Emmanuelle Khanh was an iconic designer who helped redefine fashion from the 1960s to the 1980s, creating clothing and accessories that were modern, bold and unapologetically feminine. Renowned for her oversized glasses and avant-garde style, she launched her first label, Emma Christie, in 1962 before founding her eponymous brand in 1971.
Her distinctive vision was to create fashion that every woman could enjoy, while celebrating femininity. She championed ready-to-wear at a time when haute couture remained the preserve of an elite few. Early in her career, Emmanuelle Khanh collaborated with leading names such as Dorothée Bis, Cacharel, Missoni and La Redoute, creating memorable collections featuring pieces like sharply tailored, ultra-fitted mini-coats. But it was in the 1970s that she truly made her mark with her striking geometric eyewear. Her glasses became iconic accessories, beloved by stars of the era, including Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie. Originally designed to embrace her own short-sightedness, they became a bold expression of her creative vision.
Eyewear for Every Woman
Her philosophy was to create fashion for everyday life, reflecting women’s growing freedom while combining practicality with style. Today, the Emmanuelle Khanh house returns to its roots, bringing heritage and modernity together through thoughtfully reimagined collections that honour the designer’s avant-garde spirit. Emmanuelle Khanh remains an influential figure in fashion, a true pioneer who brought together bold design, femininity and accessibility. Her influence continues to shape the world of fashion today.
A word from Frédéric and Charlotte: “Sophisticated, feminine eyewear with a touch of glamour!”
The Emmanuelle Khanh brand embodies a long-standing French tradition of craftsmanship, celebrating artisanal expertise and local production. Each pair of glasses goes through more than 80 manufacturing stages, with meticulous attention to detail at every step. The process begins with cutting the acetate, a versatile material of organic origin, followed by stabilisation and the bonding of its components. The fronts and temples are carefully sculpted and shaped, before hinges are fitted to ensure strength and durability. The temples are then laser-engraved, and the logo is applied by hand beneath a layer of resin. After ultrasonic cleaning and barrel polishing, each pair is assembled by hand. This intricate process results in exceptional-quality eyewear that combines comfort, refined aesthetics and lasting durability.
2026 Collection: Iconic oversized frames take centre stage, alongside new, more delicate silhouettes!
Our Collection
