Austrian luxury eye-wear brand launches first range of sunglasses
Andy Wolf 2011
Andy Wolf, which has quickly established itself as a permanent fixture in the designer eye-wear market, attracted an impressive list of celebrity clients, has launched its first exclusive collection of sunglasses.
The spirit of the collection is upbeat, evoking the days when rock ‘n’ roll was a way of life, combining retro chic with modern materials and manufacturing methods. With exports now accounting for 90 percent of sales, the collection was unveiled in Munich, before being taken to Amsterdam, London and New York.
“We have set new standards of excellence throughout the collection, both visually and in construction, thanks to the innovative use of colours and materials, such as film-coated metal,” says Katharina Plattner, managing partner and designer at Andy Wolf. Only 300 pairs will be available in each colour.
Mother of pearl is the theme of the women’s range, with rich yellow or turquoise tones combining with subdued greys and browns. Among the unisex designs are some with lightweight metal frames with foil coatings offering different colours and marbling effects.
All are available in a range of frame and lens colours, making them uniquely versatile. “Brown, marbled sunglasses say something different than cheeky yellow ones. You can also change what they say by choosing whether or not the lenses are mirrored,” says Plattner.
Alongside the launch of the sunglasses Andy Wolf published a recipe book, ‘It’s All About Taste’. “A normal catalogue was not challenging enough. I wanted to produce a book where the key ingredient is taste, celebrating the peace and happiness you feel with all your senses. We are very proud of the result,” says Plattner. All those who contributed recipes are Andy Wolf wearers.
Austrian quality stimulates demand, especially abroad
Andy Wolf, based in Hartberg in the southern Austrian province of Styria, launched its first collection in 2006, delivering a range of timeless, modern eye-wear which meets the highest aesthetic and functional requirements.
The Andy Wolf brand is not about mass production, but delivering a line of hand-made, luxury accessories. “While other companies might manufacture their glasses in Asia to cut costs, Andy Wolf’s are made only in Austria,” says Plattner. Andy Wolf is an exclusive brand, traded exclusively.
“Currently our biggest sales are in France and Asia, where we are present in selected opticians in all countries. Our products are tailored to a specific group of customers who treasure their eye-wear as an accessory, so they are sold appropriately,” says Plattner.
The brand is present at all major eye-wear industry trade fairs, including Milan, Tokyo and Las Vegas.
Stars with a clear view
Celebrities are among Andy Wolf’s growing list of customers, including Hugh Grant, ‘Twilight’ star Kiowa Gordon, music legend Eric Clapton, New York burlesque artist Miss Dirty Martini, Vienna’s Top Model, musician Martin Meister and presenter Christian Clerici. Dalal Bruchmann the young actress who played the lead role in Hollywood film ‘Into the Darkness’, is an enthusiastic Andy Wolf wearer.
