Podcast Summary: Bloomberg Businessweek Episode: Macron’s Blue Aviators Spur 70% Surge in Tiny Italian Firm Hosts: Carol Massar & Tim Stenovec | Guest: Stefano Fulcier (CEO, I Vision Tech) Date: January 26, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode explores how a single high-profile moment—French President Emmanuel Macron wearing a pair of blue aviator sunglasses at Davos—catapulted the small Italian eyewear manufacturer I Vision Tech (parent of French brand Henri Julienne) into global headlines and triggered a massive surge in demand and share price. Carol and Tim interview CEO Stefano Fulcier about the unexpected viral marketing event, the unique story of the brand and product, the challenges of niche luxury manufacturing, and where the company plans to go from here.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Davos, Macron, and the Viral Moment (01:37-02:29)

• Davos as a Global Stage:
  The episode kicks off by situating Davos as a place of both economic influence and high visibility, with “the world’s billionaires” and influential leaders gathering.
• The "Blue Aviators" Go Viral:
  The hosts recount how Macron’s choice of sunglasses—blue aviators from Henri Julienne—drew global attention, sparking a surge in demand.

Sudden Demand Surge: What Happened? (02:29-03:45)

• Website Overload:
  Stefano Fulcier describes the immediate aftermath:

  “From Tuesday our website went in crash different times. We have received a lot of phone calls because everybody wants to buy something like that.” (02:35)

• Unprecedented Sales:
  The company sold in one day "the same quantity of one year of production" for this particular model.

  “We are not talking about a very big numbers because we are a luxury brand... now we are more than 200 pieces in only one day.” (03:17)

  • The company’s online payment system (PayPal) was blocked three times due to the surge in orders.

The Macron Connection: How Did the President Get the Glasses? (04:00-05:12)

• The Elysee Palace Call:
  Fulcier recounts being contacted by the French president’s office in 2024, originally looking to buy a present for a minister.

  “So when we have received this call, we say, wow, this is the president. So we have to do something more and we want to make a present also to give you something. But the assistant told us, okay, but we want to pay.” (04:17)

• Made in France as a Priority:
  The Elysee insisted on glasses manufactured in France, reflecting the country’s pride and tradition.
• Brand Heritage:
  Henri Julienne is a 100-year-old French luxury eyewear brand, recently revived under I Vision Tech.

Supply Chains & Manufacturing: Made in France vs. Offshoring (05:12-08:02)

• Global Manufacturing Trends:
  Carol raises the issue of most eyewear being produced in China, but Henri Julienne’s frames are made in France.
• Company Genesis & Italian Roots:
  Fulcier explains I Vision Tech was started during the COVID period, reviving a shuttered Italian plant.

  “The idea is to restart the production of the eyewear in Friuli… So we have a huge capacity here in Italy… about 1 million highway per year.” (05:55)

• Artisanal, Boutique French Production:
  The French arm produces only ~1,000 pieces/year, focused on handcrafting and “historical process.”
• Materials & Pricing:
  The blue aviators are gold-laminated, containing actual gold, and sell for €650—a competitive price for luxury eyewear.

  “This eyewear is in gold lamination… And the final price is not too amazing, because we are talking about €650 each. And talking about gold is a very competitive price." (07:00)

• Skill and Heritage Emphasis:
  The company employs staff with 25 years of experience, highlighting the artistry and challenge of luxury eyewear production.

Growth, Investment, and the Road Ahead (08:02-09:56)

• Market Reactions:
  The company’s shares soared:

  “Shares of the company up 40% so far this month. Today they're up more than 21%.” (03:45)
  Overall, about a 70% increase during the week.

• Is Acquisition on the Table?
  Tim asks about potential offers or collaborations from eyewear giants like Luxottica.
• Family Business, Tech Ambitions:
  Fulcier highlights the company's youth, family management, and commitment to independent innovation:

  “Our idea is to develop a different type of company… we have made some M and A… and we have presented the first eyewear technological one for blinding people. So we have a patent project of that.” (09:20)

  • The company aims to become a player in smart, technological eyewear, not just luxury goods.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Viral Demand:

  "We have sold in one day like the same quantity of one year of production of this model."
  – Stefano Fulcier (03:12)

• On Presidential Prestige:

  "The assistant told us, okay... we want to pay. So, you know, they tried to respect that and they asked us to have everything made in France. So they want something, you know, every face, because you want to represent a product from the history of France."
  – Stefano Fulcier (04:26)

• On Maintaining Local Production:

  "Our idea was to produce in France only some small pieces, talking about the historical process, everything handcraft with a lot of faces... Not really easy to produce something like that."
  – Stefano Fulcier (07:17)

• On Business Ambition:

  "We are a classical company to produce standard eyewear, right. But we have all the knowledge for that. Our idea is… we want to produce something technological. So we are following smart device, smart eyewear. And I believe that in this field we can do more."
  – Stefano Fulcier (09:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamps | |------------------------------------------------------|------------| | Davos, Macron, and the Viral Moment | 01:37-02:29| | Sudden Demand Surge & Website Crash | 02:29-03:45| | Macron’s Acquisition of the Glasses | 04:00-05:12| | Supply Chain & Made in France Artisanal Manufacturing| 05:12-08:02| | Growth, Investors & The Tech-Infused Future | 08:02-09:56|

Tone & Closing Remarks

The conversation is enthusiastic and incredulous at the scale and speed of public reaction, combined with curiosity about the inner workings of niche luxury manufacturing in today’s global economy. Fulcier’s responses are candid, a blend of pride in tradition and ambitions for innovation—displaying the optimism and energy of a young, family-led business suddenly thrust into the global spotlight.

Final Quote:

"The eyeglass is seen around the globe."
– Tim Stanovec (09:56)

A must-listen for anyone interested in luxury branding, the impact of viral moments on small companies, and how old-world craft and high-tech ambition can coexist in today’s global market.