What District Vision does

District Vision is a Los Angeles-based direct-to-consumer performance eyewear and athletic apparel brand founded in 2015 by Max Vallot (ex-Saint Laurent) and Tom Daly (ex-Acne Studios). The company designs in Los Angeles and manufactures products primarily in Japan using hand-sculpted craftsmanship with materials such as nylon-titanium blends and aerospace-grade titanium. Its core technical asset is the proprietary D+ Lens Technology, a registered trademark covering a lens system engineered for light transmission, color optimization, shatter resistance, and water/oil repellency, applied across its eyewear portfolio spanning performance and lifestyle frames priced from approximately $295 to over $635.

The business monetizes through one-time sales of premium eyewear, technical apparel (shells, insulation, knitwear, tights, tops, accessories), and a growing collaborative footwear line anchored by a multi-product partnership with New Balance. Distribution combines owned DTC e-commerce at districtvision.com, a newly opened 2,000 sq ft flagship store at 939 Santa Fe Avenue in LA's Arts District, and curated wholesale through Dover Street Market, SSENSE, and Barneys New York. The brand serves a "mindful athlete" and fashion-conscious runner demographic, reinforced by celebrity associations (Jeff Goldblum, Harry Styles), editorial coverage, and a portfolio of collaborations with POST ARCHIVE FACTION, Massimo Osti Studio, Tracksmith, 66 North, and Maurten.

District Vision remains wholly bootstrapped with no external funding, a 1-10 person headcount, and primary markets in North America and Asia (the second-largest market), with a planned New York store in 2027 followed by formal Asia entry. Reported growth has been approximately 40% year-on-year historically, accelerating to 50% year-on-year since 2024.

Name

District Vision

Legal name

District Vision

Website

https://districtvision.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

District Vision is a Los Angeles-based DTC brand that designs and sells premium performance eyewear (D+ Lens Technology, manufactured in Japan) along with technical apparel and collaborative footwear for mindful athletes and fashion-conscious runners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performance Eyewear and Athletic Apparel

NAICS

Optical Goods Retailers (456130), Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115), Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (3159)

SIC

Ophthalmic Goods (3851), Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300)

akta.pro primary industry

Sport & Performance Eyewear (CRAAAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Luxury & Designer Eyewear (CRAAAKAD), Eyewear Accessories & Care (Cases, Cleaning, Chains) (CRAAAKAI)

Keywords

• Performance eyewear
• Sports sunglasses
• Running apparel
• Technical athletic wear
• Athletic accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Sales - Eyewear: Premium performance eyewear including sunglasses and sport glasses with D+ lens technology. Wide range of frames at various price points from $295 to $635+.
2. Product Sales - Apparel: Technical apparel including shells, insulation, knitwear, tights, tops, and accessories. Products manufactured in Japan and California with premium materials.
3. Product Sales - Footwear: Collaborative running footwear with New Balance including training shoes, trail shoes, and performance running shoes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

District Vision designs and sells premium performance sunglasses manufactured in Japan using its proprietary D+ Lens Technology, alongside technical athletic apparel (tops, bottoms, outerwear, insulation) made from premium Italian-milled fabrics. The product portfolio is built around titanium and nylon-titanium frames engineered for runners and mindful athletes, complemented by collaborative collections with brands such as New Balance, POST ARCHIVE FACTION, Massimo Osti Studio, Tracksmith, 66 North, and Maurten. Products are sold direct-to-consumer via districtvision.com and a Los Angeles flagship store, with selective distribution through premium fashion retailers.

