying securely in place even during intense or sudden movements. These are exactly the qualities of adidas’ Dunamis EVO, the evolved version of the Dunamis model, more agile and flexible, which has already become a classic in sports eyewear.

Grip and Stability

Inspired by the Greek word for power and inner strength, the name Dunamis already speaks volumes about glasses designed for movement. Not surprisingly, the EVO model retains the exclusive thermoformed lens designed by Marcolin, with its iconic wraparound structure, wide and aerodynamic shape that protects the eyes while allowing the skin to breathe. It also features rubberized temple tips, non-slip inserts on the arms, and, most importantly, an internal bar, all of which contribute to perfect stability even during high-intensity workouts.

Technology and Safety

That’s not all. An innovative ventilation system (with openings on the arms, nose pads, and the upper part of the frame) reduces perspiration and prevents fogging, ensuring clear vision throughout the training session. In rainy conditions, special hydrophobic and oleophobic treatments on the lenses cause water and oily dirt to slide off without leaving a trace. This ensures maximum visibility, one of the key elements for an athlete’s safety, so you can stay focused on your sport without worrying about your sunglasses.

Mercedes-Benz | ic! berlin 2025: Retrofuturistic Elegance Takes Shape

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A Shared Philosophy: Form, Function, and Timeless Materials

For the fifth consecutive year, Mercedes-Benz and ic! berlin collaborate on a collection that celebrates the purity of materials and formal reduction. Mercedes-Benz’s « Sensual Purity » philosophy is reflected in every detail: a synthesis of emotion and intelligence, warmth and rigor. The choice of authentic materials, such as cold-rolled stainless steel and cotton-based acetate, represents a commitment to durable, elegant, and inherently functional design.

Retro Design, Contemporary Spirit

Inspired by iconic designs of the past, the Berlin design team reinterpreted classic shapes like the navigator, pushing towards greater essentiality. The result is four unique models: MB21, MB22, MB24, and the hybrid model, each with a sober but striking presence. The forms become lighter, details reduced to the essentials, striking a perfect balance between memory and modernity. The goal is not only aesthetics but also the enhancement of the material itself through light, shadow, and structure.

Technology Serving Minimalism

Beyond design, functionality evolves as well: photochromic lenses featured in the MB22 and MB24 models automatically adjust to light, transitioning from clear to dark in less than two minutes. This choice is ideal for those who prefer an essential lifestyle, with few but high-quality items.

Marco D’Acunzo

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1

In a time of turbulence in global markets, what strategies can support and enhance Made in Italy, particularly in the eyewear sector?

«Managing the constant changes in today’s market requires, first and foremost, a strong and well-organized strategy. At the same time, the most challenging times are also those when new opportunities can be found, which may yield advantages in the medium and long term. A company like Marcolin benefits from a portfolio of prestigious brands and the ability to offer top-level services that align with the values of each brand. Even in turbulent times, a shared vision is key to managing challenges and responding to the demands of customers, who are always looking for something unique».

2

Christian Louboutin, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Hollister are three new brands recently added to the Marcolin portfolio. How will you position them to the U.S. audience?

«Christian Louboutin, known for turning its red sole into one of the most iconic elements of luxury fashion, chose Marcolin to debut in the eyewear segment with a collection that reflects the brand’s prestige through attention to detail and unique design. Abercrombie and Hollister, on the other hand, target a different audience: Gen Z and Millennials—young consumers with a strong sense of community. This means using a different language, being present in their environments, and engaging with streetwear fashion brands. Lastly, TOM FORD, a luxury brand that has long been associated with Marcolin, remains one of the most beloved names among professionals. These very different brands have allowed us to strengthen our global market presence».

3

How might Marcolin’s relationship with the North American market evolve?

«North America is one of the most interesting markets for eyewear, both in terms of size and economic value. Thanks to the brands in our portfolio, Marcolin can appeal to every segment of this broad consumer base. This, combined with a very high standard of service, makes us extremely competitive and attractive. If the market evolves quickly, then to lead the change and seize every opportunity it presents, Marcolin must move even faster».

Martin Bremer

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1

What does design mean today, and how has the designer’s role evolved?

