Maison Bonnet: Iconic Bespoke Eyewear
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- čas přidán 4. 05. 2021
- In this new episode of Sartorial Talks, we have the honor to welcome Franck and Steven Bonnet of Maison Bonnet, one of the most respected and acclaimed bespoke spectacle makers in the world.
The Bonnet family has created and crafted by hand, since more than 60 years, frames for personalities like Yves St Laurent, Le Corbusier, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Jacques Chirac, François Mitterand, Maria Callas, Mr Pei or Aristote Onassis (among many others).
In their atelier in Bourgogne France, the Bonnet family is one of the last companies in the world to craft tortoise shell frames (with a stock of turtle shells acquired before the convention of Washington in 1974 which forbid the commerce and importation of turtle shells to protect the species): an extremely sophisticated and demanding art mastered by only a handful of artisans on the planet.
Since 12 years, Maison Bonnet decided to allow more customers to have access to their extraordinary bespoke experience by working with new materials like buffalo horn or cotton acetate (an organic and bio degradable plastic).
A one-of-a-kind artisanal company and a passionate family of craftsmen who recently opened a workshop in London-Mayfair to serve an ever-growing clientele of discerning ladies and gentlemen.
Maison Bonnet Website: www.maisonbonnet.com/en
Maison Bonnet Instagram: / maisonbonnet - Jak na to + styl
I will repeat myself that it is blasphemous that this channel has so few subscribers. Should be a million easily.
Dear Arsalan, you're very kind with us. But between this channel and our French speaking one (Discussions Sartoriales) we are close to reach 200K which is already almost unbelievable for us. And to be honest what matter to us is quality over quantity anyway. But thank you so much for your encouragements! All our best, Hugo & Sonya
Arsalan, you do realize how _niche_ this is, right? I'm poor, but I'm interested in craftsmanship. However, I will never own anything bespoke without some unlikely fortune coming my way. Also, paying attention to conversation continues dying out with every conversation delivered in shorthand when texting. So, please understand, this niche requires a deep appreciation for learning, an ability to listen and the patience to wait for something crafted to be completed. It's antithetical to our current thinking - broadly speaking. Also, the algorithm feeds your account based on your viewing habits. I literally typed "bespoke" into the search field and that's how I stumbled across this. I still don't get similar recommendations unless I look.
They'll get there. I follow them on IG and that's where I learnt about their YT channel.
My gosh, what a preservation of finest glass making art. French are really very passionate people in their crafts and art business. It may be clothes, fragrances or wines.
Thank you hugo jacomet to introduce this sartorialists.
I am an Indian and my jaw was at the floor throughout this video. This is unreal for me. Use of fire and massaging of oil into the turtleshell material. Can't believe this.
Thanks for your kind message of appreciation Hitesh. The art of turtle shell frames is indeed a mesmerising art. All my best and please stay safe. Cheers, Hugo
I'm fascinated by all the intricacies that go into designing glasses. The passion they have for detail is absolutely inspiring! A part that I enjoyed a lot was when the frames they created for different historical figures were displayed, it's amazing how much of someone's personality can come across so strongly through the pieces they wear. One could almost taste the curves on the ones that belonged to Le Corbusier. Brilliant video!
Thank you so much Fernando! The Bonnet father and sons are great artisans and incredibly humble and kind people. Cheers, Hugo
@@SARTORIALTALKS Truly remarkable craftsmen! Thank you for featuring them on your channel, Hugo!
@@quacknom7759 You are welcome Fernando. Hugo
Actual headbangers here, would love to have a pair.
Haha, Greg (the editor of this channel) and I are Heavy Metal fans too. Cheers Liang! Hugo
It's is so sincere and humble of you to take the time and effort to respond to comments. Thank you.
Don't mention it Tarek, it's our duty to do so. A CZcams channel without a clean and active comment thread is not what we believe in. We strongly believe in the beauty of a community and the sincerity of exchanges of views. That's why we try to answer to the first 200/300 comments because after that we can't keep up with it 😅😅 (and we don't want to hire somebody for that. It has to be us directly). All our best, Hugo & Sonya & Greg & team
@@SARTORIALTALKS totally appreciate your views. Learning so much from the channel. Keep raising the bar!.
