Creative spirits

Carola Nomden on joining Ørgreen Optics

21st January 2025

Carola Nomden is an eyewear designer with a wealth of experience in the optical field, previously working at SAFILO and Prada. She is known for her creative expertise and modern, cosmopolitan aesthetic, particularly in sunglasses. Carola has joined Ørgreen as the Danish company brings together a creative team to rival many of Europe’s finest. Eyestylist asked her to share her perspective on her work and creative passion.

How and where did you train to become a designer? How did you get into eyewear? Can you tell us in a few lines about yourself? My journey as a designer began at the IED in Turin, where I studied jewelry and accessory design, diving into a world of precious materials, craftsmanship, and innovation. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of creating objects that not only adorn but also tell a story and reflect the personality of those who wear them. This philosophy naturally led me to eyewear, a field I see as the perfect bridge between functionality and pure creative expression. For me, every project is a journey through details, shapes, and symbols, with the goal of transforming the everyday into something extraordinary.

What have been the high points of your career so far? One of the most significant moments in my career was having the opportunity to closely observe the work of great creative minds, an experience that deeply inspired and enriched me. It taught me the value of bold and refined thinking, which I strive to bring into my work every day. Above: eyewear designer, Carola Nomden

Tribune acetate glasses by Ørgreen Optics

What do you feel are the most interesting processes as regards designing frames, and do you have a particular style or influence that is typical of your work? For me, the design process is a true form of alchemy. The beauty of design lies in seeing something that was initially just an idea take shape and come to life. I love exploring the endless possibilities of materials, like a craftsman who molds forms and colours, bringing new universes to life. Each project is a moment of discovery, where the idea transforms and takes root in reality. Working with volumes allows me to define essential lines, but my true goal is to give each creation a sense of modernity, while never losing sight of the elegance and purity that make it distinctive.

As part of the Ørgreen team, what are your favourite new challenges? One of the most exciting aspects of being part of Ørgreen is the diversity of backgrounds within the team. Each of us brings a unique perspective, shaped not only by our countries of origin but also by our individual professional experiences. This diversity is a tremendous strength, as it allows us to tackle design challenges from different angles and develop creative solutions that we might not have considered otherwise. It’s this exchange of ideas that makes working with Ørgreen so inspiring.

When you are not working, what do you like to do and what interests you in the creative field? When I’m not working, I like to immerse myself in what stimulates my creativity: reading books, exploring illustrations, graphics, cinematography, and art. Every form of visual and narrative expression helps me see the world from different angles, enriching my creative language. I am also fascinated by the human being, by their expressions and the small everyday details, which often become inspirations for my design, making it closer and more in tune with people.

100% Optical 28 FEB - 2 MAR 2026, Excel London

Do you take interest in the evolution of eyewear, new materials and sustainable trends, and if so what do you imagine will be a particularly significant direction for the business in the next 5 to 10 years? The eyewear industry is in constant transformation, and I am fascinated by how technology and sustainability are intertwining to create increasingly innovative solutions. In the next 5-10 years, I envision a significant evolution in the use of biodegradable and recycled materials, with a growing focus on lightness and durability, without ever compromising design. I also believe that, alongside this, consumer awareness will change, driving them to seek brands that prioritize the health of the planet.

What is on your mood board this week? My mood board for 2025 explores the meeting between craftsmanship and technology, a return to the roots of human experience fused with the discoveries of the future. Natural, earthy tones are enlivened with vibrant accents, while volumes intertwine in elegant and bold shapes, creating the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

Finally, could you add any other points of interest about your work as a designer? When I design, I am deeply influenced by the intersection of culture, nature, and personal expression. To me, eyewear is not just a functional accessory, but a way to tell stories and celebrate individuality. My creative approach is rooted in my hometown, Turin, a city where every corner tells a story and where architecture and art continuously engage in a dialogue between the past and the future. Now that I live in Copenhagen, I find myself in a new creative phase, one that is shaping my work in unexpected ways, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas into my designs.

Find out more about design at Ørgreen Optics at www.orgreenoptics.com

Creative spirits

Vidal Erkohen, eyewear designer + founder of RVS

21st November 2024

Vidal Erkohen is the founder of RVS Eyewear, as well as working as an eyewear designer behind multiple independent brands. His most recently launched collection is a sports eyewear line for Perfect Game, the world’s largest baseball scouting organization. In 2025, Erkohen plans to bring RVS back into the eyewear spotlight with a brand new collection….

