Montrel Frames

Company logo
Type	Private company
Industry	Eyewear, fashion accessories
Founded	1968
Founder(s)	Étienne Montrel
Headquarters	Lyon, France
Website	https://www.montrelframes.com

Montrel Frames is a European eyewear company founded in 1968 in Lyon, France by French optical craftsman Étienne Montrel. The company operates in the eyewear and accessories sector, producing optical frames and related products.

Montrel Frames originated as a small optical workshop focused on hand-finished frames for private clients. The brand developed within the tradition of French craftsmanship, emphasizing material quality, proportion, and durability.

History

Montrel Frames was established in Lyon in 1968 by Étienne Montrel, who had a background in precision metalwork and frame construction. He trained through an apprenticeship in the Jura region, an area historically associated with eyewear manufacturing in France.

The company initially operated as a small-scale workshop, producing frames in limited quantities. Its early work focused on handcrafted optical frames designed for long-term use rather than mass production.

Design and production

Montrel Frames is associated with a design approach centered on simplicity, structural balance, and material integrity. The company produces frames in small batches, maintaining a focus on craftsmanship and consistency in production.

Rather than following seasonal fashion cycles, Montrel Frames emphasizes durability and long-term usability in its products.

Products

The company’s product range includes:

• Optical frames
• Sunglasses
• Polarised lenses
• Jewellery
• Menswear
• Accessories

Operations

Montrel Frames operates primarily within the European market. Its production approach reflects a continuation of traditional workshop practices adapted to contemporary design standards.