The market for discount eyewear is on the rise, with online sales increasing and traditional optical shops shutting down. While the mid-range market is losing market share, the low-end and high-end segments are thriving. In this evolving landscape, Lucas de Staël and his luxury eyewear brand “made in Paris” are quietly making a name for themselves with their handmade glasses frames that use unique and noble materials. The ULTIMZ Journal recently had the opportunity to interview Lucas de Staël at his workshop-loft in the 19th arrondissement of Paris.
Lucas de Staël shared his insights on the luxury artisanal eyewear market, noting that it is growing due to the increasing number of people wearing glasses and the expanding network of opticians worldwide. He estimated that artisanal eyewear currently accounts for about 10% of the market volume. The demand for luxury eyewear is on the rise, and more fashion designers are becoming interested in this niche. In addition, the emergence of 3D-printed eyewear is seen as a luxury option due to the technical challenges involved in its production.
However, the luxury eyewear market in France is facing some challenges. A government ruling restricts insurance reimbursement for frames above €150, resulting in the closure of many optical shops in recent years. This law negatively impacts French manufacturers, as frames priced above €150 are more likely to be sourced from China. As a consequence, customers are more inclined to opt for low-cost frames.
Lucas de Staël then shared his personal journey of becoming an eyewear frame designer. He studied industrial design at ENSCI-Les Ateliers, one of France’s top design schools, where he developed a passion for sustainable development and natural phenomena. During his studies, he completed an internship in eyewear in Marseille, which further fueled his interest in this field. Lucas de Staël credited Alain Mikli, a pioneer in eyewear design, for inspiring the numerous innovations witnessed in the industry today.
After completing his studies, Lucas de Staël worked as an eyewear craftsman for Face à Face, a renowned French eyewear designer known for its contemporary elegance. However, he found the manufacturing process too complex and decided to launch his own venture, Undostrial, where he created glasses using folded steel sheets. Several years later, he joined forces with stylist Alexandre to establish the Lucas de Staël brand, which focuses on classic shapes and unique materials. Their innovative approach lies in the way they work with materials, resulting in delicate and intricate finishes.
The article delves into the production process and characteristics of Lucas de Staël eyewear. The brand produces roughly 6,000 frames annually, emphasizing artisanal craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Their frames are crafted from materials such as granite, slate, cork, and leather, weighing between 18 and 22 grams, which is comparable to acetate frames. The manufacturing of a pair of Lucas de Staël glasses involves an average of 2.5 hours and 32 different operations. The brand places great emphasis on quality and rigorously tests the frames for durability in extreme climates.
When asked about their target audience, Lucas de Staël explained that they cater to connoisseurs and individuals interested in craftsmanship and exquisite materials. Their typical clients are aged 40 and above, with the means to invest in high-quality eyewear. The price range for their frames starts from €690, reaching up to €2000 for crocodile skin frames, with the mid-range priced at €1,200. Their revenue heavily relies on exports, constituting 70-80% of their overall earnings.
The essence of the Lucas de Staël brand lies in their commitment to creating superior products with limited resources. They have deliberately chosen to work with exquisite materials, meticulously handcrafting each frame with precision. The team values the freedom to introduce their own enhancements to the design process. The brand ethos revolves around being intimately connected to the materials, sourcing locally, and creating their own tools. The initial objective of the company was to disrupt established industrial processes, which led to the name “Undostrial.”
In conclusion, Lucas de Staël revealed that his personal luxury lies in having time for himself, relishing a small coffee on a terrace in the morning. He also cherishes his love for mountains, having embarked on various expeditions to destinations such as Machu Picchu, the Annapurna Circuit, Ladakh, the Amazon, and Réunion Island. His greatest joy lies in witnessing the happiness of customers who try on his glasses at trade shows.
To explore the creations of Lucas de Staël, visit their website at [http://lucasdestael.com/](http://lucasdestael.com/).
Helpful Links:
– [The Rise of Online Eyewear Sales](https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/intelligence/the-rise-of-online-eyewear-sales)
– [Challenges Faced by the Luxury Eyewear Market in France](https://www.essilorluxottica.com/channels/challenges-luxury-eyewear-market-france-)
