Vuarnet: French elegance, sporting spirit
Elsa Ravaud: "Innovate with respect for the past" "Vuarnet returns to Mido after an absence of a few years with the aim of continuing the brand re-launch that began in recent months. At Mido we expect to consolidate contacts with our international operators and illustrate the qualities of the new product. Mido's presence in Italy also permits direct contact with the national operators that this year the company began to follow directly – not through a distributor." Stefano Fabris, CEO of Vuarnet, describes the French company's expectations at the Milan exhibition. As far as the market in general is concerned, large companies aim at big numbers through acquisitions and small companies target specialization to capture particular segments of the market. Is it possible that this trend will be consolidated in the future? "Yes: this trend will continue and it will grow even deeper roots in the future. In fact – Fabris explained - in order to stand up against the strength of the big sector leaders with prestigious brands that are widespread throughout the world thanks to an extraordinary distribution network and decidedly daring communication, small and mid-size companies try to stand out in special segments of the market with a view to offering their clients recognizable added value. The clients who look for special products in order to be different encourage small companies to create exceptional items. Vuarnet is the company that offers the best eye protection thanks to the exceptional characteristics of the mineral lenses made at its specialized laboratories in Paris. Vuarnet offers a pure product Made in France." For a more detailed idea about the new products presented at the exhibition of Rho-Pero we talked to product manager Alessia Vedovato: "Mido – she said – gives us the opportunity to present a new selection of outdoor lifestyle models with unmistakable French taste that is elegant but also casual, with a color proposal that perfectly matches with the real heart of Vuarnet and the strongest trends of the moment. The very latest proposals include two models for men, 'ultra V' in acetate VL1304 and VL1305, where, in addition to plastic versions in timeless total black and tortoise, personalized acetates have been reconfirmed with a wink at the special French tricolor, but this time revisited in a matte version with an effect that is intriguing to see and touch. Polished and matte surfaces alternate also in the subsequent three retro models VL1306, VL1307 and VL1308, created in original nylon, where solid nuances from white to kaki, from warm brown to dark slate blue are designed to meet the tastes of a younger target. Dyed-in-the-mass mineral glass lenses in all these new models are still the brand's indisputable protagonists. All its creations, full lenses PX2000, PX3000, PX5000 and iconic mirrored lenses like Skilynx, Citylynx, Nautilux, have a wealth of special treatments (water and oil resistant, scratch resistant, anti-fog, internal antireflection) to guarantee maximum protection for the eyes and exceptional vision quality. Now they are even thinner and lighter to increase comfort for Vuarnet consumers in all their daily activities. The authenticity of the 100% Made in France product is guaranteed by the Vuarnet logo, a 'V' engraved discreetly on each lens." Is there a common denominator for eyewear in 2013? "The leitmotif of all the 2013 collections is without doubt the "back to the future" concept: shapes, concepts and the use of materials from Vuarnet's great inheritance are put in a different context by adapting to contemporary tastes and needs. The return of the soft, elastic and considerable light nylon, which gives every Vuarnet model a really comfortable and unique fit - in restructured colors and combinations with different Vuarnet mineral lenses - is just one of the applications of this concept. In other words, the proudly protected inheritance of Vuarnet's great past is remodeled and improved so that it is understood in the present and becomes even more interesting in the future. The re-proposal of the three injected nylon models VL0113, VL0120 and VL0121 is emblematic: they made the brand successful and now they are offered with a more refined and contemporary look." Research and innovation are words that are used most frequently in the sector. Do they represent reality? "Yes, without a doubt" – replied Elsa Ravaud, marketing & communication Project Manager: "you cannot make progress without research. At the same time, however, the constant pressure to innovate can have no better companion than respect for and attention to the testimonies of the past. With its prestigiuos fifty-year history, Vuarnet is well aware of this aspect and once again markedly conveys it to its faithful supporters and new clients." Describe Vuarnet in one word. "Vuarnet has a story to tell in the world of skiing, an inheritance to protect. Since 1960 Vuarnet has offered the best protection for the eyes and vision of the best quality. Vuarnet is elegance that speaks French, it is a sporting spirit, it is quality and reliability."
