France’s President Emmanuel Macron receives 3D printed glasses from Visages

At this year’s Viva Technology conference, a remarkable moment unfolded that captured the attention of both tech enthusiasts and fashion aficionados. French President Emmanuel Macron surprised attendees when he tried on a freshly launched pair of 3D printed glasses from Visages, a cutting-edge eyewear company based in France. What made this event extraordinary wasn’t just the presidential endorsement, but the statement about the future of personalized, locally designed and locally manufactured sustainable eyewear and the growth of 3D printing as a preferred frame manufacturing method.

Visages is a trailblazer in the eyewear industry, bringing a fresh perspective to how glasses are designed, manufactured, and worn. Their model is radically simple yet powerful: customers use an AI-powered face scan from any smartphone to create a digital mold of their face. From that, Visages produces custom-fit glasses with medical-grade precision, made to order using 3D printing technology. It’s an innovation you can wear, and President Macron himself became one of the first to do just that.

What added to the excitement was that the eyewear model worn by Macron had just been launched a few hours earlier. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Not only did the President acknowledge the gift with a warm “Thanks for the gift!” on social media, he also praised the glasses for being “surprisingly light” and “manufactured in France”, emphasizing the comfort and quality that define the Visages brand along with its potential for stengthening the local supply chain. The moment quickly went viral, elevating the brand’s visibility and validating its vision.

Unlike traditional eyewear brands that rely on mass production and large inventories, Visages takes a more mindful approach. Each pair is locally printed on demand—either in France or near the customer’s location—eliminating waste and unnecessary storage. This sustainable model reduces the carbon footprint and empowers consumers to own a product that is both environmentally conscious and uniquely theirs.

On the Discovery Stage at Viva Technology, the Visages team demonstrated how easily any brand or designer could launch a custom-fit eyewear collection within days, without ever holding stock or worrying about logistics. The audience was packed, the interest was genuine, and the enthusiasm was palpable. It felt like a true inflection point for the industry.

The design itself speaks volumes. These glasses are not just functional; they are a fashion statement. Crafted with precision and a flair for aesthetics, they reflect a distinctly French sensibility—chic, refined, and forward-looking. But more importantly, they are inclusive. With a smartphone, anyone can scan their face and receive a product that fits them perfectly, removing barriers of size, style, and accessibility.

President Macron’s spontaneous endorsement was more than a passing gesture. It was a nod to a vision of innovation that is homegrown, impactful, and scalable. It was a powerful moment for a startup that has captured the spirit of its generation—and is ready to shape what comes next.