Thank you again Hugo, for another video. The hero we don’t deserve
Thanks Antonio, not sur I'm a hero, but my team (Greg, Kosmas and Sonya) is a fantastic team. Cheers, Hugo
This was really fun to watch, the bothers have great personalities. Thank you Hugo.
Thanks Jim! Yes Steven and Franck are great people. And the father also has a strong personality. The apples never fall far from the tree, for sure. Best! Hugo
Great episode! I did not know about Maison Bonnet yet and enjoyed every minute of the conversation. True craftsmen, great tradition, chapeau!
Merci Markus! Hugo
I'm not even 3 minuets in and I am already baffled by just how well Hugo, a native speaker of French, speaks English with the utmost prose and poetry...UNSCRIPTED. The richness of your speach truly reflects your guests...bravo!
Oh, that's very kind of you Demetrios. And yes UNSCRIPTED is our style because we believe it adds so much in terms of emotion and authenticity. Best wishes! Hugo
Truly wonderful. So enjoyable.
Oh yes. Hugo is fluent in English...:)
My thought exactly. Such ab articulate man.
I was waiting until this video would be posted, so happy now! Thanks Sartorial Talks, looking forward to watch it.
You are very welcome Roy! Cheers, Hugo and Sonya
Excellent conversation, thank you.
Excellent interview. So good. Thank you Hugo. I've worn glasses since I was a child. We couldn't afford the expensive glasses. The eye doctor showed us the discount frames. I looked so sad at this selection that the Doctor had pity on me and offered me more expensive frames that looked better for the same low price. So young Spanda had the nice frames I was so happy for, and my journey of fashion eye glasses began.
So glad I got listen to this, as a 21 year old I mostly feel alienated because of my interest in bespoke and such great craftsmanship, usually people my age just want a monogram their outfit to flex.
Can't wait to travel to Paris and experience this firsthand. Thank you do much for this video.
Stay happy and healthy.
Many thanks my friend. All the best to you as well! Hugo
Oh, those glasses look wonderful. I want one pair like that. There are so many beautiful glasses on the table.
Hugo is a sartorial Hero! Hugo and Sonya are truly people of God and their work reflects a lifestyle of love, respect, care and elegant flair. This interview with the Bonnet brothers was informative and wonderful. I am working on booking a flight to London from Phoenix in order to have a pair of these works of art made. I applaud this art.
Highest remarks.
Great video, Hugo!
Many thanks Jay, and say hello from us to our friends at Bonnet in London when you'll visit them. It will surely be a great experience! Yours, Hugo & Sonya
Thank you so much for presenting this show. Lot of things I learned from this on eyewear. Truly worth watching.
Many thanks Imran! Hugo
This was really a wonderful episode! Thank you Hugo for bringing these gentlemen to share their knowledge and expertise for us to be savvy about their exquisite French craftsmanship!
Truly marvelous!
Another fantastic show! My wife and I love your presentations. Obviously, class tells.
With the highest regards from Dublin, Ohio, thanks!
I got an appointment at Maison Bonnet later this year, and I am already counting the days. So excited to have this dream come true.
Congratulations! I'm sure you'll be overjoyed! Best, Hugo
Superb interview Hugo. I could listen to the three of you for hours. I have a new appreciation for the craftsmanship and passion that goes into a pair of bespoke glasses.
That's very kind of you William. Thank you for your encouragements! Hugo
As a 21 year old from Atlanta, GA I am so grateful for Hugo and Sonya, as well as the extraordinary guests/friends you bring to the show. Thank you for opening my eyes to the beautiful things in life! Cheers
With pleasure Ian. As you may or may not know, we have a small house close to ATL, in the mountains of North GA. Cheers, Hugo
And I thought the Pierre Corthay interview was riveting! This interview with the Bonnet brothers was as fascinating and this is your compliment, Hugo. Your appreciation of their work was infectious. And, your two absolutely charming guests were a pleasure to listen to, the French accent only made me pay more attention to each word. Thank you, Hugo, for bringing light into our lockdown lives.
