Trois-Rivières father and daughter make designer sunglasses from exotic wood

A new Quebec design company with a unique brand of sunglasses wants to become an international success. And it’s off to a good start – having been recognized by an international superstar.

“I’ve been doing wood-working as a hobby since I was a little kid,” said artisan Robert Germain, who is based in Trois Rivieres.

A year and a half ago, Germain turned his hobby into a luxury design company: trademarked, custom, hand-made wooden sunglasses.

“This exotic wood comes only from Brazil and you can have it only in seven years, so it’s very rare and expensive,” Lydia Vadeboncoeur, Germain’s daughter, said. “That’s probably why I like them ” she added, laughing.

Germain is receiving international attention after Celine Dion thanked him for a pair he made for her.

“I made a special one for her,” Germain said. “The hinges were in gold and my logos also were in gold.”

Vadeboncoeur studied high fashion in Paris for two years; she said there aren’t a lot of opportunities for designers in Quebec, but she has new hope in her father’s business.

“It helps selling a good product too, so when people ask me where they come from – ok, so my dad did it, but he did it this way and …I’m sure all the ways he did it is good. It’s eco-responsible where the wood comes from,” she said.

Father and daughter are looking to expand the workshop and eventually open a store.

“Luxury accessories don’t have to be made in Paris,” Germain said.

They want their sunglasses to become an international brand, all while staying right here at home.