Macron Aviator Sunglasses at Davos lifts glasses maker shares by $4 million

Shares in Italian eyewear company iVision Tech jumped sharply after Emmanuel Macron, the French president, appeared wearing aviator sunglasses during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, in a moment that quickly went viral online.

According to Reuters, iVision Tech shares rose almost 28 percent on Thursday, adding around 3.5 million euros to the company’s market capitalisation. The rally followed widespread speculation that the French president was wearing glasses made by Henry Jullien, a high-end French brand owned by the Milan-listed group.

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The company confirmed on Wednesday that the model seen on Macron was the Pacific S 01, which sells for 659 euros on its website. “This certainly created a wow effect on the stock,” Stefano Fulchir, iVision Tech chief executive told Reuters.

The surge followed an earlier rise of nearly 6 percent on Wednesday, before trading in the shares was automatically halted for much of the day due to volatility. Trading briefly resumed on Thursday before being halted again, with the stock on course for its biggest one-day jump on record.

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Macron’s appearance drew intense attention on social media, with memes and jokes comparing the French leader to characters from the film Top Gun. The moment even drew a reaction from Donald Trump, the United States president, who joked about Macron’s look during his own address to the forum.

“What the hell happened?” Trump said to laughter from the audience, referring to Macron’s sunglasses, before adding: “I like him, I actually like him. Hard to believe, isn’t it?”

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Macron’s office had earlier said the president wore the sunglasses indoors to protect his eyes because of a burst blood vessel, following speculation about his health. It did not officially confirm the brand of the glasses. Fulchir, however, said he recognised them clearly, adding that he had sent Henry Jullien glasses to Macron in 2024.

While the comments and jokes provided global attention, it was the sudden spotlight on the eyewear brand that moved markets, turning a brief fashion moment on the Davos stage into a significant boost for iVision Tech’s share price, Reuters reported.