By Suzanne Sendel

In my early to mid-20s, I was fortunate to embark on an exciting career as the sales manager for a high-end furniture manufacturer. My role allowed me to collaborate with architects and interior designers, showcasing our products in remarkable spaces.

My first breakthrough came after a year of persistent effort: furnishing the iconic Montreal Ritz-Carlton. This project elevated my career and provided a stunning venue to introduce prospective clients to our products, helping me build a strong and loyal following across Quebec.

One of my most memorable collaborations was with a leading retail design firm, LODA, which produced over 700 boutique designs annually for top retailers such as Aldo Group, Timberland, Bata, Holt Renfrew, Buffalo, Bestseller Group, and Reitman’s. I formed a close friendship with the firm’s owner, Leonard Ostroff, whose mentorship was invaluable. Through this relationship, our company became one of LODA’s preferred suppliers.

At LODA, I frequently worked with a talented junior designer, Mario Fasciano. Mario often specified our products, and we ensured exceptional service and quality to support his work. Beyond our professional relationship, we regularly caught up at the gym, discussing industry trends while on the cardio machines.

Decades later, Leonard’s influence lives on, with Mario now at the helm of LODA, transforming it into a globally recognized name in design. His ability to merge innovation with timeless elegance has made LODA synonymous with internationally acclaimed retail spaces.

A Reunion of Design & Innovation

Recently, I reconnected with Mario at Montreal’s new luxury destination, Royalmount Mall. It was a joy to tour the stunning spaces he and his team have designed, where optical retail is evolving into an elevated experience.

One standout was Tris Coffin, where Mario collaborated with the New Look team to create an extraordinary optical space. At first glance, the design draws you in with its sense of luxury and imagination. The store resembles a bespoke jewelry box, with meticulously arranged displays crafted in glass and wood, securely showcasing each piece of luxury eyewear. State-of-the-art lighting enhances both the general space and display cases, ensuring each frame is perfectly illuminated.

To maximize the small space, the displays were curated to feature only the best sellers of each collection, with additional inventory stored in ultra-organized drawers beneath. This approach elevates the shopping experience, allowing customers to engage directly with the frames that inspire them. The rich, sophisticated atmosphere, warm monochromatic tones, wood accents, and plush seating create an inviting space—one that celebrates understated luxury and encourages clients to explore at their own pace.

We also visited Greiche & Scaff, where thoughtful design choices, including Rosso Jaipur (a deep matte burgundy) and Grigio (a complementary grey), transformed the space into a cozy yet sophisticated optical boutique. The wooden floors required soundproofing, so the design team integrated suspended acoustic beams and baffling panels into the ceiling, ensuring a quiet and welcoming ambiance. Neutral cream accents were chosen to highlight the eyewear collections, while the frame displays struck a perfect balance—neither overwhelming nor sparse—making the space feel both expansive and curated.

Merging Past & Future in Optical Retail

During our time together, Mario shared insights into his work and inspirations. His approach seamlessly blends modern technology with timeless design principles, paying homage to the history of retail while pushing the boundaries of optical space innovation.

His firm was among the first to introduce virtual tours to clients nearly two decades ago, showcasing his forward-thinking mindset. Today, he continues to redefine the customer experience, designing optical spaces that engage, inspire, and invite.

Beyond his remarkable skill, Mario’s success is rooted in his deep understanding of human connection. He works closely with clients, bringing their visions to life with a keen eye for aesthetic harmony and functional excellence. His work is not just about creating beautiful spaces—it’s about crafting environments that enhance the way people interact with eyewear.

Reflecting on our reunion, I felt an immense sense of pride. Witnessing Mario’s journey—from a young designer specifying my company’s materials to becoming one of the most accomplished retail designers I’ve worked with—has been an honor.

LODA continues to be a trailblazer, crafting rare and captivating optical spaces that leave a lasting impression. Design matters, and LODA’s expertise in merging innovation with elegance ensures that every project not only inspires—but transforms. With Mario at the helm, every optical space becomes more than just a store—it becomes a destination worth investing in.

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