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Published: 2026/01/30 18:06:28
The Rise of Henry Jullien’s Aviator Sunglasses
A pair of aviator sunglasses from French manufacturer Henry Jullien unexpectedly gained international prominence after being worn by french President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with former US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026. This single event has led to a surge in demand for the luxury eyewear, highlighting both the power of publicity and the challenges facing traditional French manufacturing.
A Legacy Brand Facing Modern Challenges
Henry Jullien, a historic eyewear maker established in the Jura region of France in the late 1700s, has struggled in recent years due to increased competition from lower-cost manufacturers in Asia.The French eyewear industry, once a dominant force, has seen a significant decline. In 2023, the company was acquired by Italian firm iVision Tech to help revitalize the brand. According to reports, the company had dwindled to just 15 employees before the acquisition, down from 180 fifteen years prior. Reuters
The “Davos Effect” and Increased Demand
The sunglasses, a “Top Gun”-style aviator model known as the Pacific S01, feature blue lenses and a silver frame and retail for €659 (approximately $784 USD as of January 30, 2026). Following the Davos encounter, iVision Tech reported a dramatic increase in orders. More than 500 pairs have been sold online as the event, a substantial increase for a brand that typically produces around 1,000 pairs annually, with only 200 being the Pacific S01 model. The Guardian
The surge in traffic temporarily crashed the brand’s website, prompting the launch of a dedicated webpage for the presidential model. iVision Tech’s stock experienced a 70% increase in value within days of the event. Bloomberg
Craftsmanship and “made In” Labeling
The aviator sunglasses are meticulously crafted in a 279-step process that takes four months to complete, and feature a gold wire frame. President Macron originally ordered the sunglasses in 2024 as a gift for a minister attending the G20 summit, alongside a pair for himself. Each pair is stamped with either “Made in France” or “Made in Italy,” depending on the manufacturing location, a designation considered highly valuable in the eyewear industry.
the Importance of Origin
The “Made in France” and “Made in Italy” labels are crucial indicators of quality and craftsmanship in the eyewear market. Consumers frequently enough associate these labels with superior materials, skilled labor, and attention to detail. Though, the continued relevance of the “Made in France” label is being questioned within the industry itself.
Concerns for the French Eyewear Industry
Despite the positive publicity for Henry Jullien,some within the French eyewear industry
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