Occhiali del Mondo: 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory

From the hills of Basilicata, 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory is a unique outlier in the world of eyewear. Its very name embodies its devotion to sustainability: 1955 is its own factory and manufacturer. What does this mean for the consumer? You know exactly where your glasses and sunglasses are made, with full traceability to the materials used in every metal, hinge, and lens.

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From the hills of Basilicata, 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory is a unique outlier in the world of eyewear. Its very name embodies its devotion to sustainability: 1955 is its own factory and manufacturer. How does this benefit the consumer? You know exactly where your glasses and sunglasses are made, with full traceability to the materials used in every metal, hinge, and lens.

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‍Quality, Custom, Chic

In Tito, Potenza, the heart of Southern Italy, the craftsmen at 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory deliver a unique approach to the traditionally straightforward eyewear silhouette. Minimalism and opulence link through wood and cotton fiber derivatives, in everything from the brightly-colored Venti lenses to the boldly squared IV frames. The factory customizes frames to the customer’s unique individuality, aesthetic, and vision. 

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Simultaneously a manufacturer for other glasses brands and its own private label, the company offers three collections: OA, PRIMUS, and Light Ivory. Youthful and versatile, refined and sophisticated, 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory offers a balanced, everyday frame for all ages, genders, and styles. 

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From the adult OA collection, the IX sunglasses unite contemporary shades (Orange, Pink, and Black) with the 70s nostalgia of wide, round frames that dominate current trends. Handmade and packaged in 100% recycled materials, this style is enforced with durable multi-barrel Teflon hinges and CR-39 lenses for ultimate UV ray shielding. A raised inner temple incision and saddle nose bridge optimize comfort for all-day wearing, and can be easily cleaned with its accompanying microfiber cloth. A portable silk case also provides convenience for on-the-go storage. 

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The children’s PRIMUS collection stares boldly into a world of head-turning color. The cat-eye Diciotto, John Lennon-esque Diciannove, and square-framed Ventiquattro models, among others, gaze in a rainbow’s array of colors. Transparent Fuschia, Lime Green, sunflower yellow, and even periwinkle blue flip traditional eyewear shades on its head. With the vibrancy of PRIMUS, casual style is revolutionized with a bold take on an everyday, functional accessory. 

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The Light Ivory collection, also tailored for the younger fashionista, is handmade with Italian Mazzucchelli acetate and is heat-malleable to adjust shape and size according to the wearer’s features. Genderless and available in a range of colors like Tortoise, Ivory Lime, Ivory Ice, and Ivory Black, the Light Ivory collection adds handcrafted artisanry to full-coverage UVA and UVB protection, laser-engraved temples, and silver teflon hinges. 

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All designs are hand-sketched, hand-cut, and then finalized with laser and 3D-printing technology, merging both new and old elements that are essential to Made in Italy aesthetics. Slow production is valued as a pinnacle of the brand’s creativity. Varnish and lacquer-free, each model is sanded and shined with beeswax to ensure longevity and utilizes 48 to 96 hours of hand polishing with a buffing wheel. A team of youthful innovators hone tradition in their hand-crafted models, while the technology refines each shape with a modernist edge. 

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‍Eco Eyewear

While eyewear production is not 100% sustainable (in fashion, nothing ever is), 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory offsets what minimal waste is produced during manufacturing, and reduces its eco-footprint every step of the way. A major point in this journey is its small-batch production for the collections and all bespoke frames. Solar-derived energy and recycled water power production. To further diminish its carbon footprint and reduce landfill contributions, the company utilizes recycled acetate, waste produced from cellulose in wood and tree pulp, sourced in Basilicata’s surrounding hills. 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory is Certified Quality Management- and Certified Environmental Management System-certified. Courtesy of the Italian government, it also boasts certifications in the following categories: 

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• 100% Made in Italy.
• 100% Italian materials.
• Made with quality, non-flammable, non-toxic materials.
• Made with exclusive, original designs.
• Made with traditional Italian craftsmanship and techniques.

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"Sustainability at our 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory is more than a practice; it is the essence of our identity, seamlessly intertwining with our mission to craft timeless elegance,” said CEO Marco Buoncristiano. “Every frame we produce reflects our dedication to environmental stewardship, upholding the artisanal heritage while innovating for a greener future." 

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‍One-of-A-Kind Vision

Compliant and traceable, 1955 Italian Eyewear Factory truly embodies the unique blend of traditional elegance and contemporary edge, a signature aesthetic of Made in Italy brands. Whether it's the classic, tortoise-framed OA XI, or the quirky round-edged OA VI, the company breathes youthful energy into an age-old Italian accessories category, one that honors traditionalism, respects the environment, and always looks to the future. 

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