Leisure Society Designer Inspired by Life
June 2011 A conversation with Shane Baum is always a rewarding experience. The American designer of supremely elegant, luxurious Leisure Society, has astute viewpoints on eyewear, design and business that he shares with Eyestylist.
Design philosophy: “I don’t rely on the eyewear industry for inspiration, but search in other creatively driven industries. Furniture design, watch manufacturers and electronic products often inspire me. I also feel it is important to be honest with yourself. As a ‘designer’, you must reflect and disassociate yourself from your finished drawings, and judge them with harsh cynicism. My best design decisions often involve a trash can and fresh sheets of paper.”
Preferred materials: “I like working in gold-plated titanium. It is such a luxurious material and completely inert. It lasts forever. The inherent flexibility of this combination of materials allows one to engrave it, shape it, mould it and texture it in a very detailed manor that permits limitless possibilities. Platinum would be interesting too. We are working with Tigers Eye, Ruthenium and Buffalo Horn for Spring 2012. History has shown that luxurious materials hold their value better over time. This is the essence of Leisure Society’s ethos of “Heirloom Design.”
Creative inspiration: “I maintain a ‘child like’ enthusiasm for designing eyewear. The eyewear industry is unique: part fashion; part engineering; and part medical device. For me, the key to success as a company and as a designer is to create proprietary brand attributes that are distinctly my own, and quality attributes that only reveal themselves systematically over time. It is simply a matter of remaining true to my personal paradigm of open mindedness whilst remaining true to our corporate commitment of excellence and self-involvement.”
The future: “I believe the world is entering a period of reverse globalization We are noticing a trend towards locally made products crafted by classically trained artisans. The preservation of cultural traditions is increasingly important to consumers, especially our youth. This demographic wants meat from a butcher, watches from a watchmaker, and shoes from a cobbler. For eyewear, a brand focused on quality and innovation should enjoy ‘just rewards’.”
Leisure Society designs are available internationally in high fashion shops and eyewear boutiques. www.leisure-society.com JG