By Sitha Maliwa:
In a world dominated by mass-produced fashion and predictable trends, true originality is becoming increasingly rare. Yet, tucked away in the leafy suburb of Dunkeld West in Johannesburg, a quiet revolution in eyewear is unfolding = one that connects the elegance of Parisian design with South African individuality. For more than three decades, Peers and Fisher Optometrists has built a reputation for exceptional eye care, blending clinical excellence with a passion for style.
Founded in 1992 by optometrists Michelle Pencharz and Shana Cohen, the practice has become synonymous with personalised service and carefully curated eyewear that goes beyond functionality. For Michelle and Shana, glasses are not merely medical devices. They are expressions of identity, confidence and character.
That philosophy led them thousands of kilometres away to Paris, where they discovered an eyewear designer whose creations would captivate both them and their clients. At an international optometry exhibition in the French capital, they encountered Tarian, an independent eyewear brand founded by Parisian designer Jérémy Miklitarian. The connection was immediate. “Jérémy’s designs have a Parisian edge while encompassing quirky elements,” says Michelle.
“They combine comfort, style and personality in a way that feels truly unique.” What began as a chance encounter soon evolved into an exclusive South African partnership. Today, Peers and Fisher remains the only practice in the country offering Tarian eyewear, giving local clients access to frames unavailable anywhere else in South Africa. But the attraction was mutual. When Jérémy first met Michelle and Shana, he recognised something special. He describes their practice as having “soul” – a quality he says is increasingly difficult to find in the global eyewear industry. Their warmth, attention to detail and commitment to individuality convinced him that South Africa, and specifically Peers and Fisher, was the perfect home for his brand. As Tarian’s popularity steadily grew among South African customers, Jérémy made his first-ever visit to the country in April.
It was more than a business trip. It was an opportunity to engage directly with clients, understand the local market and strengthen a partnership built on a shared appreciation for craftsmanship and authenticity. The story behind Tarian is as compelling as the frames themselves. For Jérémy, eyewear is deeply personal. Living with severe near-sightedness from childhood, he received his first pair of glasses at the age of 11. They were designed by none other than his father, Alain Mikli – the legendary French-Armenian designer whose bold, artistic eyewear transformed the global industry and attracted celebrities, artists and design enthusiasts around the world. Yet Jérémy was determined to forge his own path. A talented ceramicist, he studied graphic and product design before launching Tarian in Paris in 2011.
Drawing inspiration from both art and craftsmanship, he developed a distinctive design language that merges unconventional forms, innovative manufacturing techniques and an uncompromising commitment to quality. Even the name Tarian carries a powerful meaning. The suffix “ian” translates to “son of”, a tribute to his father’s influence while signalling the birth of a new creative legacy. Today, Jérémy continues to incorporate principles from ceramics into his eyewear designs, creating frames that blur the boundaries between fashion, sculpture and functional art.
For Peers and Fisher, this commitment to artistry perfectly aligns with their own vision. “We pride ourselves on our carefully curated eyewear ranges as much as we ensure world-class quality in our optometric services,” says Michelle. “Everything we offer has a story. Our clients love knowing that when they wear Tarian, they are wearing something truly unique.” That uniqueness is evident not only in the striking designs but also in the meticulous craftsmanship behind every frame. According to Michelle, the experience of wearing Tarian is unlike anything else. “It’s the quality of the workmanship and the careful selection of materials that define their uniqueness,” she explains. In an age where individuality is often sacrificed for convenience, Peers and Fisher and Tarian stand as a reminder that great eyewear can do far more than improve vision. It can tell a story. It can express personality. And it can transform the way people see themselves and the world around them. As the philosopher and naturalist Henry David Thoreau once observed: “It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see.” At Peers and Fisher, that vision begins with a frame that is as extraordinary as the person wearing it.- @NewsSA_Online
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