Interview with Claudio, founder and owner, and Domenico, designer at XLAB.

Can you share the story behind the brand's name?
Claudio: "XLAB encompasses a story that echoes the essence of experimentation and innovation. When our journey began, we envisioned creating a laboratory of exploration in the world of eyewear.
The X symbolizes the unknown, the unexplored, and the extraordinary. Originally, the brand aimed to be a testing ground for a limited selection of sunglass models, encouraging buyers to experiment with customization. The LAB part reflects our commitment to pushing boundaries and evolving the eyewear experience.
With the support of an in-house designer like Domenico, our narrative has expanded over time.
The inspiration for creating our models also finds its roots in elements of nature, an inexhaustible source of creativity. In our collection from 2020 to today, each model is associated with the name of an island. Therefore, XLAB represents not only experimentation but also the exploration of an as-yet-unexplored beauty. Every pair of glasses embodies the spirit of discovery."

What is the brand's mission?
Claudio: "XLAB came to life with the goal of offering stylish eyewear at a fair price. We are convinced that elegance does not necessarily have to come with a high cost. Our mission is to shape eyewear with an urban and contemporary design, made accessible to everyone, maintaining a balance between style and affordability."

What is your formula for ensuring that eyewear remains affordable for buyers while maintaining a high level of design?
Claudio: "It's all about smart production and strategic partnerships. The production process is entrusted to third-party partners with whom we have a solid relationship for over 20 years. Internally, we handle design, planning, and distribution. This synergy allows us to optimize production costs without sacrificing the quality and distinctive aesthetic of our brand, ensuring customers a flawless combination of style and value for their investment."

Let's delve into the design aspects with Domenico. How do you approach a new collection?
Domenico: "Our design philosophy revolves around simplicity and versatility. Clean lines and modern shapes define our style, ensuring they resonate with a diverse audience. We want our eyewear to suit a wide range of styles, from streetwear to business casual.
We start with research into current trends, then customize the design to make each product contemporary, unique, and consistent with the rest of the collection."

Who is your target customer and how does XLAB eyewear meet their needs?
Domenico: "Our target customer is anyone who wants to stay fashionable without spending a fortune.
Our eyewear combines timeless design with a contemporary touch and is suitable for various age groups. Our dedication to quality and distinctive identity permeates every creation, ensuring that each frame expresses a unique style. Every collection is designed to satisfy a variety of tastes, celebrating diversity in personal expression."

How does XLAB align with other fashion brands?
Domenico: "Staying up-to-date with trends at all company levels, from design to communication and distribution, is fundamental for us. We closely follow emerging styles, colors, and shapes to incorporate them into our designs. This ensures that our customers can always find eyewear that fits their budget but is also contemporary. The result is a perfect blend of design and trends."

In such a competitive market, what sets XLAB apart from other eyewear brands? What are 3 adjectives that identify the brand?
Domenico: "XLAB is committed to making eyewear accessible without sacrificing design and, above all, eye protection. This is, probably, our strong point. An internal design and engineering team, a rare feature in our industry, guarantees impeccable quality and a good degree of customization. So I would say: versatility, trendiness, and Italian design."

What projects are you focusing on for the next 5 years? Do you plan to open stores to expand your physical presence?
Claudio: "The brand is experiencing a significant growth phase; the focus is on expanding our distribution channels with particular attention to enhancing the online shopping experience.
For the next 5 years, we are evaluating the opportunity to expand our physical presence not only in Italy but also in other countries, focusing on key cities and strategic periods.
We have ambitious projects in the pipeline; what guides us is sustainable growth, supported by targeted and constant investments, with the aim of offering our customers the best possible product."