Peter and May: Parisian Allure, Crafted in 95 Steps

Some brands shout. Peter and May whispers, and that, precisely, is its power. Founded in Paris by two designers who understood eyewear long before they decided to put their own name on it, the brand has become one of the most respected independent labels of contemporary French design. Effortless, sophisticated, unmistakably Parisian: every Peter and May frame is what the French simply call allure.

Mondello1962 has selected Peter and May for clients who appreciate quiet confidence over loud branding, for those who want eyewear that says less and means more, with the kind of construction quality that only a 95-step production process and the finest European materials can deliver.

The Story Behind Peter and May: a Parisian Encounter

Peter and May was founded in 2012 in Paris by Laura Le Bihan and Xavier Matrand, two born-and-raised Parisians who had already spent a decade working side by side in the high-end eyewear industry before deciding to launch their own studio. From that long shared experience came a clear vision: to design timeless, intelligently constructed eyewear with the relaxed elegance of their home city.

The brand's signature cross-stitch detail, the small, almost hidden hallmark that appears on its frames, was born from a chance encounter: a punched button from a French haute couture house, discovered by Laura and Xavier in a Parisian antique shop. That single object became the genetic code of the entire brand. Within a year of its debut, Peter and May was being celebrated by Colette, Moda Operandi and Dover Street Market, and worn on screen by Scarlett Johansson in the film Lucy.

A Parisian Studio, a European Supply Chain

Each Peter and May piece is conceived in the brand's Parisian design studio and produced through a meticulously orchestrated supply chain that draws on the very best of European and Japanese craftsmanship:

• Mazzucchelli 1849 Italian acetate — the world reference for luxury cellulose acetate, prized for its depth of colour and tactile warmth.
• Barberini Italian glass lenses — among the finest mineral lenses in the world, sharp, distortion-free and stable over time.
• OBE German 5-knuckle hinges — the gold standard in eyewear hinge technology, engineered for decades of perfect movement.
• Japanese titanium components — for the metal styles, sourced from the country that has set the global benchmark in metalwork eyewear.

The result is a frame that passes through approximately 95 individual production steps, including a proprietary acetate oven-drying technique that enhances the integrity of the material and improves the comfort of wear against the skin.

Sustainability as a Design Principle

Since 2021, Peter and May has integrated bio-acetate of vegetable origin into its collections, replacing conventional petroleum-based plastics with a more sustainable alternative without sacrificing the brand's exacting standards of quality and finish. The commitment continues across the entire packaging:

• Semi-rigid cases made from recycled materials to ISO standards.
• Reusable cotton tote bags produced in Italy under the Better Cotton Initiative.
• Individual frame pouches made from TDPA biodegradable material.
• Microfibre cleaning cloths with carefully embroidered edges.

For Peter and May, sustainability is not a marketing afterthought but a structural design choice, one that aligns perfectly with the values of clients who understand that true luxury today must also be responsible.

Iconic Models and Aesthetic Signature

The Peter and May aesthetic lives at the intersection of architectural clean lines, neutral palettes punctuated by unexpected accents, and proportions designed to flatter rather than dominate. Among the brand's most loved silhouettes:

• Hero: The brand's statement frame. Refined minimalism with a bold architectural character, expressed through hand-polished bio-acetate and ultra-durable metal hinges.
• Show: Squared, confident, immediately recognisable. A frame that defines a face without raising its voice.
• The brand also produces collaborative eyewear collections for major French fashion houses such as Ami Parisand Études, a testimony to the recognition Peter and May has earned within the wider Parisian creative scene.

Most models are conceived as unisex, design objects beyond gender categories, making the brand particularly suited to clients who choose eyewear by silhouette and feel rather than by label.

Why Buy Peter and May at Mondello1962

Bringing Peter and May into our boutique is a natural extension of the Mondello1962 philosophy: a curated edit of the world's most considered eyewear, served with the care of a tailored experience. Our team, present at the most important industry trade shows in Milan, Paris and New York, selects each Peter and May model personally, ensuring authenticity, official warranty and access to the brand's most coveted silhouettes.

Through our complete suite of professional optical services, including eye examinations and our in-house laboratory, every Peter and May frame can be customised with prescription lenses tailored to your vision, while fully preserving the design intent and proportions chosen by Laura and Xavier. Our opticians offer a personalised consultation to guide you towards the model that best frames your features and your daily life.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Where are Peter and May frames designed and made? Peter and May frames are designed in the brand's studio in Paris and produced through a high-end European and Japanese supply chain, combining Italian Mazzucchelli acetate, Italian Barberini glass lenses, German OBE hinges and Japanese titanium for the metal models.

What is the famous cross-stitch detail on Peter and May frames? The cross-stitch is the brand's signature: a small, refined hallmark inspired by a punched button from a French haute couture house that the founders discovered in a Parisian antique shop. It has been the visual signature of Peter and May since its very first collection.

Which materials are used in Peter and May eyewear? Frames are crafted from premium Italian Mazzucchelli acetate (since 2021 in a vegetable-origin bio-acetate version) and Japanese titanium, paired with Barberini Italian glass lenses and OBE German 5-knuckle hinges. Each piece is finished through a 95-step production process.

Is Peter and May a sustainable eyewear brand? Yes. Peter and May has integrated bio-acetate of vegetable origin since 2021, and uses fully sustainable packaging: ISO-certified recycled-material cases, biodegradable TDPA pouches and reusable cotton bags produced in Italy under the Better Cotton Initiative.

Are Peter and May frames unisex? The vast majority of Peter and May models are unisex, designed to flatter a wide range of facial features regardless of gender. Our opticians can guide you to the proportion and style that best suits you.

Can I fit prescription lenses on Peter and May frames? Absolutely. All Peter and May frames are designed to accommodate prescription lenses. At the in-house laboratory of Mondello1962, we mount custom lenses according to your individual prescription while preserving the original design proportions of the frame.

Has Peter and May eyewear been worn by celebrities? Yes. Peter and May has been worn by several international figures, most notably by Scarlett Johansson in the film Lucy shortly after the brand's debut — an appearance that helped consolidate Peter and May's status as one of the most interesting independent French eyewear labels of its generation.

What is the iconic Peter and May Hero model? Hero is one of the brand's defining silhouettes: a refined minimalist design with a strong architectural character, crafted in hand-polished bio-acetate and equipped with ultra-durable metal hinges. It perfectly embodies the Parisian DNA of the brand.

Are Peter and May frames covered by warranty? Yes. Every Peter and May frame purchased at Mondello1962 is 100% authentic and comes with the official manufacturer's warranty and certificate of authenticity.

How do I care for my Peter and May acetate frames? We recommend cleaning the frame regularly with the microfibre cloth provided, storing it in its protective case when not in use, and avoiding prolonged exposure to heat sources or direct sunlight. For periodic adjustments and refits, our opticians are always available at Mondello1962.