From pioneering fashion eyewear in the 1970s to shaping the future of luxury today, Linda Farrow has never followed trends it has created them. In this exclusive interview, Simon Jablon explains why heritage still matters, why true luxury can’t be mass-produced, and why the eyewear industry is about to undergo its biggest transformation yet.
Few eyewear brands have managed to remain relevant, desirable, and influential for more than five decades. Linda Farrow is one of them.
Founded in London in 1970 by designer Linda Farrow and revived in 2003 by her son, Simon Jablon, after he discovered his mother’s original archive, the brand has evolved into one of the world’s most respected names in luxury eyewear.
Today, Linda Farrow is recognized for its uncompromising craftsmanship, bold design language, and iconic collaborations, with a presence in more than 30 standalone stores and concessions and over 500 luxury retailers worldwide.
Unlike brands driven by seasonal hype, Linda Farrow has built its reputation on authenticity and a distinctive design identity.
In this exclusive conversation, Simon Jablon shares his perspective on the state of the luxury eyewear market, the challenges facing independent brands, the philosophy behind collaborations with fashion powerhouses such as Jacquemus, and why he believes luxury eyewear is following the same path as the world’s finest watchmakers.
Where do you see Linda Farrow positioned in today’s luxury eyewear market? Many brands emphasize limited editions, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. What truly differentiates Linda Farrow from its competitors? And how would you define the typical Linda Farrow customer?
At this end of the market, craftmanship is a must. But for me, it’s who we are and what we offer to our customer. Something Linda Farrow has without question is heritage, we are not a brand that’s popped up out of nowhere and might be gone soon. We are not a hype and short-term trend. Established in 1970, we have something others can only dream of. Along with that, we are a predominantly female led brand.
We have our own and clear niche within the luxury eyewear industry, and our signature is totally unique to us.
Many brands have to emphasize other gimmicks, due to them not having a clear point of difference or being in a crowded space, targeting the same consumer.
With our client base, and exclusive distribution, exclusivity is a given. I’ve seen “Limited Editions” but the numbers are not so limited, and the colours are very similar to past limited editions they made.
We are creating more newness than pretty much most brands, and everything we do is made in short runs. So quality, design and exclusivity are just a hallmark standard of Linda Farrow.
How do you assess the current state of the luxury eyewear market? What are the most significant opportunities and challenges facing independent luxury brands today?
I think its exciting times. There are a lot of young brands coming into the market with a lot to offer, and there are new generations of luxury retailers opening. So, the market opportunities are growing.
There are many challenges out there, such as geopolitical issues, and aggressive big groups buying market share. Plus, Tech eyewear coming in. But I feel with better brands, and better retailers, we are all re-educating the end consumer. I see eyewear heading in the direction of the luxury watch business. The end consumer needs to know fashion brands are not luxury, and tech eyewear will not replace luxury eyewear, they can co-exist.
How important are directly operated retail stores to the success of an independent luxury brand? Beyond revenue generation, what strategic role do Linda Farrow’s own stores play for the brand?
They are massively important. As we are an independent company, and this industry is people led. From myself as the designer and figure head of Linda Farrow to the owners and operators of these retail shops, as well as everyone in-between. Relationships and knowledge are powerful things, and we at Linda Farrow value them highly.
As far as Linda Farrow’s own stores, we only have one in London as a flagship, and in Asia we have a few in partnership with Puyi Optical. At the heart of our brand, we are brand and design led, the retail boutiques are opportunities to express our brand and lifestyle, giving the end consumer a space to step into our world.
Everyone is familiar with Linda Farrow’s collaboration with Jacquemus. How much has this partnership contributed to the brand’s global image and positioning? Aside from the financial aspect, what key considerations influenced your decision to enter into this collaboration?
Collaborations have been a key element of our brand history, in fact we have pioneered this. From my mother working with brands such as YSL, Balenciaga and Pucci. As for modern times, we have worked some of my fashion idols, such as The Row, Raf Simons, Dries van Noten, Jeremy Scott and many more… So Jacquemus is a continuation of this creative expression.
The band has a strong point of difference and a voice of its own. That always attracts me when entering a collaboration, as it’s not an add on or reflective of Linda Farrow designs. The deigns and technicality are very different, so this reflects in price and design. But the Jacquemus client, is younger and looking for a different aesthetic and price point. So, we try and create for the brand and its end consumer.
How do you see the eyewear industry evolving over the next five to ten years? And where do you envision Linda Farrow’s place within that future landscape?
I think the divide between mass and luxury will get bigger, and so, the niche end of the market will contract and expand, like we see with all luxury. Less is more! As mentioned, we have our own space within the market and our own point of difference. As long as luxury retailers have a female client base, with style and sophistication, they will look for us.
How important is the Asian market for Linda Farrow compared to the European market? Have you noticed meaningful differences in consumer behavior between the two regions?
It’s an important market for Linda Farrow, like all markets. Asia is very fashion forward and in general over sized and light weight frames are popular, thus the reason for our frames performing well in the market. Europe is different, simply as there are so many various cultures and differences from country to country in such a small land mass. You need more representatives cover the territory which brings about its own pro’s and con’s. but every region has its differences, and that is the magic of being able to work in an industry where we are so lucky to be able to travel and experience them all.
Simon Jablon’s vision makes one thing clear: in a market increasingly divided between mass production and genuine luxury, authenticity has never been more valuable. While technology, fast-moving trends, and corporate consolidation continue to reshape the eyewear industry, Linda Farrow remains committed to the principles that have defined the brand for more than fifty years, exceptional craftsmanship, fearless design, and timeless exclusivity.
Rather than chasing trends, the brand continues to set them, proving that true luxury isn’t created through scarcity alone, but through heritage, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. If the future of luxury eyewear belongs to brands with a clear identity and lasting value, Linda Farrow is already exactly where it intends to be.
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