“La Vue est Belle” : the chic, French style of a brand new store in the South of France
L’Opticienne is a stylish, boutique opticians founded by Manon Favand, located in an historic building in the commune of Uzès in the south of France. Favand first conceived the idea of having her own boutique after she had completed her training as an optician. After that, and throughout various highs and lows on her journey as a professional in the field of optics, the idea was refined: eventually the delightful L’Opticienne was born. Above: the small traditional French shop front with floral decorations is eye-catching and welcoming
The idea was to provide a space or to create a new dimension in the realm of eyewear that would enhance all the facets of the optical profession, in turn providing customers with quality frames that would also be fun, beautiful and above all – an asset to their wearer. This was an incredibly ambitious dream for Manon as she says “she had almost given up on the idea, many times” – but when the building that housed her mother and grandmother’s ‘second hand’ shop became available, she could not ignore the sign to finally take a leap into the unknown.
L’Opticienne signifies the culmination of Favand’s idea – which had been maturing for years – of a feminine, creative and beautiful store run by a woman in an industry and a profession that was, and arguably still is, predominantly male dominated. Her passion to create something new and fresh and to support the success of independent designers is apparent throughout her business; working solely with eyewear designers and brands who meet her standards of quality and passion for their work. The layout and design of the store itself was carried out by local craftsmen which further exemplifies the point made by Favand to carve a new path for growing professionals to follow.
After one year in business, Favand has found great success as an optician. An intuitive creative with a thirst for diversity and interdependence within her field of work, Favand states that “this business is my universe; it is my philosophy and I am happy and proud to share it every day.” If her sheer devotion and passion for her store isn’t enough to invoke a desire for a visit – what is? Manon Favand opened her store in November 2020. She features a wide range of well-known and lesser known independent brands in her store including Henau Eyewear, Essedue, RES/REI, La Brique et la Violette, and sustainable label NO IDOLS.
L’Opticienne – Manon Favand, place du Duché 30700 UZES, France.
This interview was written by Victoria G. L. Brunton exclusively for Eyestylist.com.
