Jutta Kahlbetzer is one of the world’s buffalo horn experts, as Co-founder/CEO/Creative Director of IVKO, Hoffmann Natural Eyewear’s parent company. Her passion for the brand’s history and heritage is matched by a desire to explore what is still possible with this luxurious natural material, combining time-honoured skills with contemporary design and technology. Eyestylist spoke to her about Hoffmann’s specialist craftsmanship, the enduring appeal of natural horn and why individuality and time remain, in her words, “the rarest forms of luxury”.
Jutta, thank you for agreeing to speak to Eyestylist. For those who don’t know you, can you introduce Hoffmann and describe your role? Since 1978, Hoffmann Natural Eyewear has been creating glasses in the Volcanic Eifel region made from natural materials – especially natural horn. With this experience and a passion for perfection, each frame is created by hand in around 280 individual steps. Every pair of Hoffmann glasses is a unique masterpiece and of the highest quality.
For more than three decades, I have been working in the international eyewear industry. In 2000, Wolfgang Thelen and I took over Hoffmann, making the brand a very personal part of our journey. I am the creative mind with a passion for subtle communication, technology and planning. I am particularly fascinated by the possibilities of natural horn and constantly strive to push the boundaries of this unique material. As Co-founder and CEO and Creative Director of IVKO, the daily tasks are quite extensive, but on the days I can dedicate myself to creative work, I almost feel a little guilty – it feels more like pleasure than work (laughs). Above: Jutta Kahlbetzer, Hoffmann Natural Eyewear
Hoffmann Natural Eyewear is one the world’s eyewear companies that preserves traditions and craftsmanship in the production of fine buffalo horn eyewear. Why do you think the material has enduring appeal in the modern era and has technology played a role in achieving new standards of production in horn eyewear design? Natural horn has an enduring appeal because it stands for individuality, authenticity and time. Especially in the modern area, time is a true luxury. Every horn frame is unique, and our customers appreciate the craftsmanship, attention to detail and time invested in creating it. At Hoffmann, traditional craftsmanship and modern technology go hand in hand. CNC technology enables precise and efficient production, while every frame is perfected by hand through the experience and skill of our passionate artisan crafts. As the raw horn comes from renewable resources and is collected in harmony with the natural circle of life, for me, there is no doubt, that this material will remain a valuable and future- oriented choice.
Do you find there is still some reticence about working with natural horn or has this situation now changed? In the past, opticians were sometimes hesitant to work with natural horn, as it was considered a sensitive material. And while natural materials do require experience and a delicate touch, there is no need for opticians to be afraid of working with natural horn. Respecting some really basic rules, everyone will discover the magic and durability of this great material and its numerous benefits.
At the Hoffmann booth at SILMO, opticians can also visit our manufacturing station and ask questions to an experienced colleague from our Hoffmann atelier. Hoffmann also gives masterclasses to partner opticians who are new or unfamiliar with the natural material horn. Additionally, we provide glazing instructions and videos to support our optician partners.
What do you personally appreciate about creating fine eyewear at an historic company, and how does the company history continue to play a part in the success of the collections worldwide? What I appreciate most is the combination of heritage and innovation. Since 1978, Hoffmann has built up a unique wealth of knowledge and craftsmanship, which is passed on from one generation to the next while continuously evolving. Our history gives us a strong foundation, but our openness to new ideas and contemporary design keeps the collections relevant worldwide. Every frame carries a piece of this heritage while still feeling modern and individual.
Hoffmann launched a luxury collaboration with Thierry Lasry in 2025. What has been positive about this experience and do you hope to carry the edition forward? Above all, the combination of two distinct areas of expertise. Thierry Lasry embodies a distinctive vision of modernity and artistic expression in the world of eyewear, which meets Hoffmann’s decades of craftsmanship and expertise in working with natural horn. The result is a unique dialogue between bold design and traditional craftsmanship.
The result is a collection that successfully combines creativity, individuality, material excellence and authentic craftsmanship. Never change a running system — stay tuned…
What do you personally love about the collection? I could actually list a lot of points which I love about the collection. What is really outstanding to me is the time invested and the individuality of each frame! As well as the natural grain, which is different on every single horn, there is the handcrafting aspect, which of course gives every frame that unmistakable aura of uniqueness. We believe that individuality is the greatest option we can offer our customers. After all individuality and time are the rarest forms of luxury!“ But my real heartfelt aspect about it is and will stay the strong bond to nature that a horn frame represents.
I note there is some new packaging for the collection. Please feel free to tell us more! We have recently introduced new packaging for Hoffmann. From the outer packaging and case to the cleaning cloth, every element has been redesigned to reflect the quality and premium character of our eyewear. It is a new home for our Hoffmann masterpieces – designed to protect what is truly unique and to create a refined stage for our handcrafted frames. With every frame, customers will also receive a small piece of craftsmanship as a special addition to the packaging, celebrating the natural material and the handmade character of each piece.
Find out more about Hoffmann Natural Eyewear at www.hoffmann-eyewear.com
