Eyestylist

Independent eyewear label, SESTINI was created in 2020 by entrepreneur/influencer, Carlo Sestini. Made by artisans in Italy, the eponymous eyewear collection has a prestigious luxury design adhering to the finest levels of quality. With pieces created as collectibles, honouring craftsmanship, traditional techniques and Italian expertise, the designs have a freshness and elegance that feels discreet and yet perfectly curated. Eyestylist met Carlo at The Dorchester in London in December 2025 to learn more about Sestini and the story behind the creation of the brand.

How would you summarise the design philosophy at Sestini? Sestini combines minimal lines with sculptural intention, merging function with Italian sensuality. With Sestini, eyewear becomes part of a broader lifestyle — one rooted in art, refinement, and the beauty of restraint. The design language is discreet yet iconic, exemplified by subtle identifiers like the engraved half-lily detail. When you touch our product, you can feel that the temples, for example, have been shaped and carved by hand – that the material is really exquisite. I want people to feel that whenever they wear Sestini the fit and feel is phenomenal, very much like wearing a lovely cashmere sweater. We didn’t want a brand that was recognised just by its logo. Instead we have our own unique custom rivets and the attention is placed on the details of the product – and creating a frame design that can be passed on to new generations.

We decided to work also with deadstock and archival Mazzucchelli acetate, applying traditional techniques with modern precision. Our lenses are provided by Zeiss, and each frame is individually numbered to ensure traceability and exclusivity. Sestini’s production is deliberately limited to preserve quality and integrity, far removed from mass-market practices. Above: Founder, Carlo Sestini

Can you highlight some of the details of the frames? We have really focused on the crafting but also on the fit. I really do see each design as a beautiful thing that you can keep. You can feel the quality in the rivets. Their design was inspired by the big bolts you see on Tuscan doors – I wanted them to act as a reminder that whenever you wear them you feel protected; so rather than putting them inside the acetate I wanted to them to really stand out. To do this is more expensive, and everything is gold plated.

Our dolphin emblem was developed from a family memory. My mother and my grandmother had a real thing for dolphins. My grandmother had a cute dolphin necklace that she gave to my mum and so my mum always loved dolphins because of that. She used to call my brother and I dolphins as a nickname because we were quite cheeky together….so this dolphin sign really is symbolic for us. We have also incorporated a Florentine fleur-de-lis. And the hinges – although on the inside, are decorative as well as functional, to remind the wearer of the wonderful quality of the frame they are wearing.

How have you approached finding the right production for your brand in Italy, which is very much a luxury product, designed as an heirloom piece? This is definitely the hardest thing. When I was doing it we needed to rely on word-of-mouth, and attending a lot of meetings to work out who would be the right artisan. I am lucky to be working with an Italian family that understand my product and is able to offer a particular level of quality that is hard to find. This is a beautiful reality in the Veneto in Italy, passed down from the grandfather to the father…he is now training his daughter, and her daughter is just six years old.. but they hope she will also learn their family craft. When you see the attention to detail in the making of the frames, and this family dedication, it is really exciting.

What I really wanted to show is this craft, and the very authentic Italian expertise and love and passion that goes into that. For me, Italian craftsmanship is very much held in high regard, it’s just like in Japan. I wanted to really showcase this Italian excellence and the fact that artisans are the experts who will continue to be at the forefront of eyewear design in the future. Their craftsmanship, the hands-on work, it is so beautiful and it should be encouraged and continued. Supporting this reality is the most important thing.

Was it very difficult to launch in 2020?  Initially, yes, at that time in the Covid pandemic. I decided to approach retailers and hotels directly and this is how we have built a very particular network for Sestini. Early on we decided not to take investors, I wanted to set up in a traditional way as a founder and take things slowly, step by step. I am now working closely with CP Agency (formerly Chapman Agency) for the distribution and global development of Sestini. We started working together in 2021, and since then we have already brought the collection to opticians in many new territories, including Turkey, India, Benelux and Australia. This relationship is a catalyst for the brand to grow.

Do you put out new collections regularly? I am showing at MIDO 2026. The collection is small but you will see new designs releasing at the event and some new colours too. This is very much on the back of having exhibited at Silmo in September and having had a really exceptional show. We will then have additional launches coming for Silmo in 2026 including our signature colour restyling, but always with a reference to timeless design that will be wearable in the future. My next step is developing my wirecore…I already have the Florentine inspiration and I’m looking forward to working on this in 2026.

What is your background in fashion? I started out actually studying international law and diplomacy in London and I wanted to become an ambassador. That was my goal in life. But then I was scouted by a modelling agency and I started working with them in 2014. At that point interest sparked in me and the shots and photography that I posted – to the point where I was then working for brands as a model and an influencer and travelling around the world…

I have always loved glasses and I have always seen them as a way to express myself. Glasses were also a way for me to hide my eyebrows and feel protected when I was young. Whenever I wore the glasses I felt like I could look at people in the eyes but at the same time – with  something to protect me. I always loved that. The thought of making my own eyewear was there but before I started to do it in 2019 I bought a plot of land and experimented with making wine and olive oil.

I’m still working in fashion as a consultant and a model and influencer but now my new direction is very much all about Sestini and creating luxurious Italian eyewear. I did so many searches at the time to find out about Italian eyewear and I realised that there were no other young Italian eyewear labels with that focus on quality, luxury – and timeless appeal.

The packaging of the Sestini glasses is one of the notable details that remember catching my eye in New York two years ago – can you tell me more about it? Yes, the idea of the packaging is currently based on “carta fiorentina” – the paper that Florentine grandmothers use to line their linen drawers. The inside of the cases is printed to create this unusual texture and the effect is like a protective layer for the glasses. I have many more ideas for developing this! But we are taking our time to develop these unique concepts and this level of detail! I like to have my own expression in these accessories – where there is quality and attention to detail at the very highest level. With Sestini I don’t just want to give you the glasses. I want to give you history, craftsmanship, and the experience…

Sestini is available at selected opticians, department stores including Luisaviaroma, Florence and Harvey Nichols Riyadh as well as a growing number of high-end resorts and hotels, including The Dorchester in London.

About Carlo Sestini / Born in Florence and raised between Switzerland and London, Carlo Sestini brings a cross-cultural sensibility to the eponymous eyewear brand. Known for his distinct aesthetic and global presence, Carlo has been profiled in WWD, Vogue, L’Officiel, and numerous international publications. He is personally involved in every element of the brand — from storytelling and production to visual identity and retail strategy.

Find out more at www.sestini.com