With joy my friend. And thank you for encouraging them with their "artisanal" English 😅😂 ! Cheers, Hugo
Great topic, very informative. Thanks for giving this fantastic brand due attention. Salute!
Merci beaucoup mon ami! Hugo
V Cool Bespoke Company! Thanks for sharing the Maison Bonnet. Wonderful that these gentlemen are customizing and tailoring the BEST "work-of-art" eyeglasses that are truly unique for each customer's individual face. They REALLY help establish a personal brand.
You nailed it my friend: they do help you establishing your personal touch. Cheers, Hugo
Absolutely fascinating!!! Definitely on the wishlist now. Thank you 🙏 And we understood everything!!! 😊
We are glad to read this. Have a nice Sunday, Hugo
Save up $15,000-$30,000!
Hugo this is so infromative and what a great service you do for us Thank You so much Sir.
You are very welcome Andy! Hugo
Wonderful episode!!
Straight like! Been waiting for the English interview ever since I knew the existence of the French. I dream of having my own pair of Maison Bonnet someday!
May your dream come true one day my friend! Best wishes, Hugo
Thank Mr Hugo,,great intrevue with great gentlemen, thank you.
Thank you very much Ahmad! Hugo
This is a pleasant spectacle about spectacles. I had no idea Le Corbusier and I.M. Pei obtained their eyewear from Maison Bonnet, interesting.
Thanks Adriel. Yes their clientele is somehow surrealist! Cheers, Hugo
Wow!! This is totally another level of art and bespoke!!! never knew this about eye-wear!! moreover ,you are elegant as usual ,,and these brothers are so funny and talented, Thank you so much ,Love to you & Sonya from Cairo.
Thank you Nader! All our best, Hugo & Sonya
Thanks for the panel; I am upgrading my glasses to Tortoiseshell frames this week.
What a great video Hugo! Thank you. Some day I hope I can commission my glasses.
Yes Rodrigo, we wish you the best! Hugo
Very interesting as usual…..this a superb series you have created to bring people to interview and we all get to learn straight from the horses mouth so to speak……it’s great to realise what a philistine I am in the sartorial world hahaha. Warm greetings from the Rock of Gibraltar!!!
Thank you for your enthusiasm Stephen! These families of artisans are, indeed, jewels and light houses in a foggy world! Greetings from Bourgogne! Hugo
What a lovely interview, thank you! These guys are my neighbours too- but only at our country house. I will share your interview with my HAUTeLUXE followers, thank you!
Thanks for that Philippe--very much appreciated. Hugo
As an Englishman I've only just gotten over the Calcutta Cup defeat in February, you've just reminded me all over again Hugo!
Ha! Sorry Oli, I was just joking of course. But your national team has been playing a too much standardised rugby these last years: ruck, pick and go, ruck, to the fly half, up and under (again and again and again). It's a pity IMO to overuse this system when you have so many talented players on the field. My two cents... To be honest, I've only just gotten over the Crunch of this year! All my best, Hugo
@@SARTORIALTALKS Some spot on analysis Hugo. We were very lucky against you last time and if things don't change soon our luck will surely run out before our next meeting. Hopefully a Lions tour will shake things up a bit. It's nice to know you are a man of both tailoring and rugby; a perfect mix if you ask me!
Thank you for doing this segment and I'm relieved to hear that youth in Europe have also been re-discovering what craftsmanship is all about. *Originally,*
consumers purchased "designer brands" for the quality, not just prestige. Today, it's all branding and marketing. Even Ghurka had to clarify its practices a few years ago. It has been among the most expensive leatherworks company for luggage. Why would anyone spend the most for something not wholly handcrafted or at least made in a workshop, rather than a factory?
You are so right. Luxury marketing has corrupted the essence of what a real artisanal product should be. All my best, Hugo
Another unique subject, and another interesting podcast!
Thank you so much David! Hugo
I have been waiting for this video for an age, since seeing the images on Instagram.
