The MODO Group, a reference point in the independent eyewear industry for over thirty years, announces the new organizational structure of the Italia Independent brand, following the acquisition signed on September 12th, which added the brand founded by Lapo Elkann to the portfolio of Modo Eyewear, which produces and distributes the MODO and ECO brands.

The acquisition by the Modo Group concerns only the Italia Independent brand asset, which will be introduced to the global markets in Spring 2024. The Modo Group’s solid organizational structure, operational efficiencies and know-how will enable the brand’s increased presence and success within the independent channel across the globe.

In the new chapter for the Italia Independent brand, Lapo Elkann will take on the role of Creative Director of Italia Independent.

Alessandro Lanaro – founder and CEO of the MODO GROUP – says: “The founder of Italia Independent is its beating heart. I am delighted that Lapo will accompany us in the relaunch of this unique and pioneering brand, contributing his style and genius. Lapo and I are in complete agreement on the direction to be taken and I am convinced that with his involvement as Creative Director we will be able to renew the magic that captivated a large community of customers and consumers at the height of the brand’s golden years. “

“I enthusiastically accepted Alessandro Lanaro’s proposal to entrust me with the creative direction of the brand. I can’t wait to work with his team to design the first collection for the Modo Group. Italia Independent is a brand to which I am emotionally attached, and it is a real pleasure for me to be able to continue to put my creativity at the service of the brand. I am sure that Modo, thanks to its excellent track record, will be able to lead it to new successes,” says Lapo Elkann. 

“We look forward to bringing the new Italia Independent collection, under the creative direction of Lapo Elkann, to our customers in the US and Americas.” concludes Rebecca Giefer, CEO of Modo Americas, the company that distributes the MODO, ECO and ITALIA INDEPENDENT brands.

The first Italia Independent collection drop in the MODO Group’s orbit is scheduled for Spring/Summer 2024, will be Made in Italy and distributed through an exclusive network of opticians worldwide.

About MODO 

MODO has been a reference in the independent eyewear industry since 1990, with offices in New York, Milan and Stockholm and numerous awards. Founded by Alessandro Lanaro, the company produces the MODO and ECO brands, which are distributed internationally in over eighty countries. 

Design, innovation and corporate social responsibility are the Group’s core values; in particular, MODO Eyewear believes in the concept of a sustainable company, making ethics a fundamental part of its mission. With the initiative “Buy a Frame Help a Child See”, the MODO brand has helped more than 1.7 million children in India gain access to ophthalmic treatment and visual instruments, while the “One Frame, One Tree” project has enabled the ECO brand to plant more than 3.3 million trees and achieve the Carbon Negativity certification in 2023.

For further info: press@modo.com