‘Opticien Lunetier Responsable’ – Sacrées Mirettes – by Sarah & Flo – opened in December 2020 during the pandemic
Sacrées Mirettes is an eyewear boutique located in Vieux Lille, the historic area of Lille, France. Though the store is situated in beautiful surroundings, steeped in history and culture within a bustling city, the business and founders Sarah and Flo did not have the warmest welcome into the retail world. Opening in December last year in the midst of the current pandemic was no easy feat; between curfews, lockdowns and newly imposed laws to tackle COVID-19, it is a testament to Sacrées Mirettes and everyone involved in its set up to have made such a strong start, in spite of everything.
Vieux Lille itself is known for its colorful houses, charming restaurants, bars, and its streets of independently owned shop fronts – amongst which Sacrées Mirettes can be found. The boutique faces onto the impactful Notre Dame de la Treille; this cathedral is a stunning piece of unconventional French architecture.
Upon entry, the shop has a warm and comforting atmosphere – the founders designed the space alongside architect Quentin Glorieux with the intent to put their customers at ease, allowing them to shop and browse in homely surroundings. The warmth in the colour palettes used throughout – from the wooden floorboards to the rose coloured feature wall in the back of the store – really radiates the attention paid by all involved in implementing this interior.
As well as being aesthetically lovely, Sacrées Mirettes also focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The founders aim to raise awareness about the impact of the optical industry and do so by stocking responsible and high quality brands including Clément Lunetier, Oscar Magnuson, Vue DC, FOLC, Aude Herouard and Gotti Switzerland, among many others.
An independent boutique in an historic city that survived the toughest of beginnings and one that is making strives towards an eco-friendly world of optics is undeniably admirable, impressive, and definitely worth a visit. By Victoria Brunton for Eyestylist.com.
Sacrées Mirettes, 15 bis Rue du Cirque, 59800 Lille, France www.sacreesmirettes.com/opticien_lille/collections/