Fantastic tradition, as someone who wears glasses i have always struggled with finding the right frames. I really want to go bespoke for my frames.
Thank you for bringing this craft to my attention.
With great pleasure Alexander. Next time you are in Paris or in London, you'll have to visit them (I strongly advise you take an appointment because these are very talented but very sought after artisans!). All my best, Hugo
@@SARTORIALTALKS I am not surprised. Once I can travel to Home again, I will definitely will be making appointments with Maison Bonnet.
Thanks again.
@@alexxfreedom You are very welcome my friend. Cheers, Hugo
I have 30 pairs of Cazal sunglasses and enjoy them immensely. If I ever need a pair of specs I’ll commission some from these guys. Their passion is captivating.
Wow, that's a huge collection my friend. Congratulations, Hugo
I remember the Cazal motto a few years back - ‘Clothe Your Eyes’.
I always thought that summed it up perfectly.
I agree! Best, Hugo
I own a pair of genuine tortoise shell glasses made in Germany (from the early 70s). It was definitely worth the money.
honestly impressed greetings from Switzerland - you guys very precise represent what my heart went for when I have been choosing my beloved profession years ago. Now, running my own business, I still hang on to this really can be called bespoke parts of being an optician. I'm really very proud you successfully keep these traditions and knowledge, so costumers - and even "fresh baked" craftsmen - can enjoy and continously learn about the art of glasses.
Thank you a lot for this great motivational video to just keep going my individual way to really care about my guests, instead of selling soul missing mass products garnished with pandering words.
I truly appreciate your appreciation for this emission. Maison Bonnet is about as authentic as it gets. Merci pour votre commentaire ! Hugo
I collect vintage eyewear, and would love to own a Maison Bonnet pair someday. I honestly think eyewear is still under utilized in the world of classic menswear.
My personal favorites are the Tart Optical FDR and Lesca Lunetier Pica.
Dear Cedric, you seem to have a wonderful collection! I agree with you, eyewear is an underrated style accessory (because most of people still consider it as a medical device). All my best, Hugo
@@SARTORIALTALKS not me that’s for sure haha but boy did my eye sight go downhill after 40 years of age…..I am from 1966
Thank you.
You are so very welcome Allen. Cheers, Hugo
Happy Birthday Hugo! 🎂🎂🎂
Hugo, you speak beautifully and your two guests speak great english. All of you would charm the socks off many American women with your french accents!
You're absolutely right, haha. ~Sonya
amazing
Hugo is so funny sometimes- so much class
Thank you, you're very kind. Hugo
This is an excellent interview, well done.
Many thanks Ali! Hugo
@@SARTORIALTALKS my pleasure Hugo, I really liked your closing statement big brands and I totally agree, it is the time.
@@alim2582 Yes my friend, it is the time for sure! Best, Hugo
Felt like 5 min. Enjoyed it. A peek inside the top end hand made Bespoke Frames. Would like to see more on the Lenses part too. Cheers.
Thank you my friend, I'm glad you enjoyed the show. Best, Hugo
I always love when Mr Jacomet references rugby, I am a huge rugby fan myself. We South Africans are waiting for the British and Irish Lions. As my pocket expands, I'll definitely get a pair of Maison Bonnet!
Yes Jack, rugby is my favorite sport (I played when I was young, fly half). We have a lot of Springboks playing in the Top14 here in France. Very impressive and strong players. Cheers, Hugo
@@SARTORIALTALKS Cheslin Kolbe is the obvious name that comes to mind. I used to play rugby as well, openside flank, before going to University.
I had no idea I ware wrong size of glasses. Thanks for this information.
I love the younger brothers glasses!
Love.
Because of your book I am going to get a pair of bespoke eyeglasses from bonnet
That's a great idea my friend! Best, Hugo
I have some many eyeglasses frames at my house, I just love collecting them.
