Your Cart is Empty
Jean Vuarnet’s adventure began in 1960 when he won the Olympic Downhill gold medal during the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley in California, with the first-ever metal skis, the Allais 60. This outstanding athlete was the creator of the aerodynamic position known as the "Tuck", that revolutionized the ski industry.
Jean Vuarnet was also a visionary and was part of the development of the Avoriaz ski resort. He was the initiator of the "Porte du Soleil" ski area between France and Switzerland. He then became head of the Italian ski team from 1968 to 1972 and the French ski federation from 1972 to 1974.
This story is the one of an Olympic legend, an outdoor adventurer, a French innovator, a name that became a global brand.
1957: A BRILLANT INVENTION
The brand was developped from the invention of the Skilynx lens in 1957 by French opticians Roger Pouilloux and Joseph Hatchiguian. The sunglasses were originally marketed under the name Skilynx Acier.
1960: A NAME THAT BECAME A GLOBAL BRAND
Pouilloux and Joseph Hatchiguian are watching the news in a movie theater when they see Jean Vuarnet. He wears the Skilynx steel glasses that the POUILLOUX company was providing to the French ski team. They proposed to associate his name to their frames. The Vuarnet saga was born.
1984: THE EXPRESSION: IT’S A VUARNET DAY, TODAY!
Vuarnet, official partner of the Los Angeles Olympic Games, achieved worldwide fame thanks to Californian radio who linked the sunny weather to the brand making the now-famous statement – It’s a Vuarnet day today! – on the airwaves.
1980: ICON OF THE 80’s
Over 20 million pairs of Vuarnet glasses have been sold worldwide. The Vuarnet brand expanded to the fashion clothing industry.
1995: VUARNET NOW COLONIZES WATER SPORTS
Vuarnet is worn by the surfers of the west coast after having prevailed on the ski tracks. By sponsoring the America’s Cup, the brand becomes deeply rooted in American society, so much that many Americans thought that the brand was American.
2017: 60th ANNIVERSARY
For its 60th anniversary, Vuarnet relauched the famous logo, which was known widely by a vast number of people back in the 80's.