«Today, design has become incredibly important because it’s one of the most immediate ways people connect with a product. Products are no longer just about technical innovation — design plays a decisive role in why someone chooses to buy something. Over the past few decades, design has evolved from being a sub-department to a strategic division that reports directly to the executive board. This shift highlights how central design is to major brands’ overall strategy. The designer’s role has expanded beyond simply creating forms to developing distinctive aesthetics and a cultural language that gives products a unique identity»

 

 

2

What are the biggest challenges for designers today?

People long for authenticity more than ever – it seems to be the idea of something genuine that resonates more broadly. Brands need to look into what is authentic for them and interpret it in the current context.

Another major challenge is avoiding the “sameness” that may result from overreliance on AI. Real innovation stems from original ideas, not just pressing a button and letting software do the work. Additionally, it’s easy to create complexity, but the real challenge lies in simplification and reduction. This is what gives design its lasting value and timelessness.

 

3

How might brands strengthen their innovation potential and stay desirable during a period of general uncertainty?

Cultural exchange is key in order to stay ahead of the curve and to create outstanding designs. The ability to truly learn from the people who make the products—visiting workshops, observing production processes, and listening to those who work with the materials every day. Material innovation cannot come from a computer screen alone. Physically working with materials and building things by hand gives rise to shapes and solutions with a different soul. Meaningful and authentic design begins from this hands-on experience, and it is this approach that allows a brand to stand out and thrive even in uncertain market conditions.

 

Read the full conversation here:

https://www.ic-berlin.com/journal/ic-berlin-im-gesprach-mit-martin-bremer-designer-und-denker-hinter-den-marken-der-mercedes-benz-group/

Summer Buying Days 2025

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An appointment in the Bolognese hills

At the close of an intense and highly satisfying first half of the year, which saw the growth and consolidation of its brands, Marcolin once again chose to gather buyers and collaborators from the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region for the traditional Summer Buying Days. Held from June 15 to 21, the event was the perfect opportunity to strengthen partnerships, present the new collections, and discuss future projects in an informal, pleasant, and elegant setting: that of Palazzo di Varignana, immersed in the greenery and beauty of the Bolognese hills.

The new collections

There were many highlights in this year’s edition, starting with the debut of the new Christian Louboutin Eyewear and K-Way Eyewear collections, as well as the official announcement of a new exclusive agreement with the American fashion brand rag&bone. But the 2025 Buying Days also featured the world preview of the GUESS Jeans Eyewear line and the new Abercrombie & Fitch Eyewear collection.

A birthday to remember

The list of licenses renewed in 2025 was also significant, including luxury brands such as Max Mara, GUESS, and Gant. In addition to confirming itself as a strategic event for Marcolin, the 2025 edition of the Summer Buying Days was also the occasion to celebrate the first 20 years of TOM FORD Eyewear: two decades of success born from the perfect synergy between Marcolin’s manufacturing excellence and the sophisticated vision of the TOM FORD brand, an icon of international fashion.

Ashley Mills

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The Vision Council has a long-standing history of advocacy and public awareness campaigns to protect eye health. When was National Sunglass Day first established and why? What does The Vision Council look to accomplish during this time of year?

National Sunglasses Day launched in 2009 to celebrate the iconic accessory and, more importantly, to spotlight its role in defending eye health against UV damage. Since then, it’s become a key awareness moment each year, reinforcing the message that UV protection is a daily necessity – not just a seasonal consideration. Through national campaigns and an expansive toolkit of free resources for retailers, eye care providers, educators, and media, The Vision Council works to make accurate, accessible information available to the public. This year, we’re also hosting an exclusive media event in New York City to elevate the conversation and bring even greater attention to the cause.

2

What should people pay special attention to when buying a pair of sunglasses?

Start with protection. The most important feature to look for is a label that reads “100% UV protection”. Next, think about practicality and fit. Consider where and how you’ll use them – commuting, driving, hiking, or lounging at the beach – and choose lenses and frames that match your needs. Of course, sunglasses are also a reflection of personal style, so whether you’re going bold or understated, the best pair is one you’ll actually wear every day.

3

Everyone knows the history and the role of a company like Marcolin in the eyewear industry: what strengths did you find common ground on?