Product overview

District Vision is a mindful athletic apparel and performance eyewear brand founded in 2015 by Max Vallot and Tom Daly. The company designs in Los Angeles and manufactures products primarily in Japan. The core product is D+ Lens Technology—a proprietary lens system used across their extensive eyewear catalog including frames like Junya Racer, Koharu Eclipse, Takeyoshi Altitude Master, Mami Vantage, and Yukari. Beyond eyewear, the portfolio includes performance apparel (tops, bottoms, outerwear/shells, insulation/midlayers), accessories (headwear, socks, eyewear straps), and a growing footwear line through New Balance collaboration. The brand operates special programs including Made in Italy knitwear, Made in California cotton basics, and multiple high-profile collaborations with brands like POST ARCHIVE FACTION, Massimo Osti Studio, Tracksmith, 66 North, and Maurten. District Vision serves both men's and women's markets with a focus on the 'mindful athlete' demographic, combining technical performance with contemporary design aesthetics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Performance Sunglasses Premium performance sunglasses manufactured in Japan with proprietary D+ Lens Technology and titanium or nylon-titanium frames. Multiple frame styles including Junya Racer, Koharu Eclipse, Takeyoshi Altitude Master, Mami Vantage, Miho Windstream, Yukari, and Keita Summit. Lenses are shatterproof, water- and oil-repellent with anti-reflective coating. Priced from approximately $295 to $635+.
• Performance Tops Performance tops including t-shirts, shells, and knitwear featuring premium Italian-milled fabrics and recycled materials. Tees priced $75-$95.
• Performance Bottoms Running shorts, tights with four-way stretch recycled Italian milled fabric with sweat-wicking and odor-controlling properties, and various pants.
• Performance Outerwear and Shells Premium shell jackets made from Italian-milled fabrics available in single-layer water-resistant and 3-layer waterproof options. Includes Taslan Nylon Jacket, Ultralight Nylon Wind Jacket, and Half-Zip Nylon Windbreaker. Priced $130-$275.
• Insulation and Midlayers Midlayers and high-pile fleece made from premium Italian-milled fabrics providing warmth and breathability. Includes UDD DX Articulated Down Jacket, Open Neck French Terry Hoodie, and Reverse High Loft Fleece. Insulation pieces priced $225-$1,000.
• Made in Italy Knitwear Italian knit program debuting in Fall Winter 2026 featuring extra-fine washable merino wool quarter zip with nylon elbow patches, versatile turtleneck, and Kilcarra Donegal yarn cardigan.
• Made in California Cotton Program Vintage-inspired tees and hoodies from the 1970s and 1980s. 6.5oz tee and 11.5oz hoodie with yarn, fabric, and final garment made in California. Features pigment dyeing and stone wash finish. Tees at $95, hoodies at $170.
• Performance Headwear Performance headwear including Hand Crochet Balaclava, Merino Wool Beanie, Perforated Strap Hat, Cotton Hat, Paneled Nylon Hat, Nylon Paneled Mesh Hat, Performance Paneled Mesh Hat, and 5 Panel Nylon Hat.
• Performance Socks Performance socks combining organic cotton and Cordura yarns with targeted ventilation. Includes Zonal Organic Cotton Socks, Cordura Socks, USA Cotton Socks, and Japanese Cotton Socks.
• Adjustable Eyewear Strap Crafted from hypoallergenic silicone for durability in high-performance conditions. Extends up to 270mm and shortens to 155mm, ensuring secure contoured fit against face. Compatible with all District Vision frames.
• DV + New Balance Running Footwear Running and training shoes developed in collaboration with New Balance. Includes the DV + NB 1080 Training Shoe ($210), SC Elite ($280), Trail Shoe ($195), and DV + NB MT10O ($175). Multi-product collaboration spanning footwear and eyewear.
• DV + POST ARCHIVE FACTION Eyewear Koharu Eclipse PAF eyewear collaboration featuring custom cut lenses with integrated ventilation, six-base blade style frame, adjustable nose pads and temple tips with grade 2 titanium core. Available in Deep Sea, Lichen, and Sand colorways. Activewear-driven sunglasses optimized for running and cycling.
• DV + Massimo Osti Studio Collection Collaborative running collection combining technical research with minimalist aesthetics. Features aerospace-derived titanium sunglasses (Aiko Ti MO.S), ultra-light Pertex shell jacket, and ring-spun cotton graphic t-shirt. Draws from prototypes designed by late Italian sportswear designer Massimo Osti.
• DV + 66 North Outerwear Tindur Down Jacket and Insulated Pants collaboration with Icelandic brand 66 North, featuring premium down insulation for cold weather performance. Down jackets priced $800 (UDD DX Articulated) to $1,000 (DV + 66N Tindur Down Jacket).
• Tracksmith x District Vision Kazu Tourer Running eyewear collaboration inspired by 1970s alpine climbing and Formula 1 racing aesthetics, priced at $315. Features D+ Blue Ice, D+ Earth Vision, and D+ Black Rose lenses.
• DV + Maurten Fuel Tights Elite Run/Ride Fuel Tights and Elite Fuel Half Tights featuring integrated fuel storage solutions for endurance athletes, integrating Maurten's nutrition technology into performance apparel.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40% year-on-year growth with 50% growth since 2024

