Chapter 1: The Frustration
**April 2019**
Another week, another interview. This one was important. I turned my closet inside out trying to find a pair of sleek sunglasses that were both professional for the meeting and stylish enough for a networking event afterward. Do I go with my mom's old hand-me-down aviators that barely fit my style? Or the oversized sunglasses that fall off if I don't sit perfectly still? How about the cheap pair where lenses scratch easily and offer no UV protection?
I started dreaming about how it would feel to create something of my own. Something small and meaningful. That night, I began my research into the world of eyewear.
### Chapter 2: The Mission Begins
**April 2019**
I decided to take a trip to Japan that weekend to research materials and visit sample makers. I was on a mission to make better sunglasses—the cornerstone of any accessory collection. I thought about all the details I wanted to change, and how I could create a beautiful pair of sunglasses that you’d be excited to wear.
**April 2019**
I started looking for eco-friendly materials. Not the usual suspects, plastic or cheap metal. I wanted something special, something durable, something innovative, something made to last. I reached out to Alexis, my previous roommate who's studying material science in London. Her family works in textiles and materials. Alexis told me about their range of sustainable materials, including bamboo fiber and recycled acetate. I asked a lot of questions and requested a few samples.
### Chapter 3: Gathering Materials
**April 2019**
I received a package from DHL. Inside were swatches of bamboo fiber and recycled acetate. Very different, but both absolutely beautiful. I chose my top three and ordered enough to make our first sample. Meanwhile, I started translating my ideas into the first iteration of the design.
**April 2019**
I finalized a sample maker based in Paris and sent Anna my sketches. She sent me a list of things she needed to complete the sample. I ventured to the local craft stores and spent a few hours picking out lenses, hinges, and other hardware.
### Chapter 4: The Journey to Japan
**May 2019**
The semester ended, and I decided to take a trip to Japan to further my research and find the best manufacturers. No more school for a while! I had heard about the meticulous craftsmanship and high-quality materials used in Japanese eyewear production, and I knew this was the next step for my brand.
**May 2019**
In Japan, I visited local markets and high-tech factories, immersing myself in the culture and innovation. I was particularly fascinated by the use of titanium and high-quality acetate in Japanese sunglasses. I met with several manufacturers and was impressed by their attention to detail and commitment to sustainability.
**May 2019**
I flew back home to Paris, filled with new ideas and potential partners. It was refreshing to sleep in my own bed after the trip and recharge with family time. Evening walks along the Seine, catching up on my mom's favorite game show, my dad's favorite movies, and indulging in my favorite home-cooked meals gave me the energy I needed for the busy summer ahead.
### Chapter 5: The First Samples
**June 2019**
Back in Paris, I started receiving samples from the Japanese manufacturers. The first round of samples looked promising but needed some adjustments. The fit was slightly off, and the hinges weren’t as smooth as I wanted them to be. I provided detailed feedback and awaited the next iteration.
**June 2019**
The second round of samples arrived, showing significant improvement. The frames were lighter, and the fit was much better. I decided to work with two factories moving forward, one specializing in bamboo fiber frames and the other in recycled acetate.
### Chapter 6: Refining the Design
**July 2019**
The third sample arrived. Upon first glance, it was quite lovely. I asked a few friends in Paris to model the sunglasses and provide their feedback. While the design was praised, the sunglasses were still too heavy for daily wear. I had discussions with the factory on how we could make them lighter.
**July 2019**
The fourth sample arrived. We played with the proportions this time, and it was lighter. I decided to remove some non-essential elements, which significantly reduced the weight. On the bright side, we were able to add polarized lenses for better UV protection.
### Chapter 7: Finalizing the Product
**August 2019**
The fifth sample was here! Still not perfect—there were issues with the nose pads and some minor aesthetic details. I decided to add adjustable nose pads for better comfort and fit. The factory suggested using a different type of hinge to improve durability.
**August 2019**
YES. Much better. My favorite one by far. I wore them every day for a month, and noticed some minor issues with the edge paint and comfort of the nose pads. We were able to troubleshoot and resolve these issues, ensuring the final product was of the highest quality.
### Chapter 8: Launch Preparations
**September 2019**
I rented out a gorgeous studio in Paris and enlisted my friend to be the photographer for the day. I paid him with copious amounts of coffee and croissants (and money, of course! Support fellow creatives!) and we had a fun trial photoshoot for the website.
**September 2019**
And just like that—summer was over. I packed up all the samples I had collected and prepared for the official launch of Regard Sombre.
### Chapter 9: The Big Launch
**October 2019**
It's time to finalize the colors. A classic black, a perfect tortoiseshell, and a deep forest green for the interior. I placed the order for the materials and paid in full. Enough for 300 pairs, half in black and half in tortoiseshell, plus a little extra for future samples. This was really happening!
**November 2019**
A little delayed, but the materials were finally finished and shipped to the factory. We paid for half up front and the rest when the sunglasses were complete.
**December 2019**
Photoshoot time at a beautiful Parisian studio! This time with the real final product. I rolled up to the studio with my moodboard and a huge suitcase full of outfit changes and props, and Sam behind the lens.
**December 2019**
Our packaging and tags arrived ❤️
### Chapter 10: The First Shipment
**January 2020**
They're done! My incredible dad flew down to inspect and perform quality checks on each and every pair of sunglasses before they were packed up and loaded onto a cargo ship. It took him two days to get through all of them, and he sent me videos throughout the day. I was so grateful. I wished I could be there, but school had already started.
**February 2020**
After a lot of refreshing tracking numbers and delays (due to COVID-19 in Asia), they were FINALLY HERE!!! I unloaded 25 40-pound boxes into the storage unit I rented across the street from my apartment.
**February 2020**
Unpacked. Hangtags attached. Ready to go to their new homes.
### Chapter 11: The Legacy Begins
**March 2020**
The official launch of Regard Sombre was a success. Our website went live, and the first orders started rolling in. Each pair of sunglasses was shipped with care, knowing that our customers were receiving a product made with passion and dedication.
What began as a frustration turned into a dream, and that dream turned into a reality. The journey of creating Regard Sombre was filled with challenges and triumphs, but every moment was worth it. As I looked at the first customer reviews, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. This was just the beginning of a legacy that would continue to grow, bringing style and innovation to eyewear fashion.
