We asked Luca to tell us something more about his incredible enterprise.
What was so special about the old shades you found in Asmara?
LGR: They were made-in-Italy glasses worn by Italian settlers and soldiers in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Libya in the 1940s and 1950s. Are they still part of your calogue?
LGR: Some are, yes, particularly the Asmara and Keren models.
What do your collections draw inspiration from?
LGR : Our permanent inspiration is a mix of colonial Africa and 1950s Italy, the latter being a synonym for economic boom, dolce vita, beauty and sophistication. Our secret lies in mixing and juxtaposing these two different worlds.