It’s a long time since we caught up here on Eyestylist.com. Do you continue to evolve the RVS by V collection from your base in New York City? It truly has and it’s great to be back. Eyestylist has continued to be a leader in the industry and we are all lucky to have such an informative outlet for independent and main stream eyewear. Thank you!

Although I have been very busy with designing, manufacturing and providing creative direction for multiple brands through out the years RVS has always been at the core of everything I do. Since 2020, I decided to pause on new designs and have only been supplying a handful of our classics directly to our loyal consumers worldwide.

That being said, I’m happy to finally break the silence and inform you that RVS by V will be back in full swing starting in 2025 with a fresh new vibrant collection and will also be available for wholesale purchase worldwide via a select few of our most loyal partners through out the years. If you followed us before I’m sure you know that whatever is coming, it definitely will not be boring! 😎 Above: Vidal Erkohen – pictured wearing “See a clean future” Water sunglasses in collaboration with Mission Blue (Sylvia Earle)

Iconic styles by RVS Eyewear – the brand launched in 2007 at Selima Optique – originally as a 25 piece collection

The last few years have seen some developments in the industry as regards sustainability. How have you pivoted in this direction?

Could you explain the See A Clear Future concept and RVS SUSTAIN. What is your view on eyewear materials and how they are evolving? The developments prior and since have been tremendous and it’s a breath of fresh air to see more and more designers and manufacturers moving their materials and production towards more eco-friendly solutions.

I think this is just the beginning and we will continue to see very clever solutions that minimize our carbon foot print in everything we create. As RVS, we learned a lot through our “See a clean future” project and aim to incorporate this in all of our future projects as well.

See a Clean Future – a sustainable eyewear project developed by Erkohen

See A Clean Future incorporates four different lens options which correspond to the elements that make up our world: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. They tell a story of ECO-HOPE by linking each concept with a hero from our time: Sylvia Earle (Water), Jane Goodall (Earth), Wangari Maathai (Air), and E. O. Wilson (Fire). Each of the aforementioned have provided inspirational words that correspond to the assigned element, which are inscribed on both the inside of the sunglass frames and the lens cloths. Using natural materials.

The frames are produced in innovative materials from the renowned Italian Mazzucchelli company using their M49 bio-plastic, which is eco-friendly, recyclable, and biodegradable. The bioplastic is produced from cotton linters and wood fibers, which are purified into a pulp and then transformed into a resin known as M49.

All the metal inlays as well as temple hinges are made of stainless steel—a recyclable product. The steel is coated with ion plating, which protects the surface and allows the engraving of the frames. Ion plating is a physical vapor deposition process that uses concurrent or periodic bombardment of the substrate with aluminum, which is recyclable and non-toxic to the environment.

The sunglass lenses revert to the traditional use of glass. Typically, lenses are made from polycarbonate plastic but See A Clean Future lenses are made from natural mineral glass produced in Japan. Glass lenses are not only more environmentally sustainable, but also ensure precision clarity and a more refined aesthetic, which is harder to achieve with traditional plastic lenses.

See a Clean Future – installation by Ugo Rondinone

3. We noticed you are working with the artist Ugo Rondinone for your packaging. How did this collaboration come about? Yes, this was a truly amazing experience as Ugo was a friend of the art initiative “One, all, every” that we partnered up with for this project.

Using natural materials, Rondinone designed the packaging, the ether, or fifth element that contains all others (air, water, earth & fire).

When we launched the project at Art Basel Switzerland as well as later in Miami, our booth was made of 15 feet tall walls covered in real soil taken from his native town in Switzerland.

These walls were later cut in to 10 x 10 individual pieces and sold as limited edition artworks along with all 4 sunglasses all signed by Ugo with a portion of the proceeds given to each respective environmentalist organization.

It was a real labour of love and an unforgettable experience working with such tremendous minds.

4. Do you continue to work as a Creative Director for other eyewear brands and what is your favourite project of 2024?

Yes, and to be honest this has taken a big chunk of my time for the last few years hence my absence from RVS. It’s been a treat to work with other creatives while sharing my experience in the industry and building new brands from the ground up. My latest project, Perfect Game Eyewear is a brand new field for me (sports eyewear) which has been extremely exciting.

Perfect Game is the world’s largest baseball scouting organization holding over 5000 events nationwide year long while working closely with the MLB.

To date, more then 2034 players that have played in perfect game events have also played in Major League Baseball. Since 2003, 14,466 perfect game alumni have been selected in the MLB first year amateur player draft.