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 May 2026Collaboration launched Koharu Eclipse S3 eyewear featuring custom lens cuts and shield-style design optimized for running and cycling. Available in Deep Sea, Lichen, and Sand color styles.
• New BalancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2026Multi-product collaboration spanning footwear and eyewear. Includes DV + NB 1080 Training Shoe, SC Elite, Trail Shoe, and Takeyoshi Altitude Master NB Clear with D+ Photochromic lenses. Partnership supports the notion that physical journey and inner peace may be one in the same.
• Massimo Osti StudiocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 November 2025Collaborative running collection combining technical research with minimalist aesthetics, featuring aerospace-derived titanium sunglasses, ultra-light Pertex jacket, and ring-spun cotton graphic t-shirt. Draws from prototypes designed by late Italian sportswear designer Massimo Osti.
• TracksmithminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 July 2025Launched Kazu Tourer running eyewear collaboration inspired by 1970s alpine climbing and Formula 1 racing aesthetics, priced at $315. Featured D+ Blue Ice, D+ Earth Vision, and D+ Black Rose lenses.
• 66 NorthminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaborative down jacket (Tindur) and insulated pants. 66 North is an Icelandic technical apparel brand known for premium outdoor gear.
• MaurtenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Collaborative fuel tights including Men's Elite Run/Ride Fuel Tights and Men's Elite Fuel Half Tights, integrating Maurten's nutrition technology into performance apparel.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Tracksmith: Tracksmith is a premium American running brand that has directly collaborated with District Vision on the Kazu Tourer eyewear. Both brands target the same performance-conscious runner demographic with a focus on heritage aesthetics, premium materials, and curated retail experiences.
• Satisfy: Satisfy is a French premium running apparel brand with a similar cult, fashion-forward aesthetic and direct-to-consumer model. Both target the mindful-athlete and runcore consumer with technical products at luxury price points and are positioned as independent alternatives to mass running giants.
• Goodr: Goodr is a direct-to-consumer performance sunglasses brand targeting runners and athletes with bold styling and accessible pricing. While Goodr plays in the mass-market segment and District Vision in the premium segment, both compete for the same functional use case of running eyewear.
• Pit Viper: Pit Viper is a direct-to-consumer performance sunglasses brand known for bold styling and affordability. While mass-market in price, both companies compete for the same activity-driven sunglasses use case across running, cycling, and outdoor sports.

Broad incumbents

• On Running: On is a premium Swiss performance running brand with an international DTC and retail footprint. Both companies sell premium performance running products through curated DTC and premium retail channels, and On represents the scale version of what District Vision is building.
• Oakley: Oakley is the dominant incumbent in sport performance eyewear with deep roots in running and cycling. District Vision explicitly competes against vertically integrated eyewear conglomerates like Oakley's parent EssilorLuxottica by offering a more design-led, premium alternative.
• Vuori: Vuori is a premium performance lifestyle apparel brand selling through DTC and own retail. Both brands pursue the premium athleisure and mindful-athlete positioning at higher price points than mainstream competitors.
• Allbirds: Allbirds is a premium DTC lifestyle brand with its own retail footprint and international expansion playbook. Both companies built premium brand equity around material innovation, sustainability, and design-led positioning without relying on mass advertising.

Emerging players

• Sunski: Sunski is a DTC sunglasses brand with a sustainability and lifestyle positioning that overlaps with District Vision's premium, design-conscious segment. Both sell performance-adjacent sunglasses primarily through direct e-commerce channels.
• 66 North: 66 North is an Icelandic premium technical outdoor apparel brand that has directly collaborated with District Vision on the Tindur Down Jacket. Both share a premium, craftsmanship-driven positioning in the technical outerwear space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses3 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/districtvision
• Xx.com/districtvision
• Facebookfacebook.com/districtvision
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/district-vision

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about District Vision