The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

bite glasses Using the name, Foto Ottica Bini (Photo Optics Bini), his plan was to import the finest photography equipment from Europe and sell it to the local Italian expatriate population from a small store he rented in downtown Asmara. He would also sell and develop Kodak films and Leica cameras. The business soon expanded into importing optical frames and sunglasses straight from the workshops in Italy, followed by a shoe factory to create affordable plastic sandals for the local African community. In 1974, when Eritrea was on the cusp of a civil war and the Italian colony was at grave risk, Bini was faced with the hard decision to leave the country. Despite trying to do everything in his power to stay, the incoming govern- ment sequestered his factory and store, along with all of his possessions. He left the country to return to Italy where he remained for the rest of his life. In 2005, he was given the opportunity to return to Asmara by special grant of the Eritrean government to collect his family’s belongings, accompanied by his grandson, Luca. Perhaps without realising it at first, Luca had inher- ited some of his grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit. His brand, 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. By doing this, they are able to preserve Italian values and heritage as well as appreciate the hard work done by real people who have expertise in this meticulous line of craftsmanship. Their lines of eyewear and sunglasses are created with the concept of an everlasting object intended to accompany the traveller on endless journeys filled with adventure. The use of cellulose acetate allows their frames to have inherent durability and flexibility which adapts to the wearer’s face over time, while metal is used for strength and design possibilities. Cutting edge technol- ogy is at the forefront of lens selection and only the best quality tempered mineral glass is used. There are three types of lens that cover the many types of weather, situations and moments that one can experi- ence. Photochromic lenses become darker as sun exposure increases and are useful for unstable light conditions while polarised lenses selectively filter colour in order to maxim- ise contrast and give a sharper vision. They are also best for reflective surfaces such as asphalt, water and snow. The third type of lens is the classic tempered mineral glass that offers a variety selection of colours. Some of the designs created by L.G.R reflect stolen moments from the founder’s life including his travels which are filled with “authentic experiences in all their beauty and faults.” After all, the brand’s philosophy is rooted in movement and travel and embraces the person who is discovering life and not following a crowd, but is rather seeking adventures in faraway places of classic culture. As the brand says, “It is timeless. It is all about the individual,” namely the wanderer. These include the Yacht Club Collection which was created after the success of the special editions made in collabora- tion with the Yacht Clubs of Monaco and Porto Rotondo and also, the Mill Reef Club of Antigua. The first model of