Revolutionary Invention: The Skilynx Lenses

It all began in 1957 when Roger Pouilloux, an avant-garde optician and ski enthusiast, invented the Skilynx lenses that provided a clear vision of the landscape relief in overcast weather. These lenses revolutionized the skiing world and formed the basis of the Vuarnet brand.

The Birth of Vuarnet: Collaboration with Jean Vuarnet

During a meeting in 1959, Roger Pouilloux offered the French ski champion Jean Vuarnet the 02 sunglasses model, equipped with the luminous Skilynx mineral glass lenses. The sunglasses highlighted contrasts and enhanced depth perception, which improved Vuarnet's performance in downhill ski racing. Following Vuarnet's gold medal win at the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics, the two men joined forces to create the Vuarnet brand.

Timeless Icons: The 02, 06, and Glacier Models

The 02 model was the first product launched by Vuarnet and became a reference for elegance on the slopes. The 06 model, launched in 1969, became legendary for its use in the film La Piscine of Jacques Deray. The Glacier model, launched in 1974, was designed for mountaineering and quickly became a hit among celebrities like Miles Davis.

A Global Success: Expansion and Innovation

Vuarnet sunglasses continued to evolve through the years, with the 03 model becoming a worldwide success thanks to Jeff Bridges' portrayal of The Dude in the film The Big Lebowski in 1998. The brand made its debut in the United States as an official sponsor of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and continued to grow globally.

A New Era: The Contemporary Glacier Collection and Creative Direction

In 2015, Vuarnet launched a contemporary version of its iconic Glacier model that marked the beginning of a new era. Its unique design and high technicality made it a reference and a style icon. In 2021, the brand welcomed Boramy Viguier as its new Creative Director to reintroduce Vuarnet as the French "Maison de la Montagne" and expand its clothing offering.

Continued Legacy: Paris Fashion Week and FW23 Campaign

In 2022, Vuarnet made its debut at Paris Fashion Week, presenting its Fall-Winter 2023 ready-to-wear collection and its Spring-Summer 2023 collection. The collections were created under the artistic direction of Boramy Viguier. In 2023, the brand will launch its FW23 campaign, paying homage to what Jean Vuarnet stood for by mixing silhouettes and technical garments with handcrafted and manufactured alpine clothing in France.

The Excellence of French Know-How: Certified Living Heritage Company

The French government certified Vuarnet and its Manufacture as a Living Heritage Company in recognition of its traditional and industrial know-how. This unique recognition rewards French companies for their excellence in these areas.

From the slopes to the streets, Vuarnet sunglasses have been a timeless icon in eyewear for over six decades. The brand's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and elegance has made it a global success, and its legacy continues to grow with each passing year.