ic! berlin
Marcolin · Germany
ic! berlin is a Berlin eyewear brand founded in 1996, known for lightweight sheet metal frames with a screwless hinge. It was majority owned by Premium Equity Partners from 2017 and was acquired by the Italian eyewear group Marcolin in November 2023. Its products are sold in around 60 countries.
| Founded | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Ralph Anderl, Philipp Haffmans, Harald Gottschling |
| Owner | Marcolin (since November 2023) |
| Headquarters | Berlin, Germany |
| Signature | Screwless spring steel hinge |
| Markets | About 60 countries |
| Website | ic-berlin.de |
What is ic! berlin?
ic! berlin designs optical frames and sunglasses built around a patented hinge made from 0.5 millimetre stainless spring steel sheet, assembled without screws, welds or glue. The result is very light, flexible frames that became a signature of Berlin eyewear design. The company's flagship store is on Münzstrasse in Berlin Mitte.
History
The business was founded in 1996 as HGA Gesellschaft to produce eyewear under the name ic! brille, and became ic! berlin in late 1997. Its founders were Ralph Anderl, who handled finance and distribution, and designers Philipp Haffmans and Harald Gottschling. The first frame, called Jack, weighed about 20 grams. In 2003 Haffmans and Gottschling left to co-found Mykita, and Anderl became sole managing director.
In November 2017 Anderl sold a majority stake to the investment firm Premium Equity Partners. In November 2023 the Italian eyewear group Marcolin completed its acquisition of ic! berlin. Marcolin lists ic! berlin among its brands, alongside licences such as Tom Ford, Max Mara, Zegna and Guess.
Products and positioning
ic! berlin is a premium designer eyewear label. Its range includes:
- Optical frames in stainless steel sheet
- Sunglasses using the same hinge technology
- Frames combining metal with acetate
- Occasional fashion projects and collaborations
Business model and distribution
The brand sells mainly through independent opticians and eyewear specialists in around 60 countries in Europe, North America and Asia, complemented by its own stores and online presence. As part of Marcolin it gains access to a larger international distribution network.
Why it matters
ic! berlin was a pioneer of the Berlin school of technical eyewear that also produced Mykita. Its acquisition by Marcolin, a group built largely on licensed fashion brands, shows how licensing companies are adding owned brands with their own design and product heritage.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns ic! berlin?
ic! berlin has been owned by the Italian eyewear group Marcolin since November 2023. Before that, the investment firm Premium Equity Partners had held a majority stake since 2017.
What is special about ic! berlin glasses?
ic! berlin frames use a patented hinge made from thin stainless spring steel that works without screws, welds or glue. This makes them very light and flexible.