Luxottica: sales up by 20% in the first quarter
'Incognito', the exhibition project by Persol, the Luxottica Group brand, was presented on April 4 and will be open to the public until May 7 at the Triennale in Milan.
Andrea Guerra, chief executive officer of Luxottica Group while attending the launch event of the Exhibition, commented: 'Our results for the first quarter of 2006 were particularly encouraging, with consolidated sales up by approximately 20% year-over-year. This performance resulted from strong results from both wholesale and retail across all markets where the Group operates. In particular, wholesale sales to third parties for the quarter were up significantly by approximately 30%, reflecting the continued strength of our business'.
Incognito by Persol is an interactive exhibition that along a path made up of images, sounds, colors, and technology, make visitors experience the world of Persol: the quality of the workmanship and materials, the uniqueness of design in the products and collections, the technological evolution and Persol's exclusive patents, as well as the magic and allure of the big screen. Display screens, the magical interplay between light and sound, and the interactive surfaces that shape the Incognito exhibition will guide visitors through a natural and fun 'see - touch - feel' experience. When it leaves the Triennale di Milano after its début there, the exhibition will start on a fantastic journey around the globe, visiting the most important design and art capitals in the world.
Persol 649 is a legend in the history of Italian and international eyewear. The brand's long heritage traces its origins to Turin in 1957, where Persol 649 was created in response to tram drivers' need to protect their eyes from dust and wind. The new product was greeted as a perfect combination of technology, comfort and design. It quickly became a cult item, and even today symbolises the excellence of the Persol style. Persol 649 reached the height of its fame when it featured in some of Italian cinema's most representative films of the 1960s, achieving legendary status when Marcello Mastorianni wore the eyewear in Divorce Italian Style. Popularly known and identified over the years simply as 'Persol', model 649 is an up-to-the-minute synthesis of Italian manufacturing and sophisticated, time-transcending allure. Acetate layers made exclusively for Persol and glass lenses manufactured to the highest standards of quality combine with eclectic, modern design for a rigorous style that hints at the legends of the past.
Persol 649 reprises the unique, exquisite Supreme arrow whose contemporary styling is the culmination of more than 30 earlier versions. Also featured is the Victor Flex, the distinctive, flexible three-incision bridge with its comfort-enhancing curve that ensures a perfect fit for every face shape. The Victor Flex and Supreme arrow testify to Persol's commitment to comfort and elegance, signalling eyewear's interpretation of the 'Handmade in Italy' concept, which has always been the hallmark of every model in the collection. PO 649 is available in four different calibres, making it a perfect complement for all face shapes. The classic colours in the collection are inspired by traditional 1950s shades, black, dark tortoiseshell, pale tortoiseshell.
The exhibition at the Triennale is part of the 2006 communication program created by Luxottica for the brand. It is combined with trade marketing actions at outlets, events and a print, poster and Internet institutional campaign that will run until end June.
