Alain Mikli : Eyeconoclast !

Alain Miklitarian, known professionally as Alain Mikli, is a French designer whose name has become synonymous with avant-garde eyewear. His unconventional designs, bold use of colours, and unusual shapes have made him a favourite of fashion icons and celebrities alike. But who is Alain Mikli, and what makes his eyewear so unique?

Born in 1955 in France, Alain Mikli grew up in a family of opticians. His passion for eyewear began at a young age, and he pursued his interest by studying optics and working in his family's optical shop. However, Mikli's creative spirit soon led him to pursue a career in design.

In 1978, Mikli launched his own eyewear brand, which quickly gained a reputation for its innovative designs. Mikli's early creations were influenced by the punk rock and new wave scenes of the 1980s. He experimented with bold colours, unconventional shapes, and unusual materials, such as leather and metal.

Mikli has received several awards and industry acclaim for his eyewear designs, including three prestigious Silmo d'Or award in The Silmo d'Or is an international award that recognises excellence in eyewear design ( the Oscars of Eyewear )

Mikli is also known for his collaborations with other designers. He is a good friend of Philippe Starck, and the two have collaborated on several projects, including the Starck Eyes brand of eyewear. Mikli has also worked with Jean-Paul Gaultier, Issey Miyake, and other notable designers.

Finally, Mikli's friendship and collaboration with Philippe Starck has been an important aspect of his career. Starck is a renowned French designer who is known for his work in a wide range of fields, including architecture, product design, and furniture design. Mikli and Starck share a passion for innovative design and a commitment to quality, and their collaboration on the Starck Eyes brand of eyewear has produced some truly exceptional pieces.The Starck eyewear collection features a unique hinge design that allows for a flexible yet secure fit. The patented hinge system, called "Biolink," uses a bio-inspired mechanism that mimics the way joints move in the human body. This innovative design provides a comfortable and durable solution for eyewear that adjusts to the wearer's face shape and movements.

Mikli's eyewear quickly gained a following among fashion icons and celebrities. Elton John was an early supporter of the brand, and he famously wore a pair of Mikli's glasses in the video for his hit song "I'm Still Standing." Other celebrities who have worn Mikli's eyewear include Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Andy Warhol.

Despite its success, Mikli's brand remained true to its roots. The company continued to produce its eyewear in France, using traditional craftsmanship techniques. Mikli himself remained heavily involved in the design process, often sketching his ideas by hand.

In recent years, Mikli's son, Jeremy Miklitarian, has followed in his father's footsteps and become an eyewear designer in his own right. He was a senior designer at ic!berlin before going on to found his own eyewear brand ‘Tarian’

Today, Alain Mikli is still considered one of the most innovative designers in the eyewear industry. His designs continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in eyewear, with bold colours, unusual shapes, and unexpected materials. 

Another factor is Mikli's willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what is considered fashionable. His designs are not for the faint of heart, and they are often worn by people who are looking to make a statement or stand out from the crowd; To be seen and see…

Despite Mikli's success, he remains a humble and grounded designer. He is known for his kind and generous personality, and he often donates his time and resources to charitable causes. Mikli is also a mentor to many young designers, and he has been known to help aspiring designers get their start in the industry.

Alain Mikli is widely considered the father of modern eyewear design. His unconventional designs, bold use of colours, and unusual shapes have inspired a generation of opticians and creatives, and his impact on the industry is still felt today. From his early designs influenced by the punk rock and new wave scenes of the 1980s to his collaborations with Philippe Starck and other notable designers, Mikli has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in eyewear design. For eyewear connoisseurs, having at least one piece of Alain Mikli's work in their collection is a must-have, as his legacy will continue to inspire and influence the world of eyewear for years to come