It’s no surprise, given the its standing as a fashion capital, that Paris has a strong eyewear industry that’s producing some of the most stylish frames and shades. A founding Parisian house that’s done a lot to define the look of the Paris eyewear style is François Pinton. A heritage brand, Pinton has been active since 1953, when Robert François Pinton left his leadership role at the prestigious Maison Meyrowitz to found his own house. His exclusive designs quickly captured the attention of the international elite, establishing a legacy that his son Dominique and later his grandchildren have continued to build upon. The foundation of François Pinton’s success lies in its three primary values - refinement, expertise, and discretion. These values have attracted a loyal clientele that includes notable figures such as Prince Charles, French Presidents Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, François Mitterand, and Jacques Chirac. Originally tailored to the exacting specifications of these high-profile clients, many of the original designs still feature in the company's collections today. Robert François Pinton’s journey into the eyewear industry began in 1932 in New York, where he worked for Meyrowitz, a high-end eyewear maker and optician. His tenure at Meyrowitz allowed him to hone his skills and by the time he founded Maison François Pinton in Paris, his reputation for quality and elegance was well-established, leading to immediate success both in France and internationally. Dominique Pinton, following in his father's footsteps, brought a new dimension to the family business. His background in photography and social connections with notable figures of the day allowed him to seamlessly blend the worlds of haute couture and high-end eyewear. After a successful career in fashion photography with Paris Match and Marie-Claire, Dominique returned to the family business in 1976, infusing it with fresh artistic vision and global ambition.