Marcolin

Marcolin is an Italian eyewear manufacturer founded in 1961 and based in Longarone, in the Veneto region. It designs, produces and distributes optical frames and sunglasses for a portfolio of owned and licensed brands.

What is Marcolin?

Marcolin is one of the leading Italian eyewear companies, headquartered in Longarone in the province of Belluno, the heart of Italy's eyewear district. It makes optical frames and sunglasses under around 25 owned and licensed brands.

History

The company was founded in 1961 in the Veneto by Giovanni Marcolin, originally as an artisan workshop. It expanded to the United States in 1968 and later opened offices in France, Switzerland and Germany. PAI Partners became majority owner in 2012, and in December 2025 the US company VSP Vision completed its acquisition of Marcolin.

Products and positioning

Marcolin's model rests on licensing: it develops eyewear collections for fashion, luxury and lifestyle names alongside its own labels. Its portfolio has included:

• Luxury: Tom Ford, Zegna, Max Mara, Pucci, Christian Louboutin
• Fashion and lifestyle: Guess, Gant, GCDS, Kenneth Cole, Timberland
• Sport and others: Adidas, Skechers, Harley-Davidson, ic! berlin, Web Eyewear

Distribution

Collections are distributed to opticians and retailers worldwide through Marcolin's international subsidiaries and partners.

Why it matters

Marcolin is a key player in the licensed eyewear business, one of the main ways fashion houses extend into accessories, and its acquisition by VSP Vision connects Italian manufacturing with a large US vision care group.

Frequently asked questions

Who owns Marcolin?

Marcolin is owned by VSP Vision, which completed its acquisition of the Italian eyewear maker in December 2025.

Which brands does Marcolin make eyewear for?

Marcolin's portfolio has included Tom Ford, Guess, Max Mara, Zegna, Adidas, Timberland and other owned and licensed brands.

All brands