I can relate to that! Cheers, Hugo
Aristotle Onassis is famous for his wealth his wifes and his glasses ( at least in Greece ) le corbusier and Yves saint Laurent wear also iconic glasses that are an important part of their personalities and images.I didnt know that all these where from those artisans ! I really enjoy the video as always.Maybe that something is missing is the price range of these beautiful glasses.Or at least the starting point of the prices.If its 300-400 euros for the plastic ones i think that many of us can buy at some point but if they start at 1300 as i saw somewhere in internet unfortunately will remain a dream for most of us.
Your video about shoes changed my life because you talked about high quality shoes with starting point at very low level (200 euros ) or middle level for me at 300-400 euros so i start buying based in your recommendations.Before that i spent same money in fashion brands like tods for example.Thank you for this video too
Dear friend, I'm so glad to read you moved away from big brands and went for lesser known (but better quality) shoemakers. Concerning the price of Bonnet glasses, remember it's mainly bespoke: the frame will be crafted for you and adapted to all the idiosyncrasies of your face. I think they start around 800 euros for Acetate cellulose (but for actual bespoke). Cheers, Hugo
I have a pair !!! The one worn by Yves Saint Laurent 👍👍👍
Hello Hugo and Sonya,
Another great video.
A request from me: could we see Hugo go through his latest shoe acquisitions to his collection? And I'd also like to see Hugo's pocket square and tie collection! And maybe more videos on the subject.
We've also seen Hugo go through a lot of his wardrobe, I think we should see Sonya going through her collection of suits and shoes and other items too!
Regards,
Kia Jin
Not exactly related to this episode Monsieur Jacomet, but could you do a primer on bespoke bags and briefcases in particular? Thank you.
save the turtles ❤️ such artisan is amazing, love the content Hugo!
In another reality, i would be in the arts, maybe in some tailoring atelier or bootmaking or so, i just enjoy seeing these people work literally.
I can relate to that my friend! Hugo
I.M. Pei (glasses you displayed) the architect, came to fame via (in my opinion) the greatest property developer in modern history... Bill Zeckendorf. Amazing how connected great design is.
In France we mainly know him because of the Louvre Pyramid of course. All my best, Hugo
With Hugo's mentioning of having the perfect glasses for metalheads, we now need a video dedicated to a gentleman's favourite metal bands. 😂
As a passionate Eyeglass-wearer, it's my dream to have some glasses made bespoke 😍
Then Bonnet is the place for you my friend! Cheers, Hugo
Fabulous interview! I wish there was somewhere good in the US to learn bespoke eyewear design! I’ve made several of my own pairs and a couple for my wife, but it’d be nice to have some guidance in expanding that skill.
I would LOVE to one day have a pair of bespoke spectacles. I have worn glasses all of my life but not one has ever fitted my face properly. All slip sideways and become uncomfortable even creating headaches. One day....
I do own your Parisian Gentleman book, Hugo, and I really wanted to know more about Maison Bonnet since I wear glasses since I was very young; thank you for this episode. On the other hand, would you do an episode about fine fragrances? That would be very helpful in a CZcams world full of ‘reviewers’ (even if I have been wearing L’Instant de Guerlain for more than a decade as my firm!) Merci M. Hugo for your wonderful channel.
Start with a basic pair of acetate glasses at around 1200 euros at Bonnet to discover your preferred style. My son Greg has published two fragrance episodes here. Cheers ! Hugo
Ah ! Je pressens que je vais adorer 😀
Merci Mania. Cet épisode existe aussi en français (sur notre chaine Discussions Sartoriales). Amicalement, Hugo
I love sunglasses I have a lot! When I finished watching this video my sunglasses were delivered which I ordered :) By the way, this morning sunglasses were also delivered and I expect another one of these days :) I know I am humble. Haha
Wow, you love glasses my friend! Cheers Davide! Hugo
@@SARTORIALTALKS I learned a lot today, thank you! Cheers
@@kledingstylist With joy my friend! Best, Hugo
Thank you, very interesting. I see they have no wire framed spectacles.
Hey Rob, no they only work with "noble" materials (wire is mainly used in industrial production). All my best, Hugo
I want to own a pair of Maison Bonnet but alas you can't order them online. You have to go to their store in either Paris or London. Lovely designs if you browse the website. Currently own Jacques Marie Mage and wanted to upgrade to the next level i.e. Maison Bonnet.
