Behind the optical collections of Vivienne Westwood, Sandro, or AllSaints, there’s one common signature: Sandra Battistel’s. Her sharp vision, technical precision, and constant dialogue with each brand define her unique approach.
Originally from Italy and a graduate of Central Saint Martins, Sandra Battistel represents a new generation of designers who see eyewear as a cross-disciplinary platform for innovation. With experience at Victoria Beckham, Anthropologie, and Bimba y Lola, she now serves as Design Director at Mondottica. Combining deep technical knowledge with creative precision, she crafts unique identities for each brand she works with—always guided by material expertise and design integrity.
Mondottica Group is a global eyewear licensing leader operating across Europe and Asia. The group develops optical and sunwear collections for brands such as AllSaints, Hackett, Sandro, Vivienne Westwood, Christian Lacroix, and Ted Baker. Each collaboration is built on a close creative partnership, aligning the brand’s DNA with optical craftsmanship. The result: frames with strong personality and global appeal, grounded in precision and aesthetic coherence.
Parisee -. Could you tell us how your journey in eyewear design began, and what eventually led you to your current role as Design Director at Mondottica Group?
S. Battistel -. I began my career as an intern in Marcolin’s design department shortly after graduating from design school. After spending a few years working in Italy, I moved to London, where I worked as a leather goods product developer for various brands before returning to the eyewear industry. This experience allowed me to contextualize eyewear not just as a standalone product, but as part of a broader conversation with accessories and ready-to-wear collections—where styling and product design go hand in hand.
Parisee -. Before turning to eyewear, you had extensive experience designing other types of products. What would you say is the most distinctive challenge when it comes to designing glasses?
S. Battistel -. There are quite a few, especially for such a small object! Fit is definitely one of them, but just as important is understanding that eyewear is far more personal than most other fashion items—it’s the first thing people notice when they see us. Eyewear plays a significant role in shaping first impressions.
Parisee -. Are there one or two iconic frames you and your team have designed that you feel truly embody the identity of a brand? Could you tell us the stories behind them?
S. Battistel -. My favorite is the Vivienne Westwood VW7022. It’s a perfect example of design and technical R&D coming together, as we had to find a way to seamlessly integrate the hinge into the 3D Orb logo. It also has a nod to the late ’90s, which makes it a personal favourite of mine.
Parisee -. You’ve also designed jewellery pieces — do you see a connection between eyewear and jewellery in your creative approach?
S. Battistel -. There’s a strong connection between the two. In the past, eyewear was often crafted by jewellers, sometimes using gold or silver with intricate engravings, employing the same techniques as those used in jewellery. My deep interest in materials, their craftsmanship, and development has allowed me to work closely with manufacturers and artisans to design and create both jewellery and eyewear.
Parisee -. As Design Director at Mondottica Group, you work with a range of brands. How do you ensure that each one maintains a distinct design identity?
S. Battistel -. It all comes down to developing a distinctive handwriting and signature details for each brand. We excel at this by fostering a strong relationship between the Mondottica design teams and the brand’s creative team. Taking the time to build a shared design language is essential, as it’s reflected in the look and feel of each collection. This is our strength—we can often recognize the brand in each design without even needing to look at the branding on the temples.
Parisee -. What are your main sources of inspiration when designing eyewear?
S. Battistel -. My team and I dedicate a lot of time to research, which spans everything from observing current fashion trends to exploring technical innovations and revisiting vintage designs with a contemporary twist. We’re truly passionate and curious about every detail!
Parisee -. I read that you and your team enjoy sketching your designs by hand. Would you be open to sharing a few of your sketches and the stories behind them?
S. Battistel -. We sketch extensively, and I encourage my team to hand-sketch as much as possible. This approach helps us better understand and technically refine our designs, especially the more complex ones.
Parisee -. Do you have favourite materials you like to work with when designing frames? What draws you to them?
S. Battistel -. I’ve always been passionate about developing patterns for acetate materials, and we do a lot of this work for brands like Vivienne Westwood and Christian Lacroix. A great example is the CL5137 in Meteorite colour, which we custom-developed for the brand’s latest collection.
Parisee -. How do you envision the future of eyewear design? Are there any trends or innovations you find particularly exciting right now?
S. Battistel -. I’m seeing a lot of innovation in the development of recycled and sustainable materials, and the results are visually stunning!
Parisee -. Looking back at eyewear history, are there any iconic frame shapes that you are especially drawn to or inspired by?
S. Battistel -. More than just shapes, I’m intrigued by the unique and fascinating functions eyewear has served throughout history, many of which have now disappeared. I’m thinking of items like theatre glasses, 3D glasses, and makeup glasses. Today, eyewear is evolving with the integration of VR, AR, and even photo-taking capabilities.
Through a sharp design sensibility and deep manufacturing knowledge, Sandra Battistel has become a key force in shaping modern eyewear. At Mondottica, she balances brand storytelling, material research, and production expertise—crafting collections that quietly but powerfully redefine what it means to wear design.
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