HERITAGE

CONTENT

INSPIRED BY AFRICA

HANDMADE IN ITALY

L.G.R FRIENDS INSPIRED BY AFRICA “Some years ago I was in Eritrea, Africa, wandering through my grandfather’s old warehouse of Italian imports, when I discovered a model of sunglasses from a time long forgotten. These beautiful designs immediately evoked the romanticism of an era long gone by. The merging of two worlds; the adventure of Africa and the glamour of the Riviera. I returned to the original manufacturers and created a line capturing this timeless elegance…”

Ottica Bini, Asmara On a trip in 2005, Luca visited one of the optical stores in Asmara, Eritrea owned by his grandfather who had once lived in Africa from 1936 to 1975. There he discovered a box of colonial period sunglasses, which had been imported from Italy fifty years earlier. Fascinated by the elegant design of the frames, Luca brought the pieces back to Italy.

The news of his discovery spread and instantly many of his friends and relatives wanted a pair of these unique sunglasses. He then decided to track down the original manufacturers and began a small production of the authentic frames, respecting the traditional artisanal methods of the past.

Slowly but surely, boutiques all over Europe started asking about L.G.R. Following much success in 2008, he participated to a showroom event in Paris, which resulted in his first published article in the prestigious magazine, Vogue France. Raffaello Bini, Luca’s grandfather, Massawa. 1936 In 1936 Luca’s grandfather, Raffaello Bini, was sent to Asmara, an Italian colony in Eritrea, by the Instituto Luce to photograph the war effort. When the war came to an end and his assignment was nearly finished, Raffaello was unable to walk away from the Asmara he had grown to love. He decided there and then to become an entrepreneur.

He would import the finest photography equipment from Europe and sell it to the local Italian expatriate population. To do this, he rented a small store in downtown Asmara and started Foto Ottica Bini, where he would sell and develop Kodak film and sell Leica cameras.

Shortly thereafter, he expanded into importing optical frames and sunglasses from Italy straight from the workshops. In the years that followed, his store had earned a loyal following from the local Italian community. Raffaello however, a true entrepreneur also saw an opportunity to create products for the Raffaello Bini, Agordat., 1938 local African community. The year was 1953 and he noticed that few Africans wore shoes. He decided to start making affordable plastic sandals for the locals. In 1956 he opened the Bini Shoe factory, which in less than 20 years became the biggest shoe factory in Africa, producing more than 12 million sandals per year and employing over 1600 employees.

During this same time, he met his wife Nina and started a family. Life had turned out well for Mr. Bini, who had seen an opportunity to establish himself in Africa and had taken it.

Unfortunately, this happy part of his life came to an end in 1974. Eritrea was on the cusp of a civil war and the Italian colony was at grave risk. Mr. Bini stayed positive and did everything in his power to stay, but eventually the incoming government sequestered his factory and stores along with all his possessions. Out of respect, he was given the opportunity to pack one piece of luggage but ordered to leave Asmara the very same day. With his family in hand, he returned to Italy where he remained for the rest of his life. In 2005 however, he was given the opportunity to return to Asmara by special grant of the Eritrean government to collect his family’s belongings. He decided to take his grandson along with him. It was this very trip that started the story of L.G.R.

Luca with his grandfather, Florence, 2008 HANDMADE IN ITALY L.G.R eyewear is entirely handmade in Italy by three artisanal families, who build each frame from start to finish using traditional methods of production in order to deliver an authentic and noble product. L.G.R preserves Italian values and heritage through hard work by real people who have spent their lives specializing in this meticulous line of craftsmanship. The result is a genuine product that translates excellence through passion and authenticity.

L.G.R eyewear is created with the concept of an everlasting object intended to accompany the traveller on endless journeys. Material selection is therefore at the very core of L.G.R. Only the best is sourced in order to ensure resistant and long lasting products. Cellulose acetate is used for its inherent durability and flexibility allowing the frames to adapt to the wearer’s face over time. Metal for its strength and design possibilities. L.G.R lenses boast the highest level of optical clarity together with the most effective protection available on the market. Cutting edge technology is at the forefront of lens selection and only the best quality tempered mineral glass is used. Three lens categories are offered to cover the many types of weather and situations one can experience.

Photochromic lenses become darker as sun exposure increases, most useful for unstable light conditions. Polarized lenses selectively filter colour in order to maximize contrast and give a sharper vision, best for reflective surfaces such as asphalt, water and snow. Classic brown and green mineral glass lenses are the best choice for everyday use.

In order to achieve a unique and elegant product that evokes the essence of L.G.R, exclusive lens colours have been created for their frames, such as the polarized Vermillion and Aquamarine or the various gradient coloured photochromic lenses.

L.G.R eyewear blends traditional Italian methods of craftsmanship, latest technologies and a history that dates back to colonial Africa. This deep-rooted heritage transcends every aspect of L.G.R. Each model is inspired by and dedicated to inspirational people, times and places of Africa. Which is then translated into meticulously hand drawn illustrations, showcasing and honouring true artistry. The result is a genuine product where virtues from the past are transmitted through contemporary spectacles. Albatros was inspired by the glamorous adventures of Lady Heath’s pioneering flight from Cape Town to London in 1928 in her famous biplane. A true spirit of freedom and independence.

Lady heath was the original Queen of the skies, an Irish aviator, one of the most inspiring women of her time. She became the first pilot to fly a biplane, solo, from Cape Town through Africa, to London. She loved Africa, freedom, and adventure. This model is dedicated to her trip and spirit.

albatros The design of Albatros is based on apposing concepts: the synthesis of cold metal and warm acetate. The merging of two worlds: past and present, translated through design and artisanal excellence. L.G.R FRIENDS

“I want to thank my family and friends for wearing my sunglasses from the very beginning. This gave me the courage and confidence to follow my dream.”

L.G.R srl Via Polesine 5/A - 00161 ROME - Italy P.IVA 10436671001 lgrworld.com