0:52 In Japan they are referred to as Living National Treasure.
Thank you David! Hugo
I am not even ten minutes into the video. Already looked up their website to make a purchase and see different price points. Unfortunately I don't see an ad to cart option.. I am sure it is mentioned eventually in the video, but i am very curious!
Where do you live my friend? Hugo
ill get you on the next one Mike
Mike is very quick indeed! Best, Hugo
It's but fascinating to know the institution is on the same stock since the 70's. It's unbelievable considering the number of clients they have had over the years. That's many years.
You're right about the declining stock of turtles Antoine, but fortunately the Bonnet have been able to acquire, from time to time, shells that people had, for example, in their attiques since 50 years. In the French version of this video, the father (Christian Bonnet) explains that once or twice a year, they receive phone calls from people who realise they have a turtle shell from their grand-parents in their garage and didn't know what to do with it. On top of that, as this material is now extremely rare, its price is probably higher than pure gold and the Bonnet don't produce so many turtleshell glasses nowadays (probably 20 to 30 pairs per year). The big market for them now is the alternative materials, but still with the know-how of this fantastic institution. All my best, Hugo
@@SARTORIALTALKS thank you Hugo
@@peter7622 My pleasure Antoine. Hugo
Dear Hugo i am curious about something. What becomes of the typical maison Bonnet prestige when all the tortoise shell stock is finally finished? I am asking because it is something that sets the institution apart in classic artisanry or even arts in itself for those who understand arts. I think it wouldn't be the same aura talking about the institution as in contemporaneity solely terms of buffalo horn material for example.
Dear Antoine, the backbone of their art is Bespoke, no matter the material. Actually it's very difficult to find real bespoke eyewear in the world, as this is a very demanding and time-consuming work. Nowadays, people prefer to sell fast (and to renew fast) perishable products. The "Bonnet experience" (which is practically unique in the world) is the same whatever the material. And thank God it allows much more people to have access to it! All the best my friend, Hugo
47 minutes and no prices?
On their website there are also no prices.
What is the price range for bespoke acetate, horn and tortoise shell glasses?
Dear sir, I believe prices for bespoke acetate frames is around €1000, around €2000 for buffalo horns, and from €5000 and much more for tortoise shell depending on the colour (the lighter the more expansive). Hope it helps, Cheers, Hugo
@@SARTORIALTALKS Thank you, Hugo !
I really like the Television model!
Not sure I see the model you are talking about my friend! Hugo
Can you not make a hemp plastic or a hard wax?
I buy all my bespoke eyewear at the illustrious House of Hans and Franz.
Just sent them a DM I am Sold
Great Jay ! (drop my name, it will not hurt 😁). Cheers, Hugo
14
Thank you Afsana! Hugo & Sonya
The blonde tortoise shell comes from the belly of the Hawksbill sea turtle. The pieces from the belly called the scutes, are "welded" together to make the pieces thicker. Cutting the clear parts out of the regular plates from the back in order to make blonde tortoise shell is misinformation. That is just not true.
i think you would like Ahlem
I'll take a look, but I believe it's mainly ready-to-wear. Cheers Daniel, Hugo
@@SARTORIALTALKS you’re right but it’s a very high-end. All frames are gold plated and use French acetate.
Temples take two weeks to make and each frame is limited to 250 pieces
@@urbandaniel100 Sounds good. But once again it's not bespoke, so not exactly the same league. All my best, Hugo
Personally, I wear rimless glasses.
I can understand that Lobo. Our co-producer Kosmas used to wear this kind of glasses but when he tried a pair of Bonnet (and commissioned one pair), he felt an enormous difference and felt more confident and elegant. But that's a matter of taste of course. All my best, Hugo
First!
You're the best Michael! Cheers, Hugo
Scottish people are British haha kinda..
Haha yes, sorry I was so excited that I used the wrong word (except at the beginning when I said "the Scottish won against the English in England"). Cheers Talal, Hugo
parles anglais s.v.p. ;)
We do our very best 😁! Hugo