All In The Family
Lunettes Lafont is a French family affair. For over 85 years, there have been Lafont family members involved in the company. Now Philippe Lafont (centre) and his two sons, Thomas (left) and Matthieu (right) are closely connected with all aspects of the company. Twenty-five years ago, Thomas and Matthieu’s elegant mother, Laurence, launched the Lafont children’s collection. Madame Lafont always said: “you cannot make children suffer,” so Lafont frames for kids have always taken little faces and children’s preferences into consideration. Thomas has inherited the design mantle, and his collections of kid’s frames are created with his mother’s goal firmly in mind.
“Acceptance and comfort is the key issue for kids,” says Marketing Director Matthieu. “Small faces need specifically adapted frames. Our answer is to give different styles for different ages, and to offer exclusive colours. We provide a product that is harmless, and as strong as possible. Quality is really at the top of the list for parents. Why? Because kids can play hard, fall, and sometimes sit on their frames!”
Lafont offers frames in several categories: 6 months to 4 years; Age 4-7; 7-12 years; and 12-16 years old. Acetate, metal, nylon and spring hinges ensure that the frames avoid breakage as much as possible. Even the names are fun – Gribouille, French for draw or doodle, is a boys frame alive with rockets, planets, and stars. Certain boy’s styles feature a little sports car on the tips of side pieces, and for girls, there is a ladybug – symbol of good luck.
The Lafonts are passionate about eyewear, with their commitment to the profession, their design inspiration and emphasis on quality. The next generation of Lafont’s is growing up with a passion for eyewear. “My four year old daughter needs to wear glasses,” says Matthieu, “and she is so proud and happy to wear them! She selected her own frame.” The family tradition carries on! Lafont have their own boutiques in Paris, in superb locations on both the Left and Right Banks of La Seine. JG
For further details: www.lafont.com
