Our newest product collaboration combines cutting edge technology
with cinematic and automotive history.

To celebrate our latest collaboration, Chase McQueen, grandson of Steve McQueen, traveled to Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace for the launch of the Steve McQueen X Le Mans by Renauld sunglasses. Liz Van Denburg and Ryan Kernan, co-founders of Renaissance Licensing sat down with Chase to hear about his time across the pond celebrating the launch and the continued legacy of his grandfather. 

You recently attended Salon Privé for the launch of the Steve McQueen X Le Mans Renauld sunglasses. For those of us who have never been, can you tell us a little more about the event and what made this the ideal location for the launch?

It’s a really special event, often hailed as the pinnacle of automotive elegance, which I think perfectly captured what this collaboration is all about. Blenheim Palace, where the event was held is breathtaking – I don’t think words can do it justice – but I’ll give it a shot. Built between 1705 and 1722, the Palace is stunning. It’s a place full of history and grandeur, perfect for the event. The venue is just simply one of the best for a car show in the world.

Sounds like an amazing experience! Was there anything special about the travel itself? Did anything remind you of your grandfather?

The travel was great. We met some fantastic people at Virgin Atlantic who took tremendous care of us. It really reminded me of trips to Europe with my dad for similar events with Barbour, TAG, and Ford when I was younger.

You did a lot of interviews while you were there. What are some of the outlets you spoke to, and who was your favorite?

Honestly, I can’t name them all, but my favorite was probably with Magneto. My dad had a good relationship with them, so that was pretty cool. We also held a press conference where I got to speak on stage with the various people who worked with my grandpa on Le Mans.

So, there were some special guests? 

We had so many special guests, all of whom worked on Le Mans with my grandpa. To name a few: David Piper, Richard Attwood, Peter Darley, and Richard Bray. It was an amazing experience getting to speak with people who worked with my grandfather on a film he felt so passionately about. 

Speaking of Le Mans, let’s talk about the glasses themselves. What makes these frames special and so much a part of the McQueen legacy?

The story behind the frames is what really makes them special. We actually had the original frames from that famous photo of my grandfather in the pits from the filming of Le Mans. My dad had put his prescription lenses in them and had been wearing them when he was younger. When Renauld came around, he pulled them out and gave them to Renauld to reimagine. On top of that, Le Mans was a pivotal moment in my family’s history—from all the struggle and heartache my grandfather went through to get the film made. It’s also where my dad developed his love for Porsche and motorsports.

That sounds like a lot of history in a pair of frames! How was the reaction from attendees? What do you think Steve would have thought about them?

The reaction from attendees was amazing. The keepsake packaging on the Car 20 Edition really blew people away. The keepsake is an actual part of my grandfather’s Porsche 917, race number 20, that is encased in the Renauld Marque and embedded in the sunglass temple. There is also a chip that gives buyers access to exclusive digital content. I think my grandfather would be proud to have such an authentic collaboration come to life.

Finally, on a much more somber note, you recently lost your father, Chad. Is there anything you’d like to say about your dad?
There’s a lot to say, but simply put, he dedicated his life to preserving his father’s legacy, and I intend to do the same.