Latest news with #RobertoVedovotto
Fashion Network
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Fashion Network
Kering Eyewear acquires Italian lens manufacturer Lenti
Kering Eyewear continues to expand its operations to strengthen its supply chain. The eyewear division of French luxury group Kering has made its third acquisition in less than three months, purchasing Lombardy-based optical lens manufacturer Lenti from Italian group Safilo. The companies did not disclose the value of the transaction. Kering Eyewear describes the deal as 'a key milestone in its industrial development strategy,' providing the opportunity 'to add internal capabilities for the production of Italian-made sun lenses known for exceptional quality, technological innovation, and superior performance,' the company stated in a press release. Entrepreneur Marco Negri founded Lenti in 1996 in Brembate di Sopra, in the province of Bergamo, in partnership with the Safilo Group. The company employs around 100 people and has developed advanced technologies for graphic lenses. It specializes in molding and surface treatments that protect and enhance vision across various applications, including sunglass lenses, visors, lighting components, and protective elements used in the automotive and motorcycle industries. 'We have valued Lenti's products for many years and are proud to welcome the company to Kering Eyewear. It brings an additional area of expertise to our industrial platform of manufacturing capabilities, factories, and, most importantly, outstanding talent,' said Roberto Vedovotto, founder and CEO of Kering Eyewear. Since its creation in 2014, the eyewear division has focused on designing, developing, and selling eyewear, relying on a network of carefully selected production partners. However, the company's rapid growth in recent years—generating €1.6 billion in revenue in 2024—has led it to enhance control over its supply chain by acquiring some of its suppliers. In April, Kering Eyewear acquired Italian manufacturer Visard, which produces optical and sunglass frames using injected plastic, and took a minority stake in Italian company Mistral, known for its acetate frame designs, with the option to complete a full acquisition by 2030.
Fashion Network
21-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Kering, Gentle Monster, Warby Parker partner with Google for smart eyewear
Smart glasses were a big topic of conversation a decade ago but interest in them seemed to fizzle out as the tech didn't quite meet consumer perceptions. 2025 is very different though as AI is having an impact. They're back on the agenda and following news that Google is partnering with Xreal on the first specs to run an AR version of its operating system, comes further news that French luxury giant Kering, South Korean eyewear specialist Gentle Monster and America's Warby Parker are all linking up with Google to apply the tech to their products. First Kering. It's just announced a partnership with Google for the development of AI-powered glasses with Android XR, 'combining cutting-edge design, intelligent features, and human-centric technology in one device'. We're told the collab 'marks a new chapter in design smart glasses as it will leverage the undisputed high-end eyewear expertise of Kering Eyewear and Google's revolutionary technological innovations within extended reality'. Aimed at 'seamlessly integrating into everyday life', the smart eyewear will feature 'intuitive, personalised AI-driven functions enabling users to engage with their environment in new and meaningful ways. From smart interaction to contextual awareness, every detail will be crafted to deliver a forward-looking experience, all while elevating beauty, style, and wearability'. Roberto Vedovotto, founder, president, and CEO of Kering Eyewear, stressed that 'together, we are shaping a product that people will want to wear: a pair of masterfully designed, high-quality, stylish glasses that unlock the potential of artificial intelligence, while redefining the way of interacting with both the real and virtual worlds.' Meanwhile, Gentle Monster is also one of Google's first partners for Google's smart eyewear via Android XR with the announcement of the link-up repeating some of the same sentiments expressed by Kering. The deal was announced at Google's I/O 2025 and it said it 'has sparked considerable anticipation for the eyewear that will showcase cutting-edge smart technology alongside the refined aesthetics of Gentle Monster'. The South Korean firm was founded in 2011 and has always been known for its innovation plus fashion focus so it's perhaps unsurprising that it's one of the first brands to embrace the new tech. As for Warby Parker, it's also known for embracing innovation and it too is a Google partner on smart eyewear. Its shares jumped on Tuesday after that fact was revealed so investors are clearly more convinced about the virtues of smart eyewear tech than they were a decade ago. The functionality of the eyewear all these partners will be marketing seems similar to what was planned in the middle of the last decade but the chances of the tech working well are much stronger today. Think messaging, satnav, scheduling appointments, language translations, taking photos and more with the added appeal of advanced AI, which simply was't an option in 2015.
Fashion Network
21-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Kering Eyewear and Google partner on AI-powered smart glasses
Kering Eyewear and Google announced on Tuesday a new partnership to develop AI-powered smart glasses using Android XR. The collaboration will combine Kering's high-end eyewear expertise with Google's technological innovations within extended reality. Kering Eyewear currently develops and distributes eyewear for a portfolio of 14 brands, including fashion houses such as Gucci, Cartier, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga, among others, as well as sport and lifestyle brands like Puma. The company also owns and operates its proprietary brands Lindberg, Maui Jim, and Zeal Optics. 'We are honored to share the values of innovation and forward thinking with Google, and we are proud to partner with them to explore new horizons for the future development of our company,' said Roberto Vedovotto, founder, president, and CEO of Kering Eyewear. 'Together, we are shaping a product that people will want to wear: a pair of masterfully designed, high-quality, stylish glasses that unlock the potential of artificial intelligence, while redefining the way of interacting with both the real and virtual worlds.' The smart eyewear is set to deliver intuitive, personalized AI-driven functions, all while elevating beauty, style, and wearability. At the centre of the experience, users will be able to engage with their environment in new and meaningful ways. 'We've always believed in blending cutting-edge technology with great user experiences' added Shahram Izadi, GM and VP of XR at Google. 'Integrating our immersive XR platform with Kering Eyewear's glasses will give consumers the fashion and function to get the most out of Android XR.'
