"The aviator sunglasses that captured the world's attention when French President Emmanuel Macron wore a pair on stage in Davos in a faceoff with US counterpart Donald Trump have become an unexpected success for the Italian owner of the France-based manufacturer that has watched sales soar. Despite the hype, eyewear maker Henry Jullien has struggled in a declining French industry that was established in the eastern Jura region in the late 1700s, facing competition from far cheaper Asian manufacturers. Henry Jullien's "Top Gun"-style shades with blue lenses and a silver frame, priced at €659 ($784), are now featured on the French presidency's online store."
"Since last week's World Economic Forum in Switzerland, "we've been getting calls from all over the world, it's given us incredible publicity," said Stefano Fulchir, CEO of the Italian company iVision Tech which owns Henry Jullien. More than 500 sunglasses have already been sold online -- a significant jump for the high-end brand that typically produces just a thousand pairs per year, including 200 of the aviator Pacific S01 model, in Jura. The brand's website crashed with the surge in traffic so a temporary webpage dedicated solely to the presidential model was launched, while iVision Tech's stock soared 70 percent in a matter of days, Fulchir said."
"Macron had ordered the sunglasses in 2024 "to give a gift to a minister during the G20" along with the pair for himself, Fulchir said. Made with a gold wire, the aviators are crafted in an intricate 279-step process over four months. "We pampered both pairs, of course," said Herve Basset, 60, who has spent more than half his life at Henry Jullien. The eyewear makers all received thank-you letters from the president, recalled Karine Pelissard, who has spent 30 years in the trade."
The aviator sunglasses worn by French President Emmanuel Macron at Davos generated sudden global demand. The shades are produced by Henry Jullien, a France-based maker owned by Italy's iVision Tech. The "Top Gun"-style aviators feature blue lenses, a silver frame and cost €659. More than 500 pairs sold online after the Davos appearance, against typical annual production of about 1,000 pairs including 200 Pacific S01 aviators. The website crashed from the surge in traffic and iVision Tech's stock rose about 70 percent in days. The aviators are crafted with a gold wire in a 279-step process over four months, amid a shrinking French eyewear industry facing cheaper Asian competition.
Read at The Local France
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