Alain Mikli (born Alain Miklitarian in 1955 is a French designer of high-end handmade eyeglasses and accessories. Mikli's line features unique colors and shapes, and are a favorite among European celebrities and avant-garde Americans. Mikli claims his use of color is inspired by his Armenian -Lebanese heritage. In 1978 , Mikli opened his design studio in Paris . By 1983 ,celebrities like Elton John helped bring the line recognition by wearing and touting Mikli products. As of 2000 ,Mikli's firm employed 220 people with sales of approx. FF220 million. Around 500,000 pairs of Mikli glasses have been sold worldwide.