Just by the Arno River sits a small shop with ‘R. Cappelli Cartoleria’ written in old typeface above the doors. A store facade reminiscent of pre-war times, inside it′s a different story. Behind the windows of this old stationery shop aren′t any paper products to peruse, but rather eyewear in colourful shapes and sizes at i Visionari.
It′s where brother and sister Elena and Emiliano Lenzi work side by side. There is no formality here, no clinical white space, sterile and cold. Elena and Emiliano have kept the interior style of the old shop: original shelving restored in baby blue, the long countertop sitting in the same position since the 1940s, and the shop front windows used to display new products to create an inviting and curious boutique feel that now display a selection of fashion-forward contemporary brands from Australia, France, Germany, Russia, and the U.S.A.
An eye specialist for almost 30 years, Elena runs the front of the house, seeing clients, testing eyes, and helping customers find the perfect frames. Emiliano is the online guru, making their digital presence relevant and user-friendly. With a background in graphic design and photography, he manages the website and online sales and helps source new eyewear brands. Their shared passion for creating a different eye experience and quality eyewear from small labels sets them apart from most.
What’s in-store at i Visionari
DOM VETRO′s minimal yet classic style with thin rim frames carries names like “Capretto” (baby goat) and “Lupetto” (little wolf), a nod to their mountainous roots as the glasses are handmade in the Italian Alps. The story of DOM VETRO reflects Elena and Emiliano′s vision, a brand with international minds (the designers live in New York) who produce in Italy respecting quality traditions.
VAVA from Portugal offers bold red and mustard-coloured acetate frames, reflecting an industrial design inspired by Berlin and Detriot. Massada from Poland, Sunday Somewhere from Australia, and Thom Browne of New York are just some of the labels, many exclusive to i Visionari and found nowhere else in Italy.
During the 1966 flood, the store was severely damaged and remained empty for years. Today, it′s reinvigorated. The old storefront may remain, but within the walls of i Visionari is a fresh and fashionable space. Their ethos, after all, is ‘open your mind, and your eyes too’. And when eyes look this good in the frames on offer, I am very open.
Photo © Sofie Delauw
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