Annabella embodies the Italian elegance of the 1980s and 90s at its most refined and intimate. Her glasses embody a vision of feminine style that is both assertive and subtle, often marked by pure lines, interplay of materials (marbled, transparent, pearly acetates) and precious metallic finishes. We find here the tension so typical of Italian design between ornamental sophistication and rigorous forms. Nothing is garish, everything is thought out in detail: from the finely sculpted temples to the discreet gold inserts, sometimes adorned with rhinestones or geometric patterns.

Little documented today, the Annabella brand nevertheless occupied a notable place in the landscape of high-end Italian accessories during the 1980s and 1990s. Produced in Italy, often in collaboration with ready-to-wear houses like Simonetta Ravizza, Annabella benefited from a selective distribution channel, centered on luxury opticians and European concept stores.

It didn't enjoy widespread international distribution, which partly explains its current rarity. But those interested in the history of Italian optical design immediately recognize the Annabella signature: careful craftsmanship, noble materials, and a keen sense of femininity and detail.

Annabella never produced on a large scale, making each piece almost individually identifiable. Among the most iconic models:

- Model A-284: a revisited cat-eye frame, in marbled acetate with circular gold inserts on the temples. Understated and very Italian elegance.

- Mod. A‑136 C1: amber or black acetate, gold-tone metal temples, pearly finishes. A perfect balance between presence and finesse.

- A‑73 S col. 1: rare model in ice blue tones, decorated with inlaid colored fragments, almost like a stained glass window.

- Mod. A‑593 C2: glossy black frame with rhinestones and a discreet logo. A testament to the glamorous trends of the turn of the 1990s.

These glasses were often delivered in rigid branded cases, typical of Italian artisanal productions of the time.

Annabella is one of those so-called "NOS" (New Old Stock) brands that are particularly sought after in the world of vintage eyewear. This means that some models, although manufactured over 30 years ago, have never been worn. They have remained stored in workshops or old optical shops, in their original packaging. A time capsule, untouched.

- For quality: the acetates used are of Italian origin, often signed Mazzucchelli, and the manufacturing demonstrates true manual know-how.

- For rarity: Annabella has never been an industrial brand. Finding a vintage model, especially in mint condition, is almost like optical archaeology.

- For the style: the shapes, the colors, the details – everything is designed to transcend fashions without ever appearing dated.

- For the story: wearing an Annabella frame is like reviving an era where the accessory was an act of style in its own right, and not just a consumer product.