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Our History

Our History

Created in 2018, EssilorLuxottica is the combination of two highly complementary and inspiring companies, Essilor and Luxottica, which used their individual strengths to revolutionize the industry and explore the potential of eyecare and eyewear around the world.

Our roots run deep and are anchored in a centuries-old history covering all aspects of the eyecare and eyewear industry: design, production, distribution and innovation. With brands such as Essilor (1849), Salmoiraghi & Viganò (1865), Persol (1917), Ray-Ban (1937), Luxottica (1961), GrandVision (1891) and now Giorgio Fedon & Figli S.p.A. (1919), the Group brings together extraordinary entrepreneurial stories that make it unique. This reunion of long-standing expertise and know-how, inspires EssilorLuxottica today and carries us forward into the future.

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EssilorLuxottica
Essilor
Luxottica
Leonardo Del Vecchio (1935-2022)

An entrepreneurial genius and pioneer of the optical industry, Leonardo Del Vecchio was the main architect of the creation of the EssilorLuxottica group and was its chairman until his passing in 2022. Having started as an apprentice, he created Luxottica in 1961, which was the start of a unique entrepreneurial adventure. His life was guided by his vision and desire for independence as well as integration of the entire industrial chain of eyewear, from design to distribution.


A true visionary, he signed his first license agreement with Giorgio Armani in 1988, anticipating that eyeglasses would evolve from a necessary medical device into a desirable fashion accessory. He then confirmed this precursor idea by acquiring Ray-Ban in 1999. By purchasing LensCrafters in 1995 and Ray-Ban in 1999, he became the first manufacturer to directly enter the optical retail space.


Finally, by working to bring Essilor and Luxottica closer together, he created an integrated, world-class global industry player in his sector. In less than 60 years, he revolutionized the industry, turning a medical necessity into a must-have fashion accessory. Today, our Company is uniquely positioned to expand the boundaries of vision and improve the lives of millions of people. His strong spirit, vision and human values are today hallmarks of EssilorLuxottica.

Our Mission
Our Mission
 Who We Are
Who We Are