INFOCUS

BRINGING LUXURY INTO PERSPECTIVE AT KC’S OWN ROMANELLI OPTIX

WRITTEN BY REBECCA FISCHER / PHOTOS BY JAMI MARSHALL

Cousins Roman Beznovsky and Felix Milman believed from a young age that the American Dream was attainable for them—even as the sons of Russian immigrant families growing up in Section 8 housing off Troost Avenue. “We knew life didn’t have to be like that, with all the opportunity in America—if we could just figure out how to engage,” Beznovsky says.

Beznovsky thought that, for him, the dream would be realized through studying optometry. Ever since he had been prescribed glasses to correct his vision as a child, he was fascinated with why he didn’t see correctly. He wanted to learn everything he could about the eyes, and then share that knowledge with others. While attending the University of Kansas, Beznovsky worked for several optical shops. But shortly after graduating, it dawned on him that he enjoyed the style aspects of optics much more than the medical aspects. He went on to become the manager of one of the only ultra-luxury optical shops in the world—here in Kansas City. Meanwhile, his cousin Milman was pursuing his interests in fashion, clothing, and accessories. He was working at another optical shop when Beznovsky’s shop announced it would be closing. “That was almost 20 years ago,” says Beznovsky. “Really, both of us have been following this dream since right out of high school.”

New Beginnings–and Rapid Growth

In 2004, shortly after the optical shop where Beznovsky had been working closed, the cousins opened Romanelli Optix in the Waldo/Brookside community, offering exclusive collections of European luxury eyewear.

“As business partners, one of our main goals has always been to change the whole experience for our customers,” Beznovsky says. “It’s not just a purchase of glasses. It’s a feeling, a lifestyle, that they’ll appreciate and truly enjoy. It’s glasses that they’ll want to wear, not because they have to.”

Recognizable for its eye-catching striped logo and similar decor, the shop soon became popular with customers from all over Kansas City for its wide selection of more than 80 distinct collections—with approximately 100 pieces in each collection—as well as for its custom-cut assembly provided right inside the shop.

“It’s not just a purchase of glasses. It’s a feeling, a lifestyle, that they’ll appreciate and truly enjoy. It’s glasses that they’ll want to wear, not because they have to.”

Just two years later, the duo opened a second location in Leawood, and then in 2012 a third location in Overland Park.

“Eyewear is unique in that it’s the only accessory, the only fashion piece, on the planet that is also a prosthetic device,” says Beznovsky. “With them you can see, but you can also look good!”

Luxury, Craftsmanship, Excellence

Some of the most popular brands with customers are the ultra high-end luxury lines the shops carry, including Chrome Hearts (made in the U.S.) and Paris brands such as J.F. Rey. A quick visit to Romanelli’s website reveals a list of brands you may recognize: Gucci, Cartier, Fendi, Chanel, Prada, and Tag Heuer, to name just a few.

Bearing the colored stripes that have come to be associated with the Romanelli brand, the Romanelli Optix eyewear brand is also a customer favorite. “I get the biggest high from hearing people say that the glasses they bought here make them feel so good, or that they see the best they’ve ever seen,” Beznovsky says. “That never gets old for me.”

Customers are as quick to rave about the service and craftsmanship at Romanelli as they are the products. “They have the very best eyeglasses and frames in Kansas City,” says Jami Lloyd Kay of Prairie Village. “And everything there, including the expertise, is top-notch.”

Pam Burton of Stillwell says, “I had a great time working with Mackenzie as she helped me find the perfect glasses and sunglasses for my face shape, personal style, and price point!”

Romanelli Optix • romanellioptix.com Brookside/Waldo Optical / 7112 Wornall Rd., KC, MO • 816.333.0071 135th and Roe Leawood Optical / 4756 W. 135th St., Leawood, KS • 913.897.0071 Hawthorne Plaza Overland Park Optical / 5033 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.327.0071 SIMPLYkc Special: Mention this article for 50% OFF lenses with the purchase of frames!