Discover the new Gazette #15

Lafont celebrated forty years in business at this year’s Silmo. More than an anniversary, this milestone ushered the brand into a new decade of design and innovation.
Resolutely independent, the House of Lafont continues to evolve its designs while preserving its core identity: a family business with an assertive style, backed by French manufacturing.
Being deeply rooted in the brand, “40 years of Lafont, 40 years of colour” is the cornerstone of the anniversary celebration.

At this year’s special edition of Silmo, the House invited visitors to immerse themselves in a uniquely Lafont experience. Thomas Lafont was the architect in creating a welcoming and comfortable home-like space, filled with accents and details full of colour and texture.
The 40th Anniversary of the brand would not be complete without a tribute to the artisanal craftsmanship behind the name. A small workshop within the booth featured Bérangère, who was awarded “Best Craftsman of France” in 2019. During the show, 150 lorgnettes were crafted with hand-placed crystals, rivets and resin applied in record time!
Lafont’s anniversary was a great success, made possible only through the support of their worldwide partners!

The Spring/Summer 2020 collection presents new shades and combinations, paying homage to colour with the Limited-Edition 40th Anniversary Collector’s Box!

Revisiting the iconic P3 and cat-eye shapes, these designs are a throwback to the 1980’s when Lafont’s story began. Available in optical and sunglass models, the frames are reinterpreted for today’s market and modernized by Thomas.

For this edition of My Life in Lafont, the House spotlights Irma Ozcelik, Senior Staff Member of Lafont and Stock Manager.

What is your first Lafont-related memory?
On April 27th, 1983 Philippe Lafont interviewed me for a job. I was only 19 and hardly spoke any French! Since that day I never left, and have been working for the House for 36 years!
The offices were located right above the boutique on rue Vignon, and there were only a handful of employees. At the time I had the opportunity to meet Matthieu and Thomas’ grandfather – Jean Lafont, a handsome and very kind man who wanted everyone to call him “Grandpa.”
In your opinion, why does Lafont stand out?
Lafont stands out thanks to its essential values: family, loyalty, respect and consideration. The Lafonts have always paid attention to my needs; they are very considerate people. Philippe and Laurence were like my second family - they taught and supported me for many years.

Which is your all-time favourite frame?
The cat-eye frame Chat, that I wore for 3 years, in crystal, tulle and blond tortoise shell.