The Optical Market Turns to Luxury

Optical market: the rise of luxury

The optical sector is undergoing a major transformation, marked by a clear shift toward premium products and luxury eyewear. Long seen as a standardised market focused on functionality and accessibility, it is now embracing a growing appetite for design, aesthetics and brand prestige. Recent optical market studies confirm this upward movement, positioning luxury eyewear as a key growth engine for the entire industry.

How is today’s optical market structured?

The optical market is divided into several distinct segments: prescription glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. Key players include frame manufacturers, corrective lens producers and opticians. Historically, the sector was dominated by companies offering accessible products addressing primarily medical and visual needs.
However, a major shift is underway, driven by rising interest in fashion, personal style and aesthetics.

Optical chains such as Krys, Afflelou and Optical Center, along with independent opticians, play a crucial role in distribution — offering ranges from entry-level solutions to high-end luxury brands. Industry giants like EssilorLuxottica dominate a significant share of worldwide production and distribution, reinforcing their global influence.

Luxury eyewear: the new growth driver

The optical market is increasingly gravitating toward luxury, fuelled by demand for products that are both functional and aesthetically distinctive. Glasses are no longer perceived only as medical devices but as fashion accessories in their own right.
This shift is especially visible among prestigious maisons such as Chanel, Gucci and Cartier, which offer exclusive eyewear collections.

Collaborations between fashion designers and eyewear specialists have become commonplace. For example, French designer Thierry Lasry regularly partners with haute couture houses to create limited-edition pieces sought after by discerning clients.

Materials and craftsmanship play a key role in this premiumisation. Luxury collections now feature acetate, titanium, gold and frames embellished with precious stones. Consumers are increasingly willing to invest in eyewear that enhances their style and expresses their identity.

Key figures and trends in the French eyewear market

According to Statista and INSEE, the purchase of glasses has increased by nearly one million units in five years. The average selling price has risen as well, from €290 in 2019 to €466 in 2025.

Despite the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, the optical market showed strong resilience, generating €6 billion in revenue. By 2024, the sector had rebounded to approximately €7.6 billion, confirming renewed momentum.

The major Maisons dominating luxury eyewear

Several renowned Maisons stand out in the luxury eyewear market, each bringing its own identity and aesthetic codes. EssilorLuxottica, the global leader, owns emblematic brands such as Ray-Ban and Oakley while also producing eyewear collections for prestigious luxury houses including Prada, Versace and Giorgio Armani. Its technical expertise and worldwide distribution network firmly anchor its dominant position.

Cartier, celebrated for its timeless elegance, creates eyewear pieces that often border on high jewellery — crafted from precious materials and defined by exclusive, meticulous designs. Chanel, meanwhile, infuses elements from its couture and prêt-à-porter universe into its eyewear lines, reinforcing the signature codes of the Maison.

Finally, the Italian brand Persol, renowned for its artisanal craftsmanship and iconic silhouettes, continues to charm luxury consumers seeking authenticity and refinement. Often associated with a distinctive retro-chic appeal, Persol remains a favourite among celebrities and connoisseurs alike.

High-end optical market analysis: a rapidly growing segment

Studies of the premium optical market highlight strong, sustained growth driven by shifting consumer behaviour. Eyewear is no longer perceived solely as a corrective tool but as a true status symbol — much like a luxury handbag or watch. This evolution reflects broader lifestyle trends, the influence of celebrities and opinion leaders, and a growing desire among consumers to express their identity through iconic accessories.

The high-end eyewear segment is also becoming increasingly international. Asian and Middle Eastern clientele — among the most dynamic consumers of luxury goods — now represent a significant share of demand. At the same time, e-commerce and the digitalisation of retail experiences allow brands to reach a global audience, expanding commercial opportunities and reinforcing the visibility of premium collections.

Growth in this segment is further fuelled by a strong focus on quality and innovation. Premium materials such as titanium, carbon and bio-sourced acetate, combined with artisanal craftsmanship and exclusive designs, serve as powerful differentiators. In parallel, rising environmental concerns are encouraging brands to adopt more responsible practices, from recycled materials to sustainable production methods — an increasingly decisive factor for today’s high-end consumers.

Train for a Career in Luxury Optical Markets with Sup de Luxe

The expansion of the luxury optical segment calls for professionals who understand both the codes of luxury and the expectations of high-end consumers. To meet this need, Sup de Luxe offers the Bachelor Luxe, a comprehensive programme covering the fundamentals of luxury management, brand strategy and premium product marketing — essential skills to evolve across sectors such as fashion, jewellery, hospitality and prestige eyewear.

For those wishing to go further and specialise in the strategies of major fashion and accessories maisons, the MSc Master of Science Fashion & Luxury Business provides an ideal pathway. This programme enables students to decode international market dynamics, master strategic challenges and develop recognised expertise for a career in luxury and fashion management.

As the optical industry moves decisively toward premiumisation, demand continues to grow for products that combine functionality, craftsmanship and aesthetic value. Major luxury houses lead this fast-expanding segment, offering exclusive collections that attract a sophisticated and discerning clientele.