Thélios
Thélios is LVMH Group's wholly-owned eyewear division, designing, manufacturing, and distributing luxury eyewear for 11+ LVMH Maisons and proprietary brands Vuarnet and Barton Perreira through a 40,000 m² Italian Manifattura, 18 global subsidiaries, and selective travel retail channels.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersLongarone, Italy
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Thélios does
Thélios is the dedicated eyewear entity of LVMH Group, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Longarone, in the Italian Dolomites (Veneto region). The company designs, manufactures, and distributes luxury eyewear for more than 11 LVMH Maisons, including Dior, Fendi, Celine, Loewe, Givenchy, Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Fred, Kenzo, Stella McCartney, Fenty, Rimowa, and Berluti, under the proprietary "Alta Occhialeria" quality framework that combines Italian craftsmanship with advanced manufacturing techniques. Thélios also owns two proprietary acquired brands, Vuarnet (acquired September 2023, a French mineral lens specialist certified Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant) and Barton Perreira (acquired November 2023, a Los Angeles-founded luxury eyewear house), and holds a minority stake in Berlin-based MYKITA (announced November 2024). Core production is centered on the 40,000 m² Manifattura in Longarone, supplemented by a newly inaugurated 20,000 m² metalworking facility (October 2025) integrated from the Safilo Longarone acquisition.
The business model is a hybrid B2B contract-manufacturing platform for LVMH Maisons plus selective proprietary brand distribution. Thélios earns revenue through eyewear production and wholesale for the Maisons and through direct and wholesale sales of its proprietary brands via a curated optical retail network, department stores, and travel retail (notably the Qatar Duty Free multi-brand concept at Hamad International Airport with a Snapchat-powered AR try-on mirror). Go-to-market combines selective enterprise distribution through 18 international subsidiaries spanning the Americas (Miami HQ, New York showroom, Mexico City), EMEA (Longarone HQ, Benelux, Dubai), and APAC (Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai), with marketing anchored by the Venice International Film Festival sponsorship, Vogue Business editorial partnership, and the Thélios Insider training app for opticians. Revenue is estimated by Bernstein at approximately €700 million for 2024, with the company reportedly having tripled sales over the prior 3-4 years. Leadership is headed by CEO Alessandro Zanardo, with recent regional leadership appointments including Luca Guillot Boschetti (Head of Thélios Americas) and Cedric Moreau (CEO of Barton Perreira).
Thélios firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Thélios
- Legal name
- Thélios S.p.A. a socio unico
- Website
- https://thelios.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Thélios is LVMH Group's wholly-owned eyewear division, designing, manufacturing, and distributing luxury eyewear for 11+ LVMH Maisons and proprietary brands Vuarnet and Barton Perreira through a 40,000 m² Italian Manifattura, 18 global subsidiaries, and selective travel retail channels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Thélios industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Luxury Eyewear Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115), Optical Goods Retailers (456130)
- SIC
- Ophthalmic Goods (3851)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Luxury & Designer Eyewear (CRAAAKAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Sunglasses & Luxury Eyewear (CRAKAEAE), Eyewear Retail & DTC Brands (Frames & Sunglasses) (CRAAAKAK), Luxury Eyewear (Sunglasses & Optical) (CRAKAFAG)
Keywords
Where Thélios is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Longarone
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices6 records
Markets served
Thélios business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Eyewear Production for LVMH Maisons: Design, manufacture, and distribution of luxury eyewear for 11 LVMH Maisons including Dior, Fendi, Celine, Loewe, Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Kenzo, Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Fred, and Fenty
- Proprietary Brand Sales: Revenue from owned luxury eyewear brands Barton Perreira and Vuarnet sold through selective optical retail and brand boutiques
- Travel Retail: Sales through duty-free and travel retail environments including airport multi-brand concepts
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Thélios product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Thélios designs, manufactures, and distributes luxury eyewear (sunglasses and optical frames) for 11+ LVMH Maisons including Dior, Fendi, Celine, Loewe, Givenchy, Bulgari, TAG Heuer, and Fenty, while also owning and operating two proprietary acquired brands — Barton Perreira and Vuarnet. The company runs an integrated value chain from ideation to global distribution through its state-of-the-art Manifattura production facility in Longarone, Italy, and a selective worldwide retail network.