Our partnership with Marcolin is rooted in shared values: craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep understanding of the consumer. Their legacy in developing fashion-forward, high-performance eyewear makes them an ideal collaborator as we work to raise awareness about the importance of UV protection. Marcolin’s continuing emphasis on sustainability is a great example of how, much like The Vision Council, the company is constantly evolving and modernizing with a clear vision and mission. We’re especially grateful for their support as a Visionary Sponsor of The Vision Council Foundation, helping us expand the reach of National Sunglasses Day and reinforce the idea that eyewear plays a vital role in both health and self-expression.

Nicolò Parsenziani

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

«Absolutely yes, in my opinion. In my fashion shoots, I always try to create a moodboard, a narrative that gives soul to the story, I never start from the product itself. This kind of perspective helps build a community that shares the same values even before a garment or accessory comes into play».

What inspired you in expressing concepts such as transparency, gusto, and quiet luxury?

«I tried to reflect on these concepts on a personal level, choosing to anchor them in everyday life. Hence, the gusto of some basic Mediterranean ingredients, like olive oil and bread; the transparency of a thin sheet of plastic wrapping flowers; and the luxury of a bouquet glimpsed through the rear-view mirror of a car stuck in Milan’s traffic. Flowers are a recurring theme in my work, and in this case, I wanted to play with the contrast between the chaos of the city and the quiet beauty of nature brought inside a car’s cabin».

Which shot was the most challenging for you?

«Definitely the one with the ice necklace. I hadn’t taken into account that ice burns when in contact with skin, it made things a bit difficult for the model. While small ‘imperfections’ like burnt bread, a blur, a droplet, or something slightly out of place are intentional and part of my style, almost a ‘signature’, they allow me to bring out a human, imperfect side, even in commercial shots».

Davide Lunghi

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1. A brief six-month review since your appointment in Berlin: what steps have you taken to consolidate and promote such a distinctive brand as ic! berlin? »

Together with the local ic! berlin team and with the support of the Marcolin team, we are working together on three key pillars:

Strengthening Brand Identity Consistency

ic! berlin has always relied on a well-defined identity: high-tech eyewear that is lightweight, functional, and industrial in design. The brand name itself, along with its visual communication, reflects an urban, youthful, and unconventional style.

Product  Innovation

One of the brand’s know-how is its patented screwless hinge technology. More recently, material innovations such as the patented Flexarbon range have come into play. These distinctive features, which we are focusing on, allow ic! berlin to clearly differentiate itself in the market and position itself as a leader in functional design.

Unconventional Communication

In the past, ic! berlin has often embraced a direct, ironic, and unconventional tone. We are now working intensively to revive the message and mindset of “unconventional thinking,” highlighting the outstanding craftsmanship that sets our product apart from the competition.

2. ic! berlin frames are instantly recognizable for their technical details (lightweight, screwless, flexible) and super-contemporary design: who is the typical customer of this brand?

The customer of ic! berlin is the technical aesthete. A person who has a profound need to surround themselves with objects of superior quality and beauty. They are not necessarily creatives themselves, but show great sensitivity to the beauty of art and design. They admire technical excellence and quality because it gives them a sense of stability. With the spirit of an engineer and the soul of a designer, the technical aesthete seeks a conscious minimalism and a rational elegance.

3. Among your responsibilities is also the task of helping ic! berlin strengthen its presence in key international markets, thanks to the Marcolin Group network. This is a challenge, especially in the current context: what strategies do you have to overcome a period of general uncertainty?

To overcome this phase, we are focusing on two key aspects.

 

Focus on Quality and Craftsmanship

The attention to the quality and craftsmanship of our products allows us to remain distinctive and offer added value to our clients. In a constantly evolving world, ic! berlin continues to focus on a highly qualitative and innovative offering that represents a guarantee for our consumers.

 

Strengthening the Distribution Network

Thanks to the solid network of the Marcolin Group, we are reinforcing our presence in key markets by enhancing both physical and online distribution. Additionally, we are putting  our efforts on specifically addressing the needs of local consumers, thus consolidating our presence and aligning with the unique requirements of each key market.