Made-to-measure knowledge

Excellence in craftsmanship is often a family affair. This is the case for the Bonnet family, spectacle-makers down through the generations since the 1930s. After learning from the biggest names, they founded Maison Bonnet in 1950. A prestigious brand from the outset, its made-to-measure spectacles have graced the noses of a few French presidents, and even Yves Saint-Laurent, who had a pair in tortoiseshell. The house works mainly with rare materials, and carries on traditional craft skills that have all but died out.

After receiving the title of Maître d’Art (Master of the Art) in 2000, Christian Bonnet handed over the reins to his sons. The family dynasty continues to offer custom-made glasses, and has connections to the Palais-Royal in Paris, home to the city’s most sophisticated boutiques.

The oldest house, though, is undoubtedly Maison Bourgeat, which opened its workshops in the small French town of Morez, in the Jura, in 1879.

The brand still manufactures in its original premises today. A specialist in high-end made-to-measure, it prefers to work with unusual materials. using traditional skills in working with precious metals, horn, exotic leathers, and tortoiseshell.

A major talent can sometimes emerge completely out of the blue. There was nothing marking Wesley Knight out for spectacle-making but then… After studying art, the young American ventured into made-to-measure spectacles, and even wrote his thesis on the topic.

Today, Wesley Knight lives in Tennessee and exclusively manufactures frames in water buffalo horn. For this spectacle-making artist, made-to-measure is about exclusivity, individuality and, of course, head shape. Following a one-to-one meeting, it takes him 14 weeks to make a pair of glasses that are truly unique and tailored to their wearer.