The love of Anne and Valentin

Pics: Anne & Valentin.

Anne & Valentin eyewear is primarily a love story, which began in Toulouse, France in 1980. Valentin was a newly-graduated optician, Anne was the love of his life. They set up a boutique opticians business together, with the aim of matching spectacles to their customers' lifestyles as much as to their optical needs.

Anne had a strong sense of colour and style, and it wasn't long before she became frustrated with the variety of frames that were available. In her spare time from dealing with their customers, she began sketching her own designs. In 1984, she had some of these manufactured locally, and offered them in their own shop.

The immediate success could be described as a fairytale, but in reality was the result of hard work and the two essential ingredients of any successful enterprise — passion and self-belief.

The ethos which underpinned their early products, of individuality, colour, strong styling, and above all fun, remain the hallmarks of Anne & Valentin today. Distribution into the US began in 1997, and the company's frames are now sold in 20 countries. There are flagship stores in Paris and New York. Unfortunately, Valentin passed away in 2003, but Anne has continued to grow the company in his memory, with the help of a team of designers who share the passion and vision which bonded the couple for decades.

On Thursday next, 26 September, Nichola Kennedy and all at her Kilcullen optometrist business will be celebrating the arrival of the Anne & Valentin range of frames and sunglasses, appropriately with some bubbles and lots of prizes. All are welcome between 3pm-6pm, to also celebrate the refreshed premises and new equipment.

The love story continues ...

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