The Renauld brand has a rich history rooted in the second half of the 20th Century. In the early 60s, Charles Rolley, owner of the highly successful Sea & Ski suntan company, was looking to expand his product line into complimentary merchandise such as sunglasses and bathing suits. After fruitful negotiations with the Botany menswear brand, Renauld’s first branded collection was launched in spring 1961. What followed over the next two decades was a series of wonderful and innovative designs that resonated with the culture and spirit of the time. Over 100 patented new ideas and over 350 original styles were generated and manufactured, many the result of creative collaborations with international fashion houses and designers. Today Renauld and Classic Team Lotus have partnered with the Jim Clark Trust to produce a limited-edition sunglasses design – to be known as the Jim Clark Sixty-One. Throughout the Sixties, Jim was an enthusiastic fan of Renauld and recently several new images have surfaced of him wearing the brand at various Grand Prix.

In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Gareth Llewelyn, CEO at Renauld about how he turned his sunglasses collecting hobby into a career. He purchased the rights to the Renauld brand and restarted the company with the aim to target the luxury end of the sunglasses market. Our host Peter Brooker and Gareth talk about manufacturing challenges, trademarks and patents, how to use celebrity heritage in marketing, the new 2022 Elvis film, a possible Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition, and the story behind the new Jim Clark Sixty-One sunglasses. 

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