Conversando com: Ótica Ventura

TALKING TO Ventura

Talking about “Made in Brazil” brands is much more complex than one might think — a wonderful complexity, in fact, full of diversity and different ways of working. A continental country has many faces, colors, neighborhoods, and stories, and Ventura shares its original narrative in this interview with Flávio Ventura.

Ventura around the world

Do you usually participate in international trade shows? Is the support from Fashion Label Brasil – Abest relevant to Ventura?

At the beginning of Ventura, we took part in numerous trade shows across Brazil, promoting the brand and opening sales points. But the world and the market have changed, and only recently did I decide to reopen this path that once brought us such great returns. After the success in Lisbon and José Ignacio, I felt it was time to count on the support of Fashion Label Brasil – Abest to increase our global presence.

Since when have you been focused on expanding internationally?

Since the end of last year, our focus has been entirely on foreign markets. I started by opening sales points through direct contacts, in stores that aligned with our brand’s concept, and we’ve been growing this way. When I realized this would only continue to grow, I hired an international sales and marketing consultancy to guide us in this new direction and help us identify the best path. I did a photoshoot aligned with this new direction, and now I’m negotiating with three trade shows—two in Paris and one in Milan—to present our best version to boutiques, multibrand stores, and optical shops worldwide.

Have you previously participated in any project with Fashion Label Brasil – Abest?

We had an experience with Fashion Label Brasil – Abest at the end of last year when I was invited to take part in an event where they brought in international buyers from incredible stores. Receiving positive feedback on the brand’s design, colors, quality, and story gave us a lot of confidence and reassurance to invest in this expansion.

Ventura’s Identity

How do you define the brand’s identity?

The main characteristic of our DNA is offering bold design and handcrafted quality eyewear, produced in small batches to meet the dynamic demands of the fashion world. Unlike traditional eyewear brands, which operate with rigid processes and large runs, Ventura brings innovation and flexibility, creating exclusive collections tailored to the unique identity of multibrand boutiques. With a solid heritage in handcrafted eyewear and a bold approach to style, Ventura turns sunglasses into high-impact, customizable accessories that enrich retail assortments and inspire individual expression.

And how do international clients respond to this DNA?

One thing people always say about Ventura is how impressive our variety of models and colors is. Since we also have an optical side—not just fashion—I need models that suit all face shapes and different prescriptions.

What was your strategy for curating the internationally-focused collection?

In this new international positioning, I selected some best-selling models in unique color variations and called it the DNA Ventura Collection. To complement it, I designed a limited-edition collection made with an exclusive Italian acetate sheet, which I called OpArt, based on the 1960s art movement. These two lines will be the stars of our new chapter.

The Origin of It All

We’d like to know a bit about the brand’s trajectory—how it was conceived and how long it took to get established.

My family has been in the optical business since 1945 when my grandfather opened his first store. In 1988, my parents, Deborah and Francisco, identified a demand for distinctive design at more accessible prices. That’s when they created Brazil’s first eyewear boutique in a charming house in the Jardins district — the same address we’re at today — where the fashion world inspired them. My mother created a cozy, family-like atmosphere with clean architecture, and to this day, the store retains that welcoming feeling. Our eyewear has appeared in many editions of São Paulo Fashion Week; for years, we partnered with at least ten brands on the runway.

What are the main features of Ventura eyewear?

Ventura offers Brazilian-designed, handmade products developed with Italian Mazzuchelli acetate and German lenses with UVA/UVB protection. Now that I’ve taken over the brand, I’ve brought in new designs, technologies, and initiatives that, together with our 80-year history, make Ventura a landmark in São Paulo.

Have you done collaborations with other brands or influencers?

We revolutionized the market with exclusive lines, including numbered fabric pieces, which led to a collab with the British brand Basso&Brooke. We’ve also collaborated with artists and influencers like Marília Gabriela and Anna Fasano, and with brands such as Misci, Lino Villaventura, Adriana Degreas, Amém, FRNC, and Lenny.

Ventura Family: The Heart of the Business

You convey a strong connection between the brand and its clients, both through lifestyle and customer service. How long have you worked this way?

Since Ventura’s early days, we’ve been very close to our customers—they’re part of our family. This connection makes people feel like they must stop by and see us. We had a store inside Daslu for over 15 years and learned a lot from Eliana Tranchesi; every detail matters. Today, our focus is our Jardins store, where there’s always a family member to greet friends, along with over 20 points of sale in Brazil and abroad, and our ecommerce, which delivers anywhere.

Do you plan to open a new space in São Paulo?

Soon, I’ll be launching our eyewear space at Cidade Matarazzo, a new landmark in São Paulo and a milestone in my own story. I’m very honored by this invitation—it’s my first solo project in such an important location in the city, and I’ll definitely bring the most exclusive and fashion-forward offerings into this incredible space.

Production and Sustainability

What sustainable practices do you follow, and what materials do you usually work with?

We work with Italian acetate sheets. Acetate is a recyclable and eco-friendly material derived from cotton. It not only reflects a refined fashion sense but also a commitment to environmental preservation. It’s a conscious and stylish way to express concern for sustainability without compromising the quality and glamour associated with high-end fashion. The production of Italian acetate involves using recycled, biodegradable, or renewable source materials, contributing to carbon footprint reduction and promoting a circular economy. Italian acetate eyewear is often designed to be timeless, aiming for durability and resilience. This aligns with the philosophy of conscious consumption, encouraging customers to invest in pieces that go beyond fleeting trends.

How would you define your design process?

We have a family database of models that have stood the test of time. Bridging the fashion world with optical health has always been a challenge. When I design our frames, I always bring in classic elements and the language of our original models. Reflecting this in the pieces is the greatest legacy past generations have left me. All production—both frames and lenses—is closely monitored by us to ensure the best aesthetic and technical results.

Which products are Ventura’s best sellers?

In the DNA campaign, I selected pieces that are our signature when people think of Ventura. Round, cat-eye, square styles, in color variations that express this new phase. I feel this collection offers the complete mix for those seeking unique, artisanal, and authentic products—with a Brazilian twist and optical quality.

Eyewear as a Fashion Statement

What role do eyewear play in building a fashion look?

Eyewear tells a story—it says who you are, what you want to express, how you’re feeling. Those who wear Ventura can spot others wearing it too. It’s more than a pair of glasses—it’s a piece of São Paulo, a piece of our history, our heritage, our family. And this attention to timeless details is what makes Ventura special. I often hear people say when they put on our glasses, “These are definitely the best glasses I’ve ever had!” And that is priceless.

---

Ventura: Brand Snapshot

Name: Ventura

Segment: Eyewear

Where it sells: Physical store in São Paulo (R. Bela Cintra, 1845, Jardins) and points of sale in cities like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Lisbon, Singapore, José Ignacio, and the Bahamas.

Where it’s made: Handmade in Brazil

Founded: 1988

Official Website: www.oticaventura.com.br

Instagram: @oticaventura

By Juliana Lopes – fashion journalist and consultant. @j.u.lopes