Maison Bonnet has created handmade glasses since 1930. With legendary clients such as Yves Saint Laurent, the family-owned company understands that its uniqueness is not only excellent craftsmanship, but understanding style and personality. The atelier grows slowly, focusing on transmission of skills between three generations working side by side. Glasses frames are made from buffalo horn and acetate, but the house specialty is handmade tortoise shell glasses. The few artisans who are able to utilise the potential of this luminous and luxurious material are as rare as the animal itself and, luckily, both are valued and protected.

Each pair of glasses is made in the Bourgogne workshop or the Paris and London stores. The Parisian boutique is over three floors, each designed to accompany clients in search of their bespoke glasses. At the ground level showroom, a master artisan talk with the client for an hour or two, until they have created a design that reflects and compliments the client’s personality and features. Below is the Parisian atelier, with its busy but friendly atmosphere, and on storey up is the calm and precise world of lenses and opticians.