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Who Owns Rudy Project: A Legacy Continues

25 May, 2024

Since its inception in 1985, Rudy Project has solidified its position as a global leader in Italian-made sports eyewear and accessories. With the torch now passed to a new generation of leadership embodied by founder Rudy Barbazza’s sons, Cristiano and Simone, the brand's trajectory of success is poised to ascend even further.

For over three decades, Rudy Project has spearheaded innovation in sports eyewear, epitomizing an unwavering commitment to excellence in materials, design, and performance. Renowned for its performance sunglasses, RX solutions, as well as top-tier goggles and helmets, Rudy Project has etched its mark as a hallmark of technical prowess in the industry.

Originating in Treviso, Veneto, Rudy Project swiftly transcended national borders to become a revered international entity. Its comprehensive lineup now includes sport sunglasses, prescription glasses, helmets, goggles, and a myriad of high-caliber sport accessories.

Driven by the mission to elevate athletes' performance worldwide, Rudy Project has thrived on continual investments in pioneering materials and technologies for both lenses and frames.

"Our commitment lies in crafting the epitome of sporting eyewear, entirely conceived and crafted in Italy," affirms Cristiano Barbazza, Chairman and CEO of the company. "In catering to the diverse needs of athletes, we offer bespoke solutions, including our acclaimed prescription offerings tailored for athletes requiring vision correction."

Pioneering Eyewear Evolution

In 1987, Rudy Project revolutionized the industry with the launch of the groundbreaking "Explorer" model, introducing the revolutionary “Air System” – a design innovation that remains integral to their products today. By strategically placing vent holes within the central RP logo, Rudy Project engineered a venturi airflow system that minimizes fogging without compromising visibility. Adjustable paddle temple tips and nose pads ensured unparalleled comfort and fit, while a specialized anti-fog coating on the lens empowered athletes to excel in challenging atmospheric conditions.

The brand's ethos underscores an intricate fusion of product functionality and aesthetic allure. Through meticulous study, research, and attention to detail, Rudy Project crafts helmets and eyewear that embody a harmonious convergence of shape, volume, materials, and color combinations, inspiring a sensory journey like no other.

Aero Revolution: Leading the Pack

In an era when aerodynamics began to shape the cycling landscape, Rudy Project emerged as the vanguard, introducing the world's first helmet solution tailored for aerodynamic performance. The Sweeto, with its audacious design and maximal performance attributes, heralded a new chapter in cycling aerodynamic engineering, firmly establishing Rudy Project as a frontrunner in the field.

With Cristiano and Simone Barbazza at the helm, Rudy Project remains a quintessential family-run enterprise, steadfastly headquartered in Treviso, Italy. Every pair of sunglasses bearing the Rudy Project insignia is not just a product but a testament to Italian craftsmanship and ingenuity, meticulously designed and manufactured to exude excellence in every detail.