Some businesses are born from an idea. Others take root in a personal story. Chamborelle falls into the latter category. For over forty years, the French brand has moved forward as a family venture, driven by passion, hard work and the passing on of traditions.
Today, this story continues without its founder, Alain Boulas. But his legacy remains deeply rooted in the company, now carried forward by his children, Angélique, Christophe and Frédéric.
Modest beginnings, an undiminished passion
It all began simply, in a garage in Seine-et-Marne. Together, Alain and Corinne Arnaud designed, crafted and sold their first creations. At the time, these were pieces of jewellery. Very quickly, the desire to go further became almost inevitable.
Eyewear then entered their world, first sunglasses, then optical glasses. A new creative outlet where Alain’s creativity found its true home. He designed, tested, adjusted… and hit the road to meet opticians. This direct, almost instinctive connection became a hallmark.
In the brand’s current marketing materials, notably Chamborelle, this closeness is still championed as a founding value.
A committed family, long before the handover
At Chamborelle, the handover didn’t happen overnight. The children grew up with the business. They know its inner workings, its demands, but also its spirit.
Long before now, each had already found their place, gradually taking on certain responsibilities. This continuity makes the transition feel more natural, almost inevitable, despite the circumstances.
The company remains a family-run business, with a close-knit team and a strong presence on the ground. The sales representatives continue to travel the roads, just as their father did, to maintain this relationship of trust with opticians.
Moving forward, without losing sight of one’s roots
Carrying on a family legacy means striking the right balance between respecting tradition and embracing change. At Chamborelle, this approach means opening up to new horizons, whilst never straying from what defines the brand’s identity.
The new generation aims, in particular, to reach a younger audience by strengthening its presence on digital channels. The e-commerce site and social media thus become key platforms for sharing the brand’s world in a fresh way and forging a more direct connection.
Some ideas, however, do not disappear — they are passed on. Like an invisible thread linking generations, the project to create a Chamborelle universe—spanning various product ranges and conceived by Alain—continues to take shape today in the hands of his children.
Finally, sensitivity to environmental and social issues remains deeply rooted in current thinking, faithful to the values that have underpinned the brand since its inception.
A style that doesn’t try to overdo it
Chamborelle glasses don’t seek to follow trends at any cost. Instead, they strike a balance: colours that are present but restrained, contemporary lines without excess.
Metalwork is central, bringing finesse and lightness. A large proportion of the models are designed for women, with particular attention to detail, whilst the men’s collections favour more assertive shapes.
The brand emphasises the durability of its products and a high standard of quality, with few after-sales returns. An accessible, consistent positioning that reflects its history.
And above all, constant consultation with opticians, who remain, even today, at the heart of decision-making.
