作者: Newsroom

We may have forgotten, but in the early 1960s Italy was, quite literally, a different country. After running water and electricity, the first household appliances were beginning to enter homes, Fiat had just launched the 500, and the Autostrada del Sole motorway was still under construction.

These were the years of the economic boom, an extraordinary period of growth and opportunity, when the Italian economy was transforming, moving away from its agricultural roots. Small artisanal workshops in the Veneto region became central players in the country’s industrial development. It was within this context that the “Veneto Eyewear District” was born, the ideal environment for manufacturing temples and components for third-party eyewear producers. And it was precisely in this setting that Giovanni Coffen Marcolin began his entrepreneurial journey. In 1961, with a single machine installed in his basement and the support of his wife, he founded his own “artisan workshop” in Cadore.

Reading the early chapters of Marcolin’s history, one immediately understands Giovanni Coffen Marcolin’s first great strength: his ability to recognize the signals of change in a world where excellence and innovation were becoming essential. But crucially, he understood that growth required moving beyond the boundaries of a small artisan workshop.Thus, in 1964, “Marcolin Occhiali Doublé” was established. No longer a small family-run operation, but a growing company employing dozens, and soon hundreds, of local workers. The brand began reaching a broader audience through advertising, initially sponsoring ski competitions in Cortina, followed later by campaigns in newspapers and on television.From that moment onward, Marcolin’s success continued to expand. Three years later, the company relocated and expanded its facilities, first to Vallesella di Cadore and then, in 1980, to Longarone, where its headquarters remain today, now complemented by the new production plant in Fortogna.

Marcolin’s second key strength? Its immediate international vision.

In 1968, the company made its debut on the global market, starting with the United States, distributing its products through a network of eight distributors. A few years later, it entered France, opening a subsidiary there in 1976, soon followed by branches in Switzerland and Germany.

Throughout this expansion, the company maintained direct and personal relationships with its partners, just as the founder had done in his small workshop in Cadore.

It is precisely from that unique cultural and geographical context, the cradle of Italy’s finest manufacturing tradition, that Marcolin’s success can truly be understood today. A company capable of combining artisanal excellence with advanced technologies, continuous research into materials, and refined design.

Qualities that, even today, the world continues to admire and value.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.