In Conversation with Carlo Sestini: The Vision Behind the Frames

The latest arrival at MAGRABi, Sestini brings a refined perspective to contemporary eyewear, one rooted in Italian heritage, artisanal storytelling, and timeless design. In this exclusive interview, founder Carlo Sestini shares the inspiration behind the brand, his design philosophy, and why every frame is crafted in celebration of precise artistry.

What inspired you to start Sestini?

Sestini was born from a desire to bridge emotional storytelling with Italian elegance. I wanted to create eyewear that felt deeply personal — a reflection of both my heritage and modern sensibility. The idea was never just about making frames, but about framing a lifestyle rooted in memory, beauty, and identity. From the start, it was also about supporting the artisans behind the craft — collaborating with small, often family-run workshops that carry generations of knowledge. These are precious realities that risk disappearing, and working with them means helping to keep tradition alive in a rapidly changing world.

What does eyewear mean to you?

Eyewear is one of the most intimate and expressive accessories we wear. It sits closest to the soul — the eyes — and instantly communicates character, mood, and confidence. For me, it’s a medium of storytelling and transformation: a way to filter the world while revealing something essential about yourself.

How do your personal values reflect in Sestini as a brand?

Sestini reflects everything I believe in: authenticity, timelessness, and intentionality. I’ve always admired slow luxury — a counter-narrative to fast consumption — where quality, craft, and emotional connection come before hype. That’s why every pair is handmade in Italy using archival materials whenever possible and released in limited numbers. It’s about preserving integrity over chasing trends.

Where do you find/draw inspiration for your collections?

Inspiration is everywhere — the sculptural lines of Mediterranean architecture, the refined restraint of Italian tailoring, or even a fleeting feeling captured in vintage cinema. Every piece, which is like a collectible, begins with a story or atmosphere I want to translate into form, color, and texture.

What would you say is Sestini’s core design philosophy?

Our design language is rooted in elevated minimalism and sculptural balance. We pair clean lines with sensual detail, always favoring subtle identifiers over bold statements. Sestini frames are intentionally discreet yet instantly recognizable — designed to complement identity, not overpower it.

Who or what are your greatest influences, and how have they shaped your creative approach?

My greatest influence is my grandmother Gloria, who taught me elegance and savoir-faire. She embodied effortless sophistication and showed me that true style is quiet, considered, and deeply personal. That spirit continues to shape everything I do — from how I design to how I want people to feel when they wear Sestini.

Your brand has been influenced by Italian culture and heritage. Can you share a specific experience that inspired a design?

The CARLO II frame is especially personal. It embodies a modern flair for elegance and is infused with Tuscan codes that are deeply connected to my origins. Even the packaging pays homage to the region — drawing from antique textures and architectural elements. It references the pine trees I played hide-and-seek around as a child, and the cypresses that always guided me home. It’s a piece that holds both visual presence and emotional memory.

What is your approach to sourcing and selecting materials for the brand?

We use deadstock and archival Mazzucchelli acetate whenever we can — not only because it’s the finest, but because it allows us to craft sustainably, with history embedded in every pair. Our lenses come exclusively from Zeiss, and each frame is individually numbered — a subtle mark of care and transparency. It's about creating something lasting, where each frame carries a unique story.

In today’s fast-moving world, how do you balance tradition and innovation?

We see innovation as a way to extend tradition, not replace it. By pairing time-honored Italian techniques with modern precision, we honor the past while remaining relevant. Our pieces don’t chase trends — they evolve slowly and thoughtfully, staying true to the spirit of timeless identity.

Who do you picture roaming the streets wearing Sestini?

The Sestini wearer is curious, cultured, and quietly confident. They might be a creative in Paris, an entrepreneur in Tokyo, or a doctor in Milan. They seek depth over noise and style with substance. Sestini is for those who don’t need to be seen — they know how to be noticed.
Through Sestini’s Lens

What do you aspire people to see through Sestini’s lens?

I want them to see clarity — in themselves and the world around them. Through our lenses, I hope they experience a subtle transformation: a sense of presence, poise, and connection. Sestini isn’t about covering your face — it’s about revealing who you are.

What is Sestini as a brand yet to uncover?

We’re just getting started. We’re exploring new silhouettes, artistic collaborations, and sensory retail experiences that deepen emotional connection. The future of Sestini is one of quiet evolution — rooted in Italian craft, guided by curiosity, and driven by emotion.

Find the latest Sestini collection now at MAGRABi. Shop your frames at your nearest store or online with the help of our Virtual Try-On tool.