It's a family affair at Mazzucchelli

Nestled within the quiet town of Castiglione Olona is one of the true giants of the eyewear business – a company that was founded in 1849 and has survived two world wars and turbulent economic times. But the company, which has spanned six generations of the Mazzucchelli family, remains something of an unsung hero in optics. How often has a frame sales rep come into a practice with a case of frames and mentioned ‘Mazzucchelli acetate’, but glossed over what that actually means? Mazzucchelli has an abundance of pedigree, but prefers to quietly go about its business.

The company’s early days were humble, with a small factory manufacturing combs and buttons made from animal horn, bone and tortoiseshell. It was founded by Santino Mazzucchelli, who eventually passed the company on to his two sons Angelo and Pompeo.