Following PG’s exclusive deal with Oakley coming to an end we were able to secure a 10 year licensing deal with Perfect Game via our licensing company PROformance Eyewear and will be designing, distributing and manufacturing all PG Eyewear sunglasses moving forward.

Our proprietary “Diamond lens technology” which I created after almost 2 years of research and development is the first of its kind to focus solely on the game of baseball to enhance game play for both pitchers and batters alike. This is just the beginning as we are planning a huge expansion for this brand in terms of technology, design and reach.

5. What are you working on for 2025? Along with the relaunch of RVS which I am most excited for, I am currently also working on a new brand (also my own) which although I can not give to much information about will bring a fresh new concept to the industry. I always like to go the exact opposite direction of where everyone else is going. This will be no different.

Vintage eyewear is one of Vidal’s passions: pictured, a very early pre Persol Ratti 714 folding style (1930’s). “Most likely a very early prototype to the 714 that would be introduced many years later. Simply signed “Ratti” with the old school Pelican logo”

6. Are you still a passionate collector of vintage eyewear and do you have a favourite design which you acquired recently. Do you still study vintage eyewear as part of your inspiration?

My passion for vintage eyewear is really what got me started in the industry and restoring vintage frames is how I got to know the ins and the outs of eyewear production itself. I still spend at least an hour of my day doing research on frames of the past with my expertise now focusing on materials that are seldomly used such as genuine tortoiseshell, solid gold, unusual hinge technologies and more! I’m a sucker for nostalgia and manufacturing of the past still hold a big space in my design inspiration. Of course, I’m still a Persol fanatic as at one time I owned one of the largest private Persol (Ratti) collections in the world. It’s the only brand my father used to wear and it always holds a sweet spot in my heart.Good design never goes out of style.

Find out more at www.rvseyewear.com / read more at https://www.eyestylist.com/2013/06/vidal-erkohen-rvs-by-v/

Creative spirits

Independent eyewear designer Erida Schaefer, Founder of OtrO Eyewear

13th August 2024

Erida Schaefer is a visual artist turned optical entrepreneur. From a lightbulb moment resulting in taking a paint brush to her own frames, to debuting at New York Fashion Week and exhibiting at Silmo two years in a row, Schaefer’s artisanal brand OtrO takes a curated, artistic approach that is not seen elsewhere in the industry. The brand will return to Silmo in September 2024.

Tell us about your life and career path before OtrO Eyewear? I completed my studies in Visual Arts back in 1988. Since then, I have delved into various artistic mediums such as ceramics, straw bags, cushions, and canvas. However, my true passion has always been to explore newer avenues. Early on, due to monocular visual loss from toxoplasmosis, I required glasses. Because of that, I grew a small collection of frames. Inspired one day, I painted one of these frames – and to my surprise, orders began pouring in. Though my technique was initially quite basic, with time and experimentation I improved my skills and found the right materials. Above: Erida Schaefer, the Founder of OtrO Eyewear, wearing one of her own optical designs

OtrO Eyewear: the colour stories are always vibrant and flattering

After five months, I found myself featured in a magazine article. It was at this moment that I contemplated transitioning into the eyewear business. Years were spent meticulously painting, learning, and evolving. This niche remained untouched in Brazil, and my boundless creativity and knack for innovation captured global attention.

The turning point happened when I was invited to showcase my inaugural acetate collection at New York Fashion Week in 2018. Although opportunities were coming my way, I faced a major challenge: the inability to meet demand through solo painting. I started to design my own optical models and sunglasses, and moved away from just modifying existing ones. The process shifted from surface painting to incorporating painted fabrics between layers of exquisite Italian acetate, crafted in a modest Brazilian workshop.

Feminine shapes are a a signature of the OtrO collection

Over four years, I produced more than 20 distinctive models – a significant achievement for a newcomer with no industrial support. Yet, this was merely a stepping stone. Driven by a fervour to demonstrate the power of individual creativity regardless of location or industry norms, I invested my savings in exhibiting at Silmo for two consecutive years. This endeavour expanded my reach globally, fostering sales across multiple countries and paving the way for future growth.

Despite encountering market resistance, particularly due to import taxes and uncontrolled shipping charges from Brazil, my sights are set on manufacturing in Europe. This strategic move aims to streamline accessibility for admirers of my work, facilitating smoother transactions barred by tax barriers. As I continue to evolve and expand, I remain strong in my mission to break new ground and redefine the eyewear landscape.

