Alice Violier Amzalak: bringing back to life what we've almost forgotten

Alice Violier Amzalak founded Seconde Vue with a simple idea: to give forgotten vintage eyewear a second life. Since then, she has been hunting for, restoring, and upcycling these one-of-a-kind pieces with a sensitivity and attention to detail that are truly her own. As a lover of fashion and beautiful objects, she has created a cohesive world rooted in a particular vision of style, one that tells a story.

1. Alice, can you introduce yourself and tell us what inspired you to create Seconde Vue?

My name is Alice, and I’m the founder of Seconde Vue, which I launched in late 2021. The idea for Seconde Vue came after I discovered pairs of glasses from the ’80s and ’90s in the basement of the first store my grandfather, an optician, opened in 1961 (and which is still in business today). When I discovered this treasure, I immediately realized there was something to explore, because the unsold items in the eyewear world are just as impressive as those in the fashion world. It was also a wonderful way for me to carry on the family legacy in a different way.

2. How would you describe your style today in a few words?

I love colours, I love putting them together and playing with them. But I love and need comfort when I get dressed because I’m always on the go during the day. I love picking out pieces from the men’s section for example, I love wearing oversized clothes.

Vintage is also an integral part of my style. My mother and grandmother have passed down many pieces to me that are now the most precious items in my wardrobe and that I’ll never get tired of.

3. What are the pieces or accessories that are particularly essential to you right now during your pregnancy?

I’m more than six months pregnant, and I still haven’t taken the plunge into maternity clothes. So I’m relying entirely on stretchy pants! And I found some gorgeous ones at Antik Batik recently.

Of course, I wear a pair of glasses all the time. They help me put together more polished looks with simpler pieces.

4. You grew up in a family of opticians. What childhood memories come to mind when you think of glasses?

There are so many! The first one that comes to mind is when my cousin and I used to sneak old pairs of glasses to customize them with whatever we could get our hands on. We’d roughly glue on flowers, buttons… I think my cousin still has one of those pairs!

5. How do you choose which glasses to wear based on your mood or the occasion?

I often put together an outfit by starting with the pair of glasses I’m going to wear. It’s also my way of spicing up a look that’s a bit too conservative or simple, by adding an extra touch.

There are times when I wear the same pair all the time, and other times when I switch them up every day.

6. Do you have any wellness rituals that are particularly important to you in your daily life?

Dry brushing, which feels amazing, especially when you're pregnant. Face and body!

And breathing exercises and cardiac coherence exercises that I do using the RespiRelax+ app when I feel a little too overwhelmed.

7. How do you balance your life as an entrepreneur with time for yourself?

I wake up early so I have time to enjoy some quiet, work out, or simply start my day a little more slowly.

I also try to put my phone away after a certain time in the evening, because otherwise it’s impossible for me to disconnect 100% (even though we never really disconnect).

8. What brings you the most joy in your daily life right now?

The precious stages of pregnancy, experiencing all these moments for the first time, watching my body change, but also having the chance to go through these stages surrounded by the people I love and who take care of me.

This pregnancy brings a lot of happiness to my husband and me, but it also brings a lot of joy to those around us, to our family and friends, which is something I didn’t necessarily expect.

9. Do you have any tips or habits you’ve adopted to feel good throughout your pregnancy?

Staying active is a way for me to feel good. I’ve obviously adjusted my routines, but I walk, swim, and stay active. I’m learning to listen to my body and slow down when I feel the need to, which is sometimes very difficult for someone as hyperactive as I am.

I also try to distance myself from negativity, stay in my own little bubble, and learn to say no to take care of myself.

10. Finally, what’s your greatest simple pleasure in everyday life right now?

Leaving Paris to get out into nature! It’s the only way I can truly disconnect and slow down.

Did you enjoy Alice’s story and want to learn more? Follow her on Instagram @aliceamzalak.