Product overview
Thélios is the eyewear segment of LVMH Group, founded in 2017, specializing in luxury eyewear design, manufacturing, and distribution. The company operates under the 'Alta Occhialeria' quality framework—combining creativity and manufacturing excellence for authentic Made in Italy products. Thélios serves 11 LVMH Maisons including Dior, Fendi, Celine, Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Kenzo, Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Fred, Rimowa, Berluti, and Fenty, creating sunglasses and optical frames that reflect each Maison's distinct identity. Additionally, Thélios owns two proprietary brands acquired in 2023: Barton Perreira (luxury eyewear from Los Angeles) and Vuarnet (French outdoor eyewear with mineral lens expertise). The company operates the Manifattura, a 40,000 m² production facility in Longarone, Italy, at the foot of the Dolomites. Supporting products include the Thélios Insider training app for opticians and staff, and AR virtual try-on technology at retail locations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Barton Perreira: Luxury eyewear brand founded in 2007 in Los Angeles, California by Bill Barton and Patty Perreira. Known for design without compromises and superb craftsmanship, standing for understated luxury and timeless designs.
- Vuarnet
- MYKITA
Products and services
- Dior Eyewear Luxury sunglasses and optical frames designed, manufactured, and distributed by Thélios for Dior, reflecting the Maison's couture heritage and creative direction. Sold through Thélios' selective optical retail and department store network.
- Fendi Eyewear Eyewear collections for Fendi, the Roman luxury fashion house founded in 1925, produced by Thélios and renowned for craftsmanship and innovation tied to Italian heritage.
- Celine Eyewear Luxury eyewear for Celine, the Parisian fashion house founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana, produced by Thélios and representing Parisian Chic enriched by Savoir-Faire.
- Loewe Eyewear Luxury eyewear collections for Loewe produced under the Thélios partnership, including creative direction under Michael Rider.
- Givenchy Eyewear Eyewear collections for Givenchy, one of LVMH's prestigious Maisons, produced by Thélios.
- Stella McCartney Eyewear Eyewear collections for Stella McCartney, LVMH Maison known for sustainable fashion, produced by Thélios.
- Kenzo Eyewear Eyewear collections for Kenzo, the LVMH fashion house known for bold designs, produced by Thélios.
- Bulgari Eyewear Luxury eyewear produced under a strategic partnership between Bulgari and Thélios effective January 2024, combining Italian design and craftsmanship between heritage and visionary creativity, distributed worldwide.
- TAG Heuer Eyewear Swiss precision luxury eyewear collection by TAG Heuer, revived after a 7-year absence through a partnership with Thélios. Fuses TAG Heuer codes with Thélios' Italian craftsmanship.
- Fred Eyewear Eyewear collections for Fred, the Parisian jewelry and watch Maison known for bold, modern designs, produced by Thélios.
- Rimowa Eyewear Eyewear collections for Rimowa, the German luxury luggage manufacturer under LVMH, produced by Thélios.
- Berluti Eyewear Eyewear collections for Berluti, the LVMH Maison known for ultra-elegant leather goods and menswear, produced by Thélios.
- Fenty Eyewear Eyewear collections for Fenty, Rihanna's beauty and fashion brand under LVMH, produced by Thélios.
- Barton Perreira Proprietary luxury eyewear brand acquired by Thélios in November 2023, founded in 2007 in Los Angeles by Bill Barton and Patty Perreira. Known for understated luxury, timeless designs, and exceptional craftsmanship, distributed through Thélios' selective optical retail network.
- Vuarnet Proprietary French luxury outdoor sunglass brand founded in 1957, acquired by Thélios in September 2023 as its first brand acquisition. Renowned for pioneering mineral lens manufacturing and 60+ years of heritage, with Meaux manufacturing site certified Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant by the French government.
- Thélios Insider Training App Innovative training application designed to enhance the eyewear experience for opticians and Thélios staff worldwide. Features onboarding modules, product information, and celebrity endorsements. Available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Portuguese.
Quantifiable outcome
- Tripled sales over past 3-4 years
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Thélios
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Thélios technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability2 records
Feature4 records
Thélios partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and minor.
- MYKITAstrategicMYKITA, the pioneering Berlin-based eyewear brand, and Thélios entered an agreement for minority investment in MYKITA. The development marks a significant moment of affirmation for MYKITA, underscoring belief in the brand's concept, values and vision. MYKITA will continue operating with full independence in strategy, operations, and creative process.
- Qatar Duty FreecoreThélios partnered with Qatar Duty Free to introduce a unique luxury multi-brand concept at Hamad International Airport. The 45-square meter store features Maisons including Dior, Fendi, Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Celine and Loewe with dedicated brand spaces, equipped with Snapchat-powered AR mirror for virtual try-on.
- Optitalia GroupminorOptitalia Group served as distributor introducing Thélios in the Middle East region. Thélios thanked Optitalia for their continuous support before establishing direct subsidiary operations.
- Barton PerreirastrategicThélios acquired Barton Perreira, luxury eyewear company co-founded by Bill Barton and Patty Perreira in 2007 in Los Angeles. The acquisition expands Thélios' portfolio and strengthens leadership in luxury eyewear excellence through selective distribution network.
- BulgaricoreStarting January 2024, Bulgari and Thélios combined Italian design and craftsmanship in a virtuous partnership for creation, manufacture and worldwide distribution of Bulgari eyewear. The partnership marks pursuit of excellence through ambitious and mutual vision for luxury eyewear market.
