25/02/2026
This month's Brand Story focuses on Cazal, a brand that celebrates luxury, quality and nonconformist maximalism.
Cazal was founded in 1975 by Cari Zalloni and his business partner, Günter Bötcher. The name Cazal is an acronym derived from Cari Zalloni’s name. the visionary designer who defined the brand’s iconic look.
Born in Greece and raised in Austria, Zallioni studied design at the Academy of Applied Arts in Vienna. He later moved to Siena, Italy, where he became a furniture designer before moving to Germany to design decorative glassware. These roles gave Zallioni the opportunity to experiment with a range of materials, such as wood, metal and textiles, and to explore shapes and textures, all of which became the artistic foundation of his eyewear designs.
When Cazal was established, its vision was to create designs that were bold, unconventional and luxurious. Zallioni introduced oversized sunglasses that featured mismatching lenses, a departure from the understated look of the era, and set the tone for the striking and expressive style that would become synonymous with the brand.
Cazal was based in Germany, where it focused on craftsmanship and quality, but in the 1980s, it found a cultural following in the hip-hop community in the Bronx, New York. A status symbol of success and individuality, Cazals were worn by rappers and DJs, including Run‑DMC, and quickly became a cultural icon of hiphop style.
Today, Cazal remains uncompromising. Each frame is crafted in Germany using premium materials, including titanium and high-quality, 10mm-thick acetate.
Always distinctive. Always luxurious. Explore this legendary brand in practice and find your iconic look.
