We’re thrilled to offer a 100% local frame—our newly released Mile-End model. After meeting Catherine, the radiant entrepreneur behind Atelier Ora, it was only natural for us to join forces to offer high-quality, eco-friendly frames made entirely in Quebec.

Strength in numbers 

The Mile-End frame is a testament to our commitment to supporting and developing Quebec’s eyewear industry. For several years now, we’ve been working with local artists to design unique products that showcase Quebec talent. This first collaboration with Atelier Ora, an eyewear design and manufacturing studio located in Montreal’s Mile End district, aligns seamlessly with this approach.

Patrick Doyle, President of the Doyle Group, is impressed with Atelier Ora: “I’ve visited many factories around the world, but Atelier Ora’s artistry has really blown me away. I feel strongly about encouraging this dedicated company and supporting local makers.”

Catherine Pelletier Lauzon, founder of Atelier Ora, shares this enthusiasm: “My collaboration with Doyle has been an immense source of inspiration. By combining our strengths and expertise, we will have a promising future together.”

Slow fashion model

The two companies came together because of their environmentalism. The Mile-End frame has an ecological footprint that is 12 times smaller than the average foreign-made model, thanks in part to the entirely local production and distribution process. 

What’s more, the new frame was designed in opposition to fast fashion. Its revamped retro style and soft, romantic shapes make it a timeless option—a classic frame with character that can be worn year after year.

“At Doyle, we’ve always believed that the best type of consumption starts with quality: a good frame should last for years, and be repairable, adjustable and reusable,” explains Patrick Doyle.

Made locally for all

Local production is often synonymous with high prices. To continue to deliver on its promise of premium eyewear for any budget, Doyle has made the bold choice to reduce its profit margins on Mile-End frame sales.

“The fact that a product is made here isn’t enough for us—if we want to sell it, it has to be beautiful, well made and competitively priced.” It’s true that it’s more expensive to produce frames by hand here at home, but if we don’t do our part, our local creations will never be widely accessible,” adds Patrick Doyle.

The Mile-End frame will be sold in all Doyle boutiques. To start, it is offered as a sunglass frame, but could also be made into an ophthalmic model later on, depending on demand.

You can make an appointment to try it out, or buy it online!

What is Atelier Ora?

Atelier Ora is an eyewear design and manufacturing studio located in Montreal’s vibrant Mile End district, known for its artistic community. The studio produces eyewear with timeless, distinctive designs. It draws inspiration from nature’s palette to illuminate people’s faces, both physically and metaphorically. Art, culture and local initiatives inspire the team on a daily basis as they strive to make a positive impact on the world.

The story behind Atelier Ora

Catherine is the driving force behind Atelier Ora. She founded her eyewear studio because locally made frames are exceedingly rare. In all of Canada, there are fewer than 10 eyewear studios, most of which do not distribute their products to boutiques due to their small-scale production. Catherine points out that, “we’ve lost this craft due to globalization, which is a shame from both an ecological and creative standpoint. There’s something special about making a pair of glasses with your own hands, and with intention. That’s our focus at Atelier Ora.”