- Vogue BusinessstrategicThélios and Vogue Business launched exclusive international series of industry talks titled 'Vogue Business x Thélios Talks: Framing the future of luxury eyewear'. Sessions in New York, Rome, and Paris explored opportunities, trends and dynamics of luxury eyewear category.
- La Biennale di VeneziastrategicThree-year strategic collaboration with La Biennale di Venezia as official eyewear sponsor of Venice International Film Festival. Thélios Suite at Hotel Excelsior hosts talents, press and guests with exclusive eyewear collections, press junkets, and hospitality experiences.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves12 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Thélios competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- EssilorLuxottica: World's largest eyewear manufacturer and retailer, producing licensed eyewear for many luxury houses (e.g., Chanel, Prada) plus owning Ray-Ban, Oakley and a global retail network. Direct comparator to Thélios in eyewear manufacturing scale, brand-licensing model, and selective retail.
- Marchon Eyewear: Major global eyewear manufacturer producing licensed eyewear for brands like Calvin Klein, Nike, Lacoste, and previously luxury-adjacent houses. Comparable as a large licensed-eyewear manufacturer competing for global retailer relationships.
Direct peers
- Kering Eyewear: Wholly-owned eyewear division of Kering, producing and distributing branded eyewear for Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and others via an integrated model very similar to Thélios. Closest business-model comparator as a captive luxury-conglomerate eyewear platform.
- Safilo Group: Italian eyewear manufacturer producing branded and licensed eyewear (including previously for LVMH brands and now Dior, Fendi under Thélios). Strong direct competitor for license contracts and operates a Longarone manufacturing footprint that Thélios just acquired a portion of.
- Marcolin: Italian eyewear manufacturer producing licensed eyewear for Tom Ford, Ermenegildo Zegna, Guess, and other brands via an integrated design-to-distribution model similar to Thélios. Directly comparable Longarone-based competitor for luxury Maison eyewear contracts.
- De Rigo: Italian eyewear group manufacturing licensed and proprietary eyewear brands (Police, Sting, Loewe previously, and others). Comparable family-controlled Italian eyewear manufacturer with a similar licensing-and-vertical-integration business model to Thélios.
- Charmant Group: Japanese eyewear frame manufacturer licensed with luxury brands such as Givenchy and producing premium metal and acetate frames. Comparable as a licensed-luxury-eyewear manufacturer serving global fashion houses.
Emerging players
- MYKITA: Berlin-based independent luxury eyewear brand in which Thélios took a minority stake in November 2024. Overlapping high-end design positioning and artisanal manufacturing approach; competitor for independent luxury optical retailer shelf space.
- Barton Perreira: LA-based luxury eyewear brand acquired by Thélios in 2023 and now a wholly-owned subsidiary. Continues to operate as a distinct premium brand alongside Thélios own wholesale of competitor brands.
Others
- Persol / Ray-Ban (Luxottica brands): Iconic eyewear brands operated by EssilorLuxottica and sold through premium optical retailers. Comparable as a luxury-tier proprietary eyewear brand sharing Thélios' selective optical-retail channel and competing for end-consumer attention.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Thélios social profiles
Digital presenceThélios compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Thélios financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Thélios leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Thélios subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries9 records
Thélios funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Thélios M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A2 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Thélios
What does Thélios do?
Thélios designs, manufactures, and distributes luxury eyewear (sunglasses and optical frames) for 11+ LVMH Maisons including Dior, Fendi, Celine, Loewe, Givenchy, Bulgari, TAG Heuer, and Fenty, while also owning and operating two proprietary acquired brands — Barton Perreira and Vuarnet. The company runs an integrated value chain from ideation to global distribution through its state-of-the-art Manifattura production facility in Longarone, Italy, and a selective worldwide retail network.
Is Thélios a public or private company?
Thélios is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Thélios founded?
Thélios was founded in 2017. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Thélios based?
Thélios is headquartered in Longarone, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does Thélios make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Eyewear Production for LVMH Maisons are the primary driver. The others are proprietary Brand Sales and travel Retail.
Who are Thélios's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are EssilorLuxottica and Marchon Eyewear. Direct peers are Kering Eyewear, Safilo Group, Marcolin, De Rigo and Charmant Group. Emerging players are MYKITA and Barton Perreira. Persol / Ray-Ban (Luxottica brands) is listed as an others.
Does Thélios have an API?
No public API is recorded for Thélios.
What industry is Thélios in?
Thélios's product category is Luxury Eyewear Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAAAKAD, Luxury & Designer Eyewear, with a secondary code of CRAKAEAE, Sunglasses & Luxury Eyewear. Its NAICS code is 339115 and its SIC code is 3851.