The launch of the new Ferrari 'Eyewear' range was hosted at the Ferrari Store in Milan by Managing Director Jean Todt and Marcolin's CEO responsible for style and licensing, Maurizio Marcolin. Luxury and Sport Elite are the main two themes for the eighteen-model sunglass range that clearly demonstrates the 'versatility and dynamism of the brand without compromising its heritage of tradition'.

The Ferrari emblem, the famous prancing horse is incorporated onto the frames of the glasses, with either rotating frame temples, reminiscent of the 'gull wing' doors of the Ferrari Enzo supercar, or alternatively with sprung hinges, being available. The collection also features touches of the signature Ferrari Burgundy, added the company. "The collection will be available from May 2006 in exclusive opticians outlets and Ferrari stores worldwide. Aiming for 2,000 sales in the first year, of which 600 will be in Italy," said Marcolin.

Marcolin

The origins of Marcolin date back to 1961, the year in which Giovanni Marcolin Coffen started production at his “Artisan workshop” specialising in frames for glasses in rolled gold. The first successful step in the history of the company was the opening, in 1967, of the factory in Vallesella which was followed by the presentation of the first line of products. In the following ten-year period, the styles by Marcolin conquered the foreign market: in 1976 the first French branch opened, followed by the Swiss and the German ones.
 

The change to SpA status and the choice to take direct control of the distribution of products were vital to the growth of Marcolin which, in 1982, arrived in the USA with a joint venture for the direct sale of its own brands. The transfer of the general management and the administration offices to Longarone in 1988 led to the opening of the new factory for the production of acetate frames. Two new branches were established in Portugal and in the United Kingdom. At the beginning of the ‘90s there was an important change in the concept of glasses, considered not only as a mean of sight correction, but as a fashion item, an indispensable accessory for one’s image and look.

Following this tendency, Marcolin introduced new materials and successful product lines. In 1995, it signed the first licencing agreement with Dolce & Gabbana and then agreements followed with renowned fashion designer labels such as Replay, in 1997, and Roberto Cavalli in 1999. 1999 was also the opening year of a branch in the Far East and the Italian stock exchange listing that allowed Marcolin to acquire Cébé, a well-known French producer of ski-masks and sports eyewear. The strategic choices in 2001, characterised by new licence agreements and the acquisition of the American firm Creative Optics Inc, led the group towards further trade development.