Luxury conglomerate LVMH’s eyewear division, Thélios, has made waves in the world of high-end eyewear with its recent acquisition of Barton Perreira, a distinguished luxury eyewear label hailing from the sunny shores of Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2007 by eyewear luminaries Bill Barton and Patty Perreira, Barton Perreira has garnered a reputation for its exquisite craftsmanship and timeless designs, making it a coveted brand among Hollywood stars, collectors of high-end sunglasses, and discerning eyewear enthusiasts.
This acquisition marks yet another strategic move by LVMH, as it delves deeper into the burgeoning designer sunglass market. Thélios’ purchase of Barton Perreira comes on the heels of its acquisition of the esteemed French Alpine brand, Vuarnet, in September, underlining its commitment to expanding its presence in the luxury eyewear industry.
Barton Perreira has etched its name among the elite eyewear brands by adhering to a steadfast commitment to design excellence and superb craftsmanship. With a loyal customer base, the label has become synonymous with understated luxury and exceptional eyewear creations. Barton Perreira eyewear collections have captivated consumers who seek the finest in eyewear, positioning the brand as a true gemstone in the industry.
Alessandro Zanardo, CEO of Thélios, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We are excited to welcome Barton Perreira into our Maison portfolio. The brand is a true gemstone in the eyewear industry, standing for understated luxury, timeless designs, and exceptional craftsmanship. We are looking forward to working with Barton Perreira’s talented team and dedicating ourselves to preserving its unique identity while leveraging our resources and expertise to further develop the brand.”
Bill Barton, co-founder and CEO of Barton Perreira, and Patty Perreira, co-founder, and designer, also shared their enthusiasm about the partnership. They conveyed, “We are incredibly proud of what Barton Perreira has achieved over the years, and we believe this partnership with Thélios will take the brand to new heights. Thélios shares our passion for craftsmanship and quality, and we are excited to see the wonderful things we will achieve together.”
Barton Perreira’s eyewear creations have earned a cult-like following among Hollywood stars and high-end eyewear collectors. Known for their impeccable designs and exceptional quality, Barton Perreira’s models typically retail for $500 or $600, making them highly sought after. The limited-edition designs, produced in small quantities, are particularly coveted among eyewear connoisseurs.
Notably, Daniel Craig donned a pair of Barton Perreira “Joe” sunglasses in the latest James Bond film, “No Time to Die.” The brand’s exquisite eyewear has also found favour with celebrities such as Demi Lovato, Sandra Bullock, and Ryan Gosling.
While the acquisition of Barton Perreira is a significant milestone, Thélios is currently focused on integrating its recent acquisitions, including Vuarnet and a newly acquired manufacturing facility in Italy. This consolidation will lay the groundwork for synergies and innovation in the luxury eyewear sector.
Building on Thélios’ and Barton Perreira’s track record of success, this partnership is poised to propel both companies to new heights in the eyewear industry. Barton Perreira will benefit from Thélios’ selective distribution network, gaining access to the finest optical stores worldwide while complementing the brand’s own boutiques. With a strong presence in the U.S. market, Barton Perreira will also leverage Thélios’ global reach and luxury expertise to expand its footprint in high-potential markets in Europe and Asia.
The founders, Bill Barton, and Patty Perreira, will continue to lead Barton Perreira in its new phase of growth, ensuring the brand’s unique identity and commitment to exceptional craftsmanship remain at the forefront.