In the opening lines of his seminal work The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus famously declared that the only serious philosophical problem is suicide, framing the question of whether life is worth living as philosophy's fundamental concern. This profound existential inquiry has resonated with readers across generations, offering solace and perspective during moments of doubt or despair. However, in a delightful twist of modern absurdity, a new question has emerged that might challenge Camus's premise: just how stylish were French President Emmanuel Macron's sunglasses at the recent World Economic Forum in Davos?
The Sartorial Statement That Upstaged Oratory
While President Macron delivered a characteristically French oration at Davos—emphasizing the rule of law, standing firm against bullies, and delivering his points with that signature languid cadence ("for sure, for sure")—it was not his words that captured global attention. Instead, all eyes were on his face, specifically the pair of sleek aviator sunglasses perched on his nose. These were no ordinary shades; they were crafted by the prestigious French eyewear house Henry Jullien, valued at approximately 650 euros (around US$750 or Rs 68,000).
The spectacle even drew commentary from former US President Donald Trump, who remarked with his typical flair, "I watched him yesterday with those beautiful sunglasses—what the hell happened?" Macron's office offered a practical explanation, suggesting the glasses were needed to protect his eyes from a blood vessel issue. Yet, speculation swirled about whether this was merely another chapter in the ongoing domestic narrative with his former teacher-turned-wife, Brigitte Macron.
French Elegance Meets Philosophical Pursuit
As Camus himself noted in his essay, even Galileo recanted his truths when his life was at stake, illustrating that real-world questions often overshadow abstract philosophical musings. In this case, the pressing query became: where can one acquire these magnificent glasses? The answer lies with Henry Jullien, a century-old company based in France's Jura region, often hailed as the Champagne district of French eyewear.
Founded with the ambitious goal of elevating eyewear to the status of fine jewelry or haute horology, Henry Jullien exemplifies how the French transform utilitarian objects into philosophical endeavors. The brand employs a rare and nearly lost technique called "doublé or" gold-laminate technology, where layers of pure gold are meticulously bonded to metal frames. This is not mere surface plating; the gold becomes an integral part of the structure, ensuring both luxury and durability.
Each frame undergoes a rigorous artisanal process involving 279 individual steps, all executed within France. Production is deliberately limited not by factory capacity or market forecasts, but by the availability of skilled craftspeople, making scaling up impossible even when demand surges. Remarkably, these gold eyewear pieces are built to withstand extreme conditions, surviving temperatures as low as –50°C.
Market Mayhem and Digital Meltdown
The impact of Macron's sartorial choice was immediate and dramatic. iVision Tech SpA, the Milan-listed parent company of Henry Jullien, witnessed its shares skyrocket by nearly 28% in a single trading session following the Davos appearance. This surge added roughly €3.5 million (about $4 million) to its market capitalization, an extraordinary rally for a relatively small eyewear group. Trading was briefly halted due to overwhelming volume before resuming its upward climb, proving that in today's markets, a pair of sunglasses can sometimes wield more influence than a balance sheet.
Simultaneously, the internet erupted with fascination, crashing Henry Jullien's official website—an ironic twist that somewhat undermined Macron's speech about Europe's "predictable" and stable nature. The company swiftly responded by setting up a temporary landing page, stating, "Following the significant visibility of the Pacific by Henry Jullien model, worn by President Emmanuel Macron at the Davos Forum, our eShop website is experiencing an exceptional volume of visits and enquiries. To ensure stable and secure access for everyone, we have enabled this official temporary page dedicated to purchasing the model."
Global Accessibility and Philosophical Irony
Currently, the temporary website facilitates orders exclusively within the European Union, leaving enthusiasts in the Americas, post-Brexit United Kingdom, and other regions to devise creative methods to obtain these coveted glasses. The company estimates a seven-day shipping timeline for successful orders.
In his Davos address, Macron praised Europe as "predictable, loyal, and where the rule of the game is just a rule of law," describing it as "a good place for today and for tomorrow." While one might debate the veracity of that characterization, there is little disagreement about the allure of those sunglasses. For sure. For sure. One might even imagine that wearing them could bring a touch of joy reminiscent of Sisyphus finding meaning in his eternal task—a perfect blend of French style, philosophical irony, and market-driven frenzy.
