When it comes to design, most people recognize the names in front of the spotlight. Yet behind every collection are designers and creative teams whose influence often remains invisible. Today, we speak with Luc Leroy, a Belgian-born designer based in Jura, France, with over 20 years of experience in eyewear.
From his first encounter with objects of value at the age of eight — a pair of black Wayfarers and a camera gifted by his parents — Leroy’s path has been shaped by an enduring respect for craft and design. His career has since evolved from fine arts and custom furniture to creating eyewear collections for major brands, where his role spans from pencil sketch to production, balancing creativity with precision and commercial reality.
In this conversation, Luc Leroy reflects on the journey of an independent designer, the role of heritage and innovation in French eyewear, and how creativity thrives when it’s grounded in freedom.
How did your career in eyewear design begin, and what first attracted you to this industry?
I am Belgian, and in 1988 my parents gave me my very first pair of black Wayfarers and a camera for a summer in the mountains. I was 8 years old at the time. My parents asked me to take good care of them, which I did! This sparked my first connection with precious objects and a certain respect for them.
Fifteen years later, with a degree in Fine Arts and Design under my belt, I was making custom furniture and lighting for private clients in my workshop and participating in numerous exhibitions for young designers.
Then I responded to a job offer in industrial product design in the eyewear sector, which brought back an old childhood memory, and my passion for eyewear became an obvious career choice. I then discovered that the eyewear industry was very dynamic and hungry for creativity. Imagining three collections per year (around 60 models per year)
The Jura region is known as the heart of the French eyewear industry. How has this region influenced you as a designer?
After my first two years in the industry, I left Belgium for a brief stint in Lyon, then I heard about a job opening in the Jura. I was told that the region had over a century of expertise in this field and that it also snowed a lot in winter. As a snow sports enthusiast, I didn’t hesitate for a second.
At 29, I was eager to learn and develop my skills in order to nurture my creativity. I wanted to understand and master other manufacturing processes and other skills, because every industry has its own expertise. I fell in love with the region, rich in heritage, and my passion only grew.
You have collaborated with major brands. Which experiences have had the biggest impact on you, and why?
Generally speaking, working with major brands means working with professionals and visionaries who are committed to a particular philosophy and brand DNA. Once designers understand and embrace that philosophy and DNA, the creative process begins to take shape. And I think that the real satisfaction comes from the recognition you get when you manage to touch your customers emotionally and build their loyalty. In my opinion, these are the most rewarding experiences a designer can have.
From your point of view, how would you describe the current world of independent design in the eyewear industry?
After working for several brands as an in-house designer, I realized that creative freedom was vital to staying intact and innovative, to avoid stifling creativity.
Human beings cannot survive without others, and others are the wealth of human beings. My creative process is built in the same way.
Meeting other brands feeds my creativity and allows me to take a step back from my client portfolio. I sincerely believe that working as a freelancer allows you to develop your creativity more quickly, because designers feed off their clients by comparing points of view and ideas.
What are the biggest challenges facing an independent designer in today’s market?
Creativity and the intention behind it are the foundation.
In your opinion, what visual or technological trends will define the future of eyewear?
I think 3D printing is revolutionizing the creative process.
How do you see the main differences between independent brands and major international eyewear companies?
From my point of view, independent brands bring more meaning and added value to the world of eyewear than a major international brand.
What role do sustainability and innovative materials play in the future of the sector?
At the moment, there is a lot of discussion around this topic, and some players are committing to an eco-responsible approach by proposing various actions and applications. But this remains very much in the minority and, for many, still in its infancy.
I think there would be more action and results if each country imposed new ecological standards combined with training and penalties if the industry did not comply with these imposed standards.
Is there a particular project or setting that you feel best represents your career?
Yes, two years ago, Yannis Kaci and his wife, Kalila Kaci, came to see me to ask for my help in moving upmarket. The specifications were substantial: we had to come up with new branding, adapt the designs, and give more meaning and consistency to a unique luxury identity. We rewrote the story with the aim of entering the world of high-end eyewear. I was at the center of all decisions and creative intentions concerning the products, image, and production.
If you could give one piece of advice to young eyewear designers, what would it be?
Work with passion, believe in your dreams, set goals, and do everything you can to achieve them. Also, very important! Surround yourself with kind and dynamic people who respect you.
Conclusion
As the eyewear industry continues to straddle heritage and innovation, Luc Leroy represents a generation of designers whose work operates at the intersection of artistry and precision. His perspective underscores both the opportunities and challenges of independence: the demand for creativity, the responsibility to express brand DNA, and the constant pursuit of meaningful design.
In an era where consumers seek not only products but also stories and values, Leroy’s career reminds us that true luxury in eyewear is built on craftsmanship, authenticity, and vision — qualities that will continue to attract both enthusiasts and collectors of art and design.
