In 1936 Luca’s grandfather, RaffaelloBini, was sent to Asmara, an Italian colony in Eritrea by the Instituto Luce to photograph the war effort. When the war came to an end and his assignment was nearly finished, Raffaello decided there and then to become an entrepreneur. He would import the finest photography equipment from Europe and sell it to the local Italian expatriate population. To do this, he rented a small store in downtown Asmara and started Foto Offica Bini.

Shortly thereafter, he expanded into importing optical frames and sunglasses from Italy straight from the workshops. Unfortunately, in 1974 Eritrea was on the cusp of a civil war. The incoming government sequestered Mr. Bini’s store along with all his possessions. He was ordered to leave Asmara the very same day.

In 2005 however, he was given the opportunity to return to Asmara by the Eritrean government to collect his family’s belongings. He decided to take his grandson Luca Gnecchi Ruscone along with him. It was this very trip that started the the story of L.G.R.

In Asmara, Luca discovered a box of colonial period sunglasses, which had been imported from Italy 50 years earlier. Fascinated by the elegant design of the frames, Luca brought the pieces back to Italy.

He tracked down the original manufacturers and began a small production of the authentic frames, respecting the traditional artisanal methods of the past.

Soon after, Luca began to sell them to exclusive boutiques all over Europe. Following much success in 2008, he participated in a showroom event in Paris, which resulted in his first published article in the prestigious magazine, Vogue France.

L.G.R eyewear is entirely handmade in Italy by three artisanal families, who build each frame from start to finish using traditional methods of production in order to deliver an authentic and noble product. L.G.R preserves Italian values and heritage through hard work by real people who have spent their lives specialising in this meticulous line of craftsmanship. The result is a genuine product that translates excellence through passion and authenticity. 

Material selection is at the very core of L.G.R. Only the best is sourced in order to ensure resistant and long lasting products. Cellulose acetate is used for its inherent durability and flexibility allowing the frames to adapt to the wearer’s face over time. Metal for it’s strength and design possibilities.

L.G.R boasts the highest level of optical clarity in the world and the most effect protection available on the market.

Cutting edge technology is at the forefront of lens selection and only the best quality tempered mineral glass is used.

Three lens categories are offered to covert the many types of weather, situations and moments one can experience.

Photochromic lenses become darker as sun exposure increases, most useful for unstable light conditions. Polarised lenses selectively filter colour in order to maximise contrast and give a sharper vision, best for reflective surfaces such as asphalt, water and snow. Classic tempered mineral glass lenses offer a variety selection of colours.

L.G.R’s deep-rooted heritage transcends every aspect of the brand. Each model is inspired by and dedicated to inspirational people, times and places in Africa. Which is then translated into meticulously detailed design drawings showcasing and honouring true artistry. The result is a genuine product where virtues from the past are transmitted through contemporary specs.