Vuarnet isn't a household name, but that doesn't mean it isn't iconic. Known for its top-quality sunglasses and appreciated by many mountain enthusiasts, today we're going to take a look at the history of this brand - let's get started!
The origins of the Vuarnet brand
It all began in 1957, at an optical institute in Paris. Optical student Joseph Hatchiguian and optician Roger Pouilloux were working on a lens for night-time driving. Combining the fruits of their research, they invented a lens that would provide protection from the sun, while increasing light intensity when it diminished on a dark day. The two teamed up to create the Skilynx Acier brand.
A little later, in 1960, during the Winter Olympics held in Squaw Valley, California, the Skilynx brand supplied the French Alpine ski team, including Jean Vuarnet, who went on to win the gold medal. With the skier's name gaining momentum, the brand and Jean Vuarnet decided to join forces and reach an agreement, allowing the brand to take on the skier's name, which was totally in line with the ski eyewear brand's image.
Rapid expansion
Vuarnet experienced strong growth in the 1980s, and set out to conquer the United States with the slogan " It's a Vuarnet day today ", to signify a sunny day.
Vuarnet stands out for the two aspects that the brand wishes to highlight in its collections, namely technological research into the best materials for sports performance, and timeless design that conforms to the eyes of lovers of fine eyewear. Vuarnet is the eyewear brand that combines technical and aesthetic excellence.
Many of the frames in the Vuarnet collection have been used in movies and are now cult favorites, such as the 003 worn by Jeff Bridges in the film "The Big Lebowski", or the 006 worn by Alain Delon in the now legendary film "La Piscine". On the sports front, the most famous model worn by skiers in the 1990s was undoubtedly the 002, which was reissued in 2013.
Vuarnet 002
Vuarnet 003
The Vuarnet 006
Vuarnet today
Even today, Vuarnet sponsors numerous sportsmen and women, a field that is close to the company's heart because it's where it all began. The brand's other spearhead is innovation, as it continues to offer highly technical lenses for very specific needs. One example is the mirror lenses used in the high mountains, which you can read more about in our article on how to choose your sunglasses. The same applies to glacier glasses, which the brand launched for mountaineers and which are enjoying a resurgence in popularity thanks to their inimitable look.
The Vuarnet glacier model
These models, like the Ray-Ban Wayfarer and Aviator, despite their long history, continue to be renewed and endure, because they have managed to make their mark. By offering simple, effective frames, Vuarnet has succeeded in attracting and keeping the crowds, thanks to a skilful blend of technology and design.
Loading...