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Stories

Götti Switzerland


Sven Götti

Words Giuliano Deidda

18/02/2026

An in-depth conversation with the founder and Creative Director of the Swiss brand celebrated for harmonizing craftsmanship with innovation, established in 1998 and recently acquired by AKN Group

Looking back at the brand’s journey, from the very first optical shop in Lucerne to current collections now sold in over 30 countries. What, in your view, has ensured Götti Switzerland’s longevity?
First and foremost, the joy of being able to independently develop a strong and authentic identity. The optical store was already quite spectacular when it opened in 1993, and it still is today. The fact that we have managed to continuously develop a collection over such a long period of time is also closely linked to the team around me.

What did the decision to join AKN Group represent for you?
It is clear to me that I am responsible for setting the course that gives the company a long-term perspective. On a personal level, I would compare this to children growing up and moving out: it is a process of letting go while continuing to support and accompany them. The decision to join the AKN Group was primarily based on our shared values. The acquisition has been described as a ‘transformative alignment of values and expertise’.

How do you perceive this?
The process of getting to know each other has already exceeded all expectations. We feel strong support and genuine synergies on both sides. With our nearly 30 years of production experience, we have already been able to contribute valuable input. At the same time, we are benefiting greatly from the extensive network that Rosario Toscano (CEO and founder of AKN Group, Editor’s note) has built throughout his career. As a group, we naturally consider synergies in logistics and finance, but since both companies are also successful independently, we are approaching this carefully and without haste.

What strategic priorities will guide the brand over the next few years, now that Götti is part of a broader international group?

our goal is to remain a reliable partner for our customers in Switzerland and Europe. In these markets, we are aiming for steady, organic growth. at the same time, we see significant growth potential in the uSa and Asia, where we intend to build a stronger presence through the partnership with the AKN Group.

The recent opening of the Home of Götti in Lucerne marks a significant milestone. What does this space represent for the brand?
The idea of presenting Götti Perspective, our rimless collection, in a special environment was developed even before we entered into discussions with the AKN Group. The Home of Götti is located on the first floor above the Götti & Niederer optical store in Lucerne – exactly where everything began. The concept was designed and realized by our in-house design team. A special thank you goes to Aline Siegenthaler and Thomas Frischknecht.

3D printed Mona frame

3D printed Mona frame

Over the years, Götti has invested considerably in in-house production. How important is the 100% Made in Switzerland aspect?
Both the Dimension and The Perspective collections are the result of extensive in-house development work. Over time, we accumulated so much internal expertise that we decided to produce them on-site. Thanks to new production approaches we were able to gradually build a production team that now consists of 15 experienced employees, including several opticians. Being so close to the product and continuously developing it on-site is extremely rewarding. We truly embody Made in Switzerland because we set very high standards for quality.

In 2025 you introduced the luxury line Götti Switzerland Precious Objects. What philosophy underpins this new direction?
It was a spontaneous idea to relaunch certain models that had become icons over the years in an even more refined and exclusive version. In doing so, we created a new segment that has been very well received by our customers.

 

Originally published in Eyebook 36

Götti design is recognised for its clarity, coherence and uncompromising quality. How do you continue to innovate while remaining faithful to such a rigorously essential design language?
First of all, I am very pleased to hear that — thank you. For me, it is relatively simple because we have the freedom to launch what we truly believe in. We do not have a marketing agency dictating directions; instead, we rely on our intuition. Technical innovations must also integrate seamlessly into this design language. This creative freedom also exists within the group.

What are the highlights of the new collection you are unveiling at this edition of Opti?
We are presenting a new, high-quality acetate collection called Haute Contour. The designs are somewhat more eccentric in form, and feature surface finishing at the highest level. Haute Contour frames will be presented both as optical frames and as sunglasses.

After more than 25 years of continuous creation, what still inspires you when designing a new frame?
To me, it is a great luxury to know that I can dedicate an entire day solely to developing new eyewear. Sometimes ideas simply come to me and I want to realize them; at other times, I am inspired by sales figures or by a frame I notice at an airport or on the street. In a way, this is simply part of my life.

 

Originally published in Eyebook 36

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