Kristina Roberts
On Friday, the shares of EssilorLuxottica, the famous company behind Ray-Ban sunglasses, climbed nearly 14%, reaching their highest point ever. This sudden jump added about $20 billion to the company’s market value. The reason behind this massive rise? The company’s partnership with Meta and their latest creation—AI-powered Ray-Ban Meta glasses.
EssilorLuxottica, listed in Paris, was founded by Leonardo Del Vecchio, an Italian entrepreneur known for his sharp business vision. Recently, the company shared its third-quarter earnings report, showing an 11.7% increase in sales compared to last year. The total sales reached 6.9 billion euros, which is about $8.1 billion. This strong performance surprised many analysts and investors, making it the best quarter in the company’s history.
These results weren’t just about numbers—they showed a major shift in how people are now interested in “smart” wearable products. The demand for smart glasses, in particular, has been rising faster than expected. EssilorLuxottica and Meta (the company led by Mark Zuckerberg) have been working together on this project since before the pandemic. And now, their collaboration seems to be paying off.
During a major event at Meta’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California, Mark Zuckerberg proudly wore the new Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses while talking about the future of technology. These glasses are not just stylish—they can record videos, take photos, play music, and even connect to Meta’s AI assistant. “We want to make technology feel natural,” Zuckerberg said during his presentation. “Our goal is to create devices that help people stay present in the moment while still being connected.”
This vision of combining fashion with technology has caught everyone’s attention. Many analysts believe that smart glasses could be the next revolutionary product after smartphones. According to experts at Barclays, these glasses could become “the most disruptive innovation since mobile phones.” They predict that by 2035, around 60 million smart glasses could be sold worldwide.
Even though smart glasses currently make up only a small part of EssilorLuxottica’s overall revenue, the excitement around them is huge. Investors and analysts see this as a signal that the company is stepping into the future with confidence. For EssilorLuxottica, these glasses are not just another product—they represent a new chapter where technology and lifestyle come together.
The company’s leaders believe that AI-powered eyewear could redefine how people interact with the digital world. Imagine being able to ask your glasses for directions, translate a foreign language instantly, or take a quick photo just by saying a command. What once felt like science fiction is slowly becoming real.
At the same time, EssilorLuxottica continues to strengthen its traditional eyewear business. Its classic Ray-Ban sunglasses, Oakley sportswear, and other premium brands remain popular worldwide. But now, the addition of smart technology has given these familiar names a futuristic twist.
Investors have responded with enthusiasm. Many see this as a major opportunity for long-term growth. The company’s success with AI-powered products has also encouraged it to increase production to meet growing demand. Factories are working harder than ever, and more resources are being directed toward research and innovation.
Analysts say that EssilorLuxottica is now in a strong position to compete not only in fashion and eyewear but also in the broader technology market. Some experts even believe the company might consider buying or partnering with major fashion brands like Armani in the future to expand its reach.
This new wave of excitement also comes at a time when the market for wearable technology is heating up. Companies around the world are experimenting with AI-driven devices—from smartwatches to headphones—and now, smart glasses seem to be the next big step.
“People no longer want technology that separates them from the world,” said one industry expert. “They want something that blends seamlessly into their daily lives. Smart glasses do exactly that.”
For Meta, this partnership with EssilorLuxottica is equally important. After years of experimenting with virtual reality and augmented reality, the company is now focusing on creating products that people can use every day. The Ray-Ban Meta glasses represent Meta’s effort to make AI tools more personal and wearable.
The glasses’ new AI features allow users to talk to the built-in assistant, take voice notes, or stream live video directly to social media. They look like normal Ray-Bans, which makes them appealing to both tech lovers and fashion fans.
Mark Zuckerberg said that his goal is to “make AI accessible and useful for everyone.” With these smart glasses, he hopes to bridge the gap between technology and real life.
EssilorLuxottica’s growth story is also inspiring because it shows how a traditional company can adapt to modern trends. Once known just for stylish sunglasses, it is now being recognized as a key player in the tech revolution.
The company’s late founder, Leonardo Del Vecchio, built his empire on craftsmanship and innovation. Today, his legacy lives on as the brand embraces cutting-edge technology without losing its classic charm.
The rise of AI-powered eyewear may still be in its early days, but it’s clear that both investors and consumers are excited about the possibilities. If these smart glasses continue to improve and become more affordable, they could soon become as common as smartphones.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, the line between fashion and technology is fading. Products like the Ray-Ban Meta glasses show that people don’t have to choose between looking good and staying connected—they can have both.
“Change is the only constant,” as the saying goes. And for EssilorLuxottica, this change is leading to record profits, happier investors, and a brighter, smarter future.
Will smart glasses truly replace smartphones one day? That’s a question only time will answer. But one thing is clear—Ray-Ban and Meta have already made the world look at eyewear in a completely new way.
