Collection: Jean Lafont

The Lafont style is characterized by a balance between Parisian elegance and chromatic refinement. Unlike strictly technical or minimalist approaches, Lafont frames take on a decorative dimension: color schemes, material combinations, engraved or textured patterns. This graphic identity nevertheless remains controlled, never excessive, with constant attention paid to lines and wearability. The brand cultivates a spirit that is both classic and creative, where the frame becomes an element of personal style.

The history of the house dates back to 1923, with the opening of a first optical store in Paris by Louis Lafont. But it was Jean Lafont, the founder's grandson, who transformed the family business into a brand in its own right in the 1980s. He then developed collections of frames designed and manufactured in France, particularly in the Jura region, with an emphasis on color, shapes, and visual identity. From the 1990s, the brand gained international visibility, while maintaining selective distribution and a human-scale production. Vintage Jean Lafont sunglasses are today recognized for their artisanal quality and aesthetic singularity.

Iconic styles include reimagined cat-eye frames, colorful panto acetate shapes, and finely engraved metal frames. The Lafont Issy & La model, launched in the 1990s, is particularly sought-after for its oval shape and bold hues. Other frames in gold-plated metal combined with translucent acetates recall the brand's Art Deco influence. Lafont glasses from the 1980s and 1990s often feature a "Lafont – Paris" marking on the inside of the temples, attesting to their Parisian origins and French manufacturing.

In the 1980s, Jean Lafont was one of the first French designer opticians to introduce color into metal frames, at a time when most glasses were black, gray, or tortoiseshell. This choice, initially considered atypical, marked a turning point in French eyewear, paving the way for more expressive design. Lafont then became a reference for opticians looking for unique collections, outside of the dominant codes.

Vintage Jean Lafont sunglasses are distinguished by their French manufacturing, their strong visual identity, and their quality of finish. They embody a pivotal period when French eyewear evolved from a purely functional object to an object of style. Less widespread than the major couture licenses, these frames remain relatively confidential on the second-hand market. Their appeal lies in their dated yet refined design, their chromatic innovation, and the continuity of French family know-how passed down through several generations.