Francis de Lara eyewear

Fine jewellery eyewear inspired on the Renaissance era

In an industry often driven by materials, margins, and mass production, Francis de Lara takes a radically different path. It does not begin with frames, but with jewellery. And from that perspective, everything changes.

Founded by Creative Director John-Paul Francis de Lara Pietrus, the brand introduces what can only be described as the world’s first fine jewellery-eyewear house, where the boundaries between adornment and function dissolve into something entirely new.

Founded by Creative Director John-Paul Francis de Lara Pietrus, the brand introduces what can only be described as the world’s first fine jewellery-eyewear house, where the boundaries between adornment and function dissolve into something entirely new.

When Eyewear Becomes Jewellery

At the core of Francis de Lara lies an uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship and rarity. Each high-line piece is patiently handmade over 250 to 750 hours, using materials more commonly reserved for haute joaillerie than eyewear.

We are talking about 24 karat gold, sterling silver, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, amethysts, garnets, tourmaline, and kunzite, combined with accents of precious ebony. Every material is ethically sourced, every detail meticulously considered.

And then comes the most radical decision of all. Each design is limited to just 12 pieces, with no two ever sharing the same combination of stones and metals. In a market saturated with repetition, Francis de Lara offers something almost forgotten, true uniqueness.

The Renaissance, Reimagined

The inspiration behind the brand reaches far beyond contemporary eyewear. During his time in Florence, studying jewellery design at Metallo Nobile, Pietrus found himself surrounded by the visual language of the Renaissance.

Walking through the halls of the Palazzo Pitti and the Uffizi, he began to ask a simple but powerful question, what would eyewear have looked like in that era of royalty, clergy, and opulence, if it had existed?

That question became the foundation of the debut collection, “Ribbons and Serpents.”

The result is eyewear that feels both historical and entirely futuristic, where sculptural forms echo the richness of Renaissance jewellery, yet translate effortlessly into modern silhouettes. Some pieces are designed for sunlight, others for evening occasions, with lightly tinted or clear lenses that position them as an alternative to traditional jewellery like necklaces or brooches.

Expanding Beyond the Frame

While the high-line pieces push the boundaries of what eyewear can be, the brand also introduces FDL Editions, a more accessible diffusion line that remains hand-finished, preserving the essence of craftsmanship while opening the door to a wider audience.

At the same time, Francis de Lara is evolving beyond eyewear alone. The vision now extends into traditional jewellery forms, including earrings, rings, and necklaces, creating a complete universe where eyewear and jewellery coexist as one language.

Recognition at the NOW Awards 2026

Recognition at this level does not come easily, especially not for a young independent brand operating outside the traditional frameworks of the industry. Yet Francis de Lara has secured exactly that, being named a double finalist at the NOW Awards 2026 at Vision Expo, with nominations in both Best Emerging Brand and Ultimate Luxury Accessory. (Naturally, the design also earned the vote of the TEF editor, serving as a jury member at the NOW Awards 2026.)

Selected from hundreds of global entries, and standing among only a handful of brands recognised across multiple categories, this moment marks a clear shift, from intriguing newcomer to a name the industry is beginning to take seriously.

A Different Kind of Luxury

What Francis de Lara ultimately represents is a shift in perspective. Not louder, not faster, not more. But rarer, slower, and more intentional.

In a world where eyewear often follows fashion, this brand looks elsewhere, into history, craftsmanship, and individuality, and brings something back that feels both unfamiliar and inevitable.

Because once you see eyewear as jewellery, it becomes very difficult to see it any other way.