An emblem of quality and excellence

When was Thélios established?

The joint venture with LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) was revealed in January 2017. Thélios is born from the will of the LVMH group to penetrate the eyewear sector, and the expertise of the Marcolin Group in the creation of unique frames that can faithfully combine Italian design and craftsmanship with the core values of each house.

Can you tell OT about Thélios?

Thélios covers the entire eyewear production cycle, dealing with the design, production and worldwide distribution of sunglasses and optical frames for some of the houses within the LVMH portfolio. As an emblem of quality and excellence at every level, in the product as well as in the service, in communication, and in distribution, Thélios offers its own 'enlightened look' on the sector.

What are the goals of the company?

Thélios introduces an ambitious vision that makes eyewear an essential accessory that follows the rhythm of the ready-to-wear collections of LVMH houses to meet the expectations of today’s demanding consumers. This joint venture is anchored by these key missions: 

• Close collaboration with each LVMH partner house, respecting their identity
• Excellence at each stage of the production, gathering craftsmanship and innovation
• Quality of the customer experience, with control over every aspect of a selective distribution.

Thélios has a global strategy with a mid to long-term view. The first point is the product development because you start from there but cannot do anything without it. We need to control supply but equally manufacturing because otherwise you run the risk of having good ideas but can’t put them into reality. For distribution, we have a worldwide network of brand ambassadors who look after their own brands specifically, servicing clients on one side, but also helping the client, the opticians, do things properly, such as marketing.

Can you tell me about how Thélios got its name?

It is a synthesis of the names of the Greek gods Theia, goddess of light and sight, and Helios, god of the sun.

What eyewear brands are currently in its portfolio?

The first brand presented is Céline, whilst Loewe will be launched in June 2018, and Fred in the last quarter of the year. The joint venture is aimed to design, produce and distribute sunglasses and optical frames worldwide for some brands that are part of the LVMH portfolio.

What are the frame highlights from the Céline collection?

Céline presents for the SS18 season an eyewear collection made entirely in Italy, crafted in iconic and essential styles, designed, produced and distributed by Thélios. Among the different models, the ‘CL40019I’ (pictured) sunglass features shapes and geometric lines alternate in this decidedly cat-eye, ultra-feminine style in bright and colourful acetate: a vintage style revisited in a bold, contemporary way.