Inspiration and design

We explore past eras while observing how other markets and cultures think in the present. In this way, we manage to conceptualize timeless proposals with unique styles that endure.

Once our design team has created the initial sketch, it is sent to specialist engineers who provide the technical drawing for us to review and refine, and this process can be repeated several times. Once approved, the factory creates a prototype which we test to adjust size, shape and proportion.

The best materials

Although we are obsessed with making unique products, functionality always comes before fashion. Each of our glasses begins its life with a sheet of the highest quality acetate.

Our acetate frames are supplied by Mazzucchelli in Caetiligione, Italy. Mazzucchelli was founded in 1849 and quickly became an innovator in the production of acetate composed of recycled cotton fiber and dyed in thousands of colors. Mazzucchelli acetate is lightweight, vibrant in color and can be worked by hand.

Manufacturing

Our frames are manufactured in the two best regions in the world for the production of glasses: Shenzen (China) and Cadore (Italy).

Each of them goes through fifty processes in a period of six weeks. Here you will discover some of them:

Molding the frames

From these magnificent materials, we cut the front piece and temples. To do this we use the consistency of the latest CNC (computer numerical control) machinery with craftsmanship skills that have endured for decades. We shape the tips of the temples, first with sandpaper and then with the polishing wheel to give it a more comfortable fit.

The connection between the front and the temples requires a lot of time and precision, as any tension on the hinge is distributed throughout the rest of the material. Each frame goes through fifty processes over a period of six weeks .

An exceptional polish

To polish our frames, we place them in wooden barrels with small beech shavings, pumice stone and polishing paste. Standard frames spend 8-10 hours in a barrel. We leave ours for up to 72 hours.

Longer polishing times mean less frames are produced, but they do ensure that the ones we make have a special shine.

Hinges always riveted

Most frames today are heat riveted, heating the material and forcing the hinge into place.

However, all of our acetate frames are made using the traditional pin-drilling process. This centuries-old technique involves drilling two small holes into the front and temples. Rivets are then inserted to create an elegant fixation (without a drop of glue in sight).

This takes more time and skill, but results in a hinge that can be easily replaced if accidentally damaged.