Interview: Vision Industry’s Gian Paolo Biasotto is focused on innovation

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Vision Industry, an eyewear company owned by Optitalia Group, recently partnered with renowned Japanese lens maker, Nikon, to launch the very first Nikon lenswear Shop-in-Shop in the Middle East at the company’s flagship store in Mall of Emirates.

Vision Industry is known for its handmade and customised frames and sunglasses, which are crafted in-house by Italian artisans.

Here, we speak to Gian Paolo Biasotto, co-founder of Vision Industry and MD of Opitalia Group, to find out more about the partnership, highlights of the new store and the latest eyewear trends.

What does the Nikon Shop-in-Shop feature and what makes it unique?

Nikon is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology.

We wanted the customer to be completely immersed in the Nikon world, by combining the incredible technology provided by Nikon on the photography side of it.

Our clinic showcases, exclusively in the UAE, the latest Nikon cutting-edge technology in both the screening/testing area and the ophthalmic lens solutions, all surrounded by stunning award-winning pictures, obviously shot with Nikon cameras.

The result is amazing and unique: we’ve merged technology and creativity in an eye test, transforming it from a medical exam to an enjoyable experience.

Tell us about Vision Industry and its experiential optical store. Please describe the customer journey at the store.

When we created the concept, we wanted to represent the eyewear industry (this is also where the name comes from) to let the customer understand what’s behind an eyewear product, allowing them to see the beauty and craft resulting in its creation.

So, we identified the three main pillars of the industry: fashion, healthcare and craftsmanship and designed the store around them, making sure that customers get a truly immersive experience when they visit.

The concept store showcases our great eyewear selection, cutting-edge technology in our eye-testing rooms, the one-of-a-kind eyewear museum, and our design studio that develops bespoke frames.

Customers can move smoothly through the store, guided and supported by our experts.

How are you and Nikon leveraging technology and handcrafted design?

Technology and customisations are part of both our DNA. As Nikon can create a perfectly customised lens for the exact vision requirements of our customers, our artisans can create a frame that perfectly fits the facial features of our customers, as only a tailor-made product can.

The skills and true potential of our optometrists, lens-lab specialists and eyewear artisans can only be unlocked through the amazing technology that we have in store.

What are some of the latest materials being used to create eyewear that is stylish, durable and sustainable?

Eyewear is an evolving industry, from production with newer materials to the various new design trends.

I personally love how eco-friendly materials and processes are entering the market.

At our store, we have a dedicated area where customers can find these types of products made from wood, recycled PET and eco-acetate.

We are also about to introduce eyewear made out of recycled car tires. It’s a very interesting time.

Will you be launching more stores in the UAE and GCC?

We have been overwhelmed by how the market loved our concept from day one. We are scouting locations and when we find the right ones, we will bring the brand to new markets.