Walking on from the tasty event in Piazzetta Sant’Andrea I was stopped by a festive vibe and good tunes pouring out of Ottica Toni, a legendary lucchese optician, located exactly in the heart of the historic centre (in case I’m not clear, the location of the shop marks the exact middle of Lucca historic centre).

Now in the third generation, the family and the business celebrate their 111th anniversary!

Over the years they’ve served illustrious clients, including royalty – Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands was so impressed by the shop that she asked Giuseppe Toni (the grandfather of the present owners) to be the official optician for the Duch Court – he refused, saying he wanted to continue serving the Lucchesi.

Giacomo Puccini was also a client of Ottica Toni. If you visit the Villa Puccini Museum in Torre del Lago, you will see his glasses with the G&G Toni case near the maestro’s piano.

Read more about Ottica Toni’s history here


Hand made glasses

Fabio Stramare is passionate about his art – handmade glasses. Ottica Toni sells one of his lines, Dandy’s.

For this occasion Ottica Toni had Fabio make 111 pince-nez, limited edition, in all colours, and numbered.

Last night we could get a glimpse into his work.

You can have your very own personal model designed and made by Fabio, for this he will want to spend some time to get to know you and your character first. He has also changed lives: one of his clients had a very peculiar vision problem and could not leave his house – until Fabio created a pair of glasses for him that changed his life and gave him back his freedom.  

Congratulations, Ottica Toni! Great night,  lovely people, lovely vibe.