Luxottica founder Leonardo Del Vecchio, a trailblazing figure in the eyewear industry, has sadly passed away at the age of 87. Despite a challenging early life as an orphan, Del Vecchio rose above adversity to become one of the most influential figures in the world of fashion.
After leaving school, Del Vecchio utilized his skills in metal-working to manufacture parts for spectacles. In 1958, he took a leap of faith and opened his own eyewear store, which eventually laid the foundation for the global powerhouse that is Luxottica. The company initially had a humble 14 employees when it was established in 1961.
However, thanks to Del Vecchio’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence, Luxottica gradually gained dominance in the eyewear industry. The company experienced steady growth and emerged as a leader in designer eyewear. Today, Luxottica owns and holds licenses for esteemed brands such as Giorgio Armani, Miu Miu, Burberry, Ray-Ban, Prada, Tiffany, Coach, Vogue Eyewear, and Versace, among many others.
Del Vecchio’s impact on the fashion industry and the eyewear sector as a whole cannot be overstated. Under his leadership, Luxottica expanded its global presence and became the largest specialist in the field. In recognition of his achievements, Del Vecchio was appointed as the president of EssilorLuxottica after Luxottica merged with French firm Essilor. The combined group now boasts an impressive workforce of over 180,000 employees.
Beyond Luxottica, Del Vecchio held significant shares in various Italian businesses. His entrepreneurial spirit and tenacity have earned him an estimated net worth of around €25 billion, according to Forbes magazine.
Leonardo Del Vecchio leaves behind an indelible legacy as a visionary leader who revolutionized the eyewear industry. His remarkable journey from rags to riches serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the power of resilience and hard work. While the world mourns his loss, the impact of his contributions will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Useful Links:
– Luxottica Official Website
– EssilorLuxottica Official Website
