Just in case you were wondering why branded spectacles are so expensive, I have found an explanation. Each pair takes about one week to make and passes through 70 pairs of hands before completion. That is a lot of hands and a lot of wages to pay.
at least 70 people are involved in the making of these glasses
There are 2 main manufacturers of the major brands of spectacles in Italy. The largest is Luxottica, founded in 1961 in Agordo, north of Venice, by Leonardo Del Vecchio. It is now based inMilan. They produce Ray Ban, Persol and Oakley and also make for Chanel, Prada, Miu Miu, Burberry and Oliver Peoples, among others.
The second largest producer is Safilo, founded in 1934 by Guglielo Tabacchi, in Pieve di Cadore. They produce Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Dior and Gucci and more.
My optometrist, the lovely Michael at Optiko in Brisbane, assures me that the branded sunglasses are made from extremely hard wearing and expensive materials. He also said that some great new products are coming out of Japan and Germany. The frames are becoming lighter and stronger all the time. If you are in Brisbane drop in to see Michael and he will explain all the materials used. He did tell me, but it went in one ear and out the other.
Prada at Optiko
Optiko in Brisbane
Being expensive may make sunglasses beautiful and a pleasure to wear, but it doesn’t prevent them from being lost or stolen.
At the other end of the scale are those from the street markets in Italy. They come in all colours and will cost about 5 euro. Why not buy a pair in every colour?
have a pair in each colour
It is not quite so tragic if you leave these on the bus.