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kering Eyewear and Google team to develop AI smart glasses
Kering Eyewear, a subsidiary of French luxury-goods giant Kering, has partnered with Google to develop AI-powered smart glasses. The partnership aims to integrate high-end eyewear design with Google's extended reality (XR) technology, combining 'cutting-edge' design, intelligent features, and human-centric technology in one device. The firms plan to develop eyewear which will feature AI-based functions designed to provide intuitive and personalised user experiences. These will range from smart interactions to contextual awareness, with a strong emphasis on aesthetics, style, and comfort. Kering Eyewear founder, president, and CEO Roberto Vedovotto said: 'Together, we are shaping a product that people will want to wear: a pair of masterfully designed, high-quality, stylish glasses that unlock the potential of artificial intelligence, while redefining the way of interacting with both the real and virtual worlds.' Google XR GM and VP Shahram Izadi said: 'We've always believed in blending cutting-edge technology with great user experiences. 'Integrating our immersive XR platform with Kering Eyewear's iconic styles will give consumers the fashion and function to get the most out of Android XR.' Separately, Google has partnered with eyewear brand Warby Parker to develop AI-enabled glasses designed for all-day wear. The collaboration aims to combine Warby Parker's design expertise with Google's technology platform to advance wearable computing. The first range of products from this partnership is expected to launch after 2025. The line will feature glasses equipped with multimodal AI capabilities and will be offered with both prescription and non-prescription lenses. To fund the project, Google has pledged up to $75m to support Warby Parker's development and commercialisation efforts. A further investment of up to $75m has been committed by Google, dependent on the achievement of certain project milestones and subject to Warby Parker's discretion. Warby Parker co-founder and co-CEO Dave Gilboa said: 'Looking ahead, we believe multimodal AI is perfectly suited for glasses, enabling real-time context and intelligence to augment a wearer's surroundings as they move through the world.' Izadi said: 'Warby Parker's optical expertise, omnichannel approach, and history of leveraging technology to create beautifully designed products and exceptional customer experiences make them the perfect partner to co-create and launch this next generation of smart glasses on the Android XR platform.' "Kering Eyewear and Google team to develop AI smart glasses" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Fashion Network
21-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Kering, Gentle Monster, Warby Parker partner with Google for smart eyewear
Smart glasses were a big topic of conversation a decade ago but interest in them seemed to fizzle out as the tech didn't quite meet consumer perceptions. 2025 is very different though as AI is having an impact. They're back on the agenda and following news that Google is partnering with Xreal on the first specs to run an AR version of its operating system, comes further news that French luxury giant Kering, South Korean eyewear specialist Gentle Monster and America's Warby Parker are all linking up with Google to apply the tech to their products. First Kering. It's just announced a partnership with Google for the development of AI-powered glasses with Android XR, 'combining cutting-edge design, intelligent features, and human-centric technology in one device'. We're told the collab 'marks a new chapter in design smart glasses as it will leverage the undisputed high-end eyewear expertise of Kering Eyewear and Google's revolutionary technological innovations within extended reality'. Aimed at 'seamlessly integrating into everyday life', the smart eyewear will feature 'intuitive, personalised AI-driven functions enabling users to engage with their environment in new and meaningful ways. From smart interaction to contextual awareness, every detail will be crafted to deliver a forward-looking experience, all while elevating beauty, style, and wearability'. Roberto Vedovotto, founder, president, and CEO of Kering Eyewear, stressed that 'together, we are shaping a product that people will want to wear: a pair of masterfully designed, high-quality, stylish glasses that unlock the potential of artificial intelligence, while redefining the way of interacting with both the real and virtual worlds.' Meanwhile, Gentle Monster is also one of Google's first partners for Google's smart eyewear via Android XR with the announcement of the link-up repeating some of the same sentiments expressed by Kering. The deal was announced at Google's I/O 2025 and it said it 'has sparked considerable anticipation for the eyewear that will showcase cutting-edge smart technology alongside the refined aesthetics of Gentle Monster'. The South Korean firm was founded in 2011 and has always been known for its innovation plus fashion focus so it's perhaps unsurprising that it's one of the first brands to embrace the new tech. As for Warby Parker, it's also known for embracing innovation and it too is a Google partner on smart eyewear. Its shares jumped on Tuesday after that fact was revealed so investors are clearly more convinced about the virtues of smart eyewear tech than they were a decade ago. The functionality of the eyewear all these partners will be marketing seems similar to what was planned in the middle of the last decade but the chances of the tech working well are much stronger today. Think messaging, satnav, scheduling appointments, language translations, taking photos and more with the added appeal of advanced AI, which simply was't an option in 2015.
