France's Emmanuel Macron was spotted wearing sleek, Top Gun-style aviator sunglasses at a recent gathering of world leaders in Davos. The style has sparked countless jokes and memes, with many wondering if the French president had injured himself or simply wanted to avoid confrontations with Donald Trump.
However, a behind-the-scenes look reveals that there's more to Macron's sunglasses than meets the eye. In reality, they were chosen for their high-quality craftsmanship and symbolic significance in the context of France-US relations. The glasses are made by Maison Henry Jullien, an artisanal company based in eastern France, which has been producing eyewear for over 100 years.
The story began when Macron's office contacted iVision Tech, the Italian company that owns Henry Jullien, to purchase a pair of glasses as a diplomatic gift. However, Macron personally decided to buy them himself, paying close attention to whether they were entirely made in France.
For those who may not know, these bespoke aviators are hand-assembled using an "ancient technique" where gold is bonded to the base metal, making them harder-wearing and more durable than regular glasses. The blue-tinted UV lenses are produced by Dalloz, another Jura-based company.
So what drove Macron's choice of sunglasses? According to Stefano Fulchir, president of iVision Tech, it was not merely a fashion statement but an investment piece that reflects the company's attention to detail and commitment to quality. As he put it, "This is not ordinary eyewear; it's a luxury product that won't break after two years."
While Macron's team might not have wanted to reveal the true reason behind his sunglasses choice, it seems clear that the French president has made a thoughtful decision, one that prioritizes both form and substance.
However, a behind-the-scenes look reveals that there's more to Macron's sunglasses than meets the eye. In reality, they were chosen for their high-quality craftsmanship and symbolic significance in the context of France-US relations. The glasses are made by Maison Henry Jullien, an artisanal company based in eastern France, which has been producing eyewear for over 100 years.
The story began when Macron's office contacted iVision Tech, the Italian company that owns Henry Jullien, to purchase a pair of glasses as a diplomatic gift. However, Macron personally decided to buy them himself, paying close attention to whether they were entirely made in France.
For those who may not know, these bespoke aviators are hand-assembled using an "ancient technique" where gold is bonded to the base metal, making them harder-wearing and more durable than regular glasses. The blue-tinted UV lenses are produced by Dalloz, another Jura-based company.
So what drove Macron's choice of sunglasses? According to Stefano Fulchir, president of iVision Tech, it was not merely a fashion statement but an investment piece that reflects the company's attention to detail and commitment to quality. As he put it, "This is not ordinary eyewear; it's a luxury product that won't break after two years."
While Macron's team might not have wanted to reveal the true reason behind his sunglasses choice, it seems clear that the French president has made a thoughtful decision, one that prioritizes both form and substance.