Artisan frames with bold character by OtrO Eyewear – Amazônia

What are the origins of OtrO Eyewear? The name OtrO, derived from the Spanish word for “another one”, encapsulates the essence of a continuous desire for uniqueness and distinction and the need for one more frame in everyone’s own collection. Sonically and visually captivating, it serves as a name that resonates effortlessly. Rooted in the notion of perpetual craving for innovation, OtrO stands out for its distinctiveness in a sea of conformity.

Central to my ideas is the pursuit of artistic individuality, a facet I fervently emphasize in my creative process. Through captivating videos showcasing the intricate art of clay moulding, I offer viewers a tantalizing glimpse into the journey towards a three-dimensional masterpiece. By meticulously crafting each piece with a keen eye for detail, I strive to imbue every design with a sense of depth and character before transitioning them into production.

We would love to hear about your most recent collection…Our latest collections are Amazônia, Rio de Janeiro and Cobogó. Amazônia breathes life with its detailed references and the graceful curves borrowed from our lush botanical wonders. Rio de Janeiro exudes the vibrant spirit of our tropical beaches, showcasing unexpected colour palettes and national drinks such as the zesty “Caipirinha” and the refreshing “Aperol”. Cobogó holds a special place in my heart, drawing inspiration from a quintessential Brazilian architectural marvel of the 1920s. Intricately adorned with bas-reliefs, these pieces once adorned the facades of homes, offering ventilation and light to combat the sweltering heat of the northeastern regions. (more…)

Creative spirits

Italian eyewear: Oscar Mamooi, designer

10th June 2024

A multi-faceted designer, Oscar Mamooi has lived many lives as a stylist, illustrator and door selector of a prestigious Milanese nightclub, among other ventures. Since 2020, Mamooi has harnessed his flair for life and channelled this energy into producing fearless, avant-garde eyewear collections that embrace the power of self-expression, each frame empowering their wearer to see life with clarity, light and positivity. Eyestylist’s feature writer Victoria G. L. Brunton speaks to Mamooi on sustainability, dream muses and upcoming projects…

Tell us a bit about your professional journey…Before arriving in the world of eyewear, I held various roles thanks to my eclectic and always lively personality, characterized by a constant search for new work stimuli. This way of being has led me to work as a stylist for various fashion magazines. At the same time, I held the role of “door selector” at the historic Milanese club Killer Plastic.

I have always had a sort of obsessive mania for sunglasses, ardently wanting to create my own line that would break the mould of the current market. My goal was to create an object that was not only aesthetically beautiful, but capable of telling a story and conveying a unique personality. From this desire was born my first collaboration with the “Celebration” project, for which I dedicated a pair of glasses to the fashion journalist Anna Piaggi. (Note: view on Eyestylist.com in 2014 at https://www.eyestylist.com/2014/09/anna-piaggi-fashion-influential/)

Subsequently, I had the opportunity to learn about Prophilo, the company that currently produces the Oscar Mamooi line, furthering my dream of innovating and revolutionising the eyewear industry. Above: portrait of the designer

A signature piece: the SAINT by Oscar Mamooi – “a beacon of bold provocative elegance” – 2024

Which of your frames or collections best represents you as a designer, and why? I am particularly fond of the asymmetrical and glacial silhouette that bears the name Pluto, and I believe it fully reflects my ever-changing creativity, embodying the incessant search for new horizons.

You cite inspiration in the connection between man and nature, can you explain this further? How does it manifest in physical frames? Organic shapes and lines can be key elements in the creative process, offering stimuli to generate elements inspired by nature. In summary, the connection between man and nature manifests itself in man’s vision through natural shapes, colours and textures, combining aesthetics and details that evoke the natural world. This approach creates visually and tactically pleasing products, promoting a message of sustainability and respect for the environment.

The physical frame can be manifested through the vision of what you intend to create and express. This idea guides the entire creative process and translates into an element that tells a story or evokes specific emotions. For example, a collection inspired by modern architecture might incorporate clean lines, sharp angles and innovative materials.

OM Vespertine – vibrant hues and bold sculpted structure

What is your view on sustainability across the fashion industry / with reference to eyewear? Sustainability in the fashion industry has become an essential priority, and this also applies to the eyewear industry. I firmly believe that the eyewear industry can and should play a significant role in reducing environmental impact. Many brands are already adopting eco-friendly materials such as biodegradable and recycled acetate, wood and bamboo, as well as recycled metals. This not only decreases our dependence on non-renewable resources, but also reduces waste.

Furthermore, production processes are becoming increasingly efficient and environmentally friendly, thanks to the use of advanced technologies that reduce waste and energy consