Much like many Italian brands, Herian is rooted in a passion shared by the family. Its founder, Herian Boccali, attributes his love for handcrafted bespoke eyewear to his family’s optical shop.

“Since I was a child, I breathed the air of my mother’s optical shop, immersed in lenses and frames, watching with admiration the work dedicated to customer satisfaction,” he muses.

After years of watching and honing his craft, he established Herian in 2016, fusing the heritage of Florence with artisanal eyewear. Through his hands, he was able to create pieces that go beyond function and serve as sartorial tools for self-expression.

For the longest time, bespoke eyewear has been limited to niche communities, quietly appreciated by collectors and connoisseurs who have a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. Today, glasses are not just accessories, but an integral part of the wearer’s identity.

That’s what Herian wants to bring to the Philippines through a pop-up with luxury retailer Rustan’s. This February, they are inviting eyewear enthusiasts to experience Italian craftsmanship up close through a special and exclusive pop-up from Feb. 5 to 8, 2025. The showcase will feature his bespoke eyewear and a one-hour private consultation with the founder and creative director himself.

Prior to his arrival in the Philippines, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle got a chance to chat with Herian, taking us through his creative process, what makes his eyewear pieces unique, and his vision for redefining bespoke eyewear in a modern, style-driven world.

Sometimes we follow the client’s instructions; otherwise, I follow my own taste, drawing inspiration from classic shapes and models, revisited with details and workmanship that make them unique and recognizable.

We use Italian acetate, a noble material universally recognized as the best in eyewear, and buffalo horn, a natural material with unique colors.

We start with the client’s needs to adapt the shape they prefer or the one we recommend. Every project is different, even if some of our distinctive features are sometimes repeated.

I’m committed to tradition while keeping an eye on the future. Technology is always evolving, especially in the visual field. Things that have worked for 50 years are the certainties I like to maintain.

Staying true to qualitative choices over quantitative ones.

Undoubtedly, my favorite model is the Jack, an almost perfect round shape to which I can always add new details and new ideas. It’s a model that inspires me to constantly evolve, and today I think it’s one of the brand’s most iconic models, with the rivet front wire and the new silver hand.

From my mother, I learned customer care and attention. I remember that from the very beginning of her business, she always tried to offer different and unique products, and I think this concept of uniqueness was born and developed in me right then.