Stella McCartney and Thélios, the eyewear expert of French luxury group LVMH, announced their exclusive long-term partnership for Stella McCartney’s eyewear category. The agreement will see Stella McCartney collaborate with Thélios on sustainable innovation in the category, while the latter also develops, manufactures, and distributes Stella McCartney eyewear beginning with the Spring/Summer 2021 collection, available as of November 2020.
Stella McCartney commented: “Since day one, we have been committed to creating materials that are the most desirable, with the least impact on the planet – including in the plastic-heavy luxury eyewear category. We introduce to Thélios our biotech solutions and sustainable innovation, and are thrilled to have their experts join us in growing Stella McCartney eyewear’s eco-friendly vision.”
The partnership of Stella McCartney and Thélios will mark a new chapter in its ambition to provide products made of alternative raw materials. The first collection will incorporate a row of sustainable features like bio-lenses, composed of 39% castor oil with a carbon reduction emissions of 40% on the raw material. In addition, the frames will feature an ecological version of bio-acetate, composed of fibers derived from wood and cotton seeds, plant-based plasticizers, and 68% organic carbon content. For the first time, Stella McCartney Kids collection will also feature bio-acetate.
Giovanni Zoppas, CEO of Thélios, added: “We are delighted to welcome Stella McCartney to the Thélios family at a time when sustainability and protecting the environment could not possibly be more important for us and our industry. Her unique vision will also benefit our other Maisons that are truly committed to limiting their environmental footprint and using sustainable materials.”
This new partnership will allow Stella McCartney to continue to evolve its effortless style and sustainable material innovation in the eyewear category. It will be enriched by Thélios’s unique expertise, housed at its manufacturing facility in Longarone.
The Stella McCartney eyewear collection will be available in Stella McCartney stores and online on StellaMcCartney.com as well as within Thélios’s selective distribution network.
About Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney is a luxury lifestyle brand that was launched under the designer’s name in 2001. Stella’s approach to design emphasizes sharp tailoring, natural confidence and an effortless attitude. The brand is committed to being an ethical and modern company, believing it is responsible for the resources it uses and the impact it has on the environment. It is therefore constantly exploring innovative ways to become more sustainable, from designing to store practices and product manufacturing. As a lifelong vegetarian, Stella McCartney never uses any leather, fur, skins, or feather in any products for both ethical and environmental reasons, setting a standard for the use of alternative materials. Supporting circularity, the brand is embracing new business models that will transform how clothes are produced, sold, shared, repaired, and reused; promoting a long-lasting product with extended use to reduce environmental impact.
The brand now offers women and menswear ready-to-wear, as well as handbags, shoes, and a kids line. It has also developed under licensing eyewear, lingerie, swimwear, fragrances, and a long-term partnership with Adidas. The collections are currently available in more than 100 countries at wholesale, and through 60 freestanding stores including London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
About Thélios
The name “Thélios” is the synthesis of the names of the Greek gods Theia, goddess of light and sight, and Helios, god of the sun. Born from the will of LVMH Group, world leader in luxury, to establish itself in the eyewear sector, Thélios designs, produces and distributes sunglasses and optical frames for some of its most prestigious Maisons: Celine, Loewe, Kenzo, Fenty, Fred and Berluti. With its Manifattura, located in Longarone, Italy, Thélios blends the distinct identity of each Maison with Italian craftsmanship to create exceptional luxury eyewear. Thélios offers its own “enlightened look” on the sector, providing the highest level of quality and excellence both in its products and service.
