Stories of Passion and Dedication
CARPASUS Portrait: Lorenz Richard
Lorenz Richard is a jack of all trades. He is a full-time photographer and also runs the sunglasses brand Loris Lunettes. He also spends a lot of time on his surfboard and sailing boat. As a photographer, he has made a name for himself in sports photography, but also works regularly on behalf of large companies such as Schweiz Tourismus, SWATCH and Red Bull. Living in Geneva, he took the long train journey to visit us in St. Gallen, where we talked to him about his passions, design, authenticity and style icons.
Who are you? And what do you do?
I'm Lorenz Richard, I'm now 40, I live in Geneva, I'm originally from Bern and I'm a full-time photographer. In addition, I run a sunglasses brand that is very close to my heart: Loris Lunettes.
What drives you?
Very different things. I have a lot of interests. Photography, sunglasses, motorcycles that I like to tinker with, sailing, ice hockey, surfing, snowboarding. What connects all the things I do is authenticity or the search for it. Everything I do has to be authentic.
Everything I do has to be authentic. [...] All my passions are ways of expressing myself, my view of the world, my idea of aesthetics.
Sounds very versatile! What would you say is your greatest passion?
It always changes a bit. Of course, photography is very present in my life. It's very close to my heart. Now in summer, I try to spend as much time as possible on my surfboard. That's my biggest passion at the moment. [laughs]
And what do your passions mean to you?
All my passions are ways of expressing myself; my view of the world, my idea of aesthetics. This is an important element in photography and, of course, in my sunglasses. I use them to convey a certain style. Even in surfing and snowboarding, everyone has their own style. Everyone expresses themselves with their surfing style. It's the same with clothes. Everyone has colors, cuts or fabrics that they like better.
A good eyewear design should be timeless. [...] There's a reason why some designs are popular over time!
What, in your opinion, makes a good eyewear design?
It should be timeless. I think it's great when you try to play with new elements and designs, but there's also a reason why certain designs are popular over time! These are the designs I like the most. Certain shapes have an aesthetic that has worked since the fifties!
Where do you get your initial inspiration from?
I'm inspired by old movies from the fifties and sixties. A great idol of mine is James Dean. I would love to have a beer with him if he were still alive!
Is he a person who has influenced you?
Yes, a bit, but perhaps less with his films and more with the way he presented himself. His style, his attitude – for me, he is the epitome of coolness.
For me, James Dean is the epitome of coolness. [...] I'd love to have a bear with him, if he were still alive!
What does a typical day of yours look like?
I'm not a morning person. The older I get, the earlier I try to get up. [laughs] I usually get up at 8:00, then I meditate for fifteen minutes. Then, pretty soon, it’s time for quite a lot of coffee. I might then read a few news items and deal with the first e-mails. Somewhere in between there's room for a fresh shower. I often work from home, editing pictures, planning shoots, answering emails. In the evening, I try to get out into nature, maybe go for a jog. If I'm by the sea, I go surfing or sailing, of course.
I always try to treat all people - famous or not - equally and with respect.
What importance do fashion and clothing have for you?
Clothing is important to me because it allows me to express myself. I give fast fashion and high fashion a wide berth. I prefer to spend my money on something that lasts a long time and is timeless. It's especially the staging of logos and luxury that bothers me in high fashion. I don't want to be associated with any logos.
What values in dealing with other people or the environment do you find increasingly important?
I find it most important to treat each other with respect, whether old, young, rich or poor. With photography, I often have to deal with more famous people. I always try to treat all people - famous or not - equally and with respect. That's how I try to go through life.
What plans or dreams do you have for the future?
I think I'm going through a 40s midlife crisis. [laughs] I don't have many material dreams. But an old Porsche 356, like James Dean, would be nice. [laughs]
No, seriously. I want to spend so much time with people who are close to me, who I find exciting. Preferably by the sea, maybe in Hawaii, with a cold beer in my hand.
Lorenz' Look
More about Lorenz & Loris Lunettes
What's behind
CARPASUS Portraits
CARPASUS Portraits showcases inspiring, bold and creative individuals from our community who give their all for their passion. We visit them in their studios, kitchens, ateliers, offices, and workshops, chat with them, and photograph them in their favorite CARPASUS pieces.
Photos: Simon Costabiei