Kering Eyewear // Designing the Future of Vision with Google’s Android XR
What happens when the pinnacle of luxury eyewear meets the power of Silicon Valley?
Kering Eyewear is setting the course for a bold future, teaming up with Google to co-develop AI-powered smart glasses that merge advanced technology, sophisticated design, and everyday wearability.
This unexpected yet inspired partnership is a milestone moment for both industries. On one side, Kering Eyewear brings decades of expertise in high-end optical craftsmanship and refined aesthetics. On the other, Google delivers its revolutionary Android XR platform, pushing the boundaries of extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence. The result? A next-generation eyewear experience that promises to be as stylish as it is intelligent.
Human-Centric Technology, Tailored Elegance
At the heart of this collaboration lies a shared philosophy: designing for people, not just devices. The forthcoming smart glasses aim to offer more than just high-tech gimmicks. With AI-driven functionality, contextual awareness, and intuitive user interactions, these glasses are engineered to enhance how users experience both the physical and virtual worlds.
Rather than clunky, futuristic gadgets, the design remains true to Kering Eyewear’s DNA—beautifully crafted, wearable, and distinctly high fashion. Whether navigating a city street, accessing information hands-free, or seamlessly switching between real and digital layers, the wearer remains stylishly equipped at all times.
Bridging Innovation and Design
For Roberto Vedovotto, Founder, President, and CEO of Kering Eyewear, the venture is more than a technological leap—it’s a vision statement:
“Together, we are shaping a product that people will want to wear: a pair of masterfully designed, high-quality, stylish glasses that unlock the potential of artificial intelligence, while redefining the way of interacting with both the real and virtual worlds.”
Google’s Shahram Izadi, GM and VP of XR, echoed this sentiment:
“Integrating our immersive XR platform with Kering Eyewear’s glasses will give consumers the fashion and function to get the most out of Android XR.”
As the boundaries between fashion, technology, and experience blur, this collaboration sets a new standard for what smart eyewear can—and should—be.
About Kering Eyewear
Kering Eyewear is an Italian eyewear conglomerate that specializes in the development, production, and distribution of high-end optical and sun frames for a curated selection of iconic fashion houses. Founded in 2014 by Roberto Vedovotto as part of the global luxury group Kering, the brand manages eyewear lines for maisons such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, and Cartier (via a joint venture with Richemont). It is the first company to bring eyewear fully in-house within a luxury group, establishing a new benchmark in how fashion eyewear is built and distributed.
What sets Kering Eyewear apart is its vertical integration and maison-focused approach. Rather than following the traditional license model, the company handles every stage—from creative design to prototyping and global distribution—under one roof in Padua, Italy.
This unique structure allows each collection to remain fully aligned with the parent fashion house, resulting in eyewear that feels like a natural extension of the brand’s DNA. Close collaboration with artistic directors ensures authenticity, while advanced R&D facilities and in-house prototyping deliver speed, consistency, and technical precision.
Kering Eyewear continues to push boundaries through strategic innovation, most recently by partnering with Google to develop AI-enhanced smart glasses. This venture into extended reality represents the next step in its evolution, merging high fashion with next-generation technology. With a commitment to creativity, precision, and innovation, Kering Eyewear is shaping the future of the luxury eyewear industry from within.
Read more about this brand on TEF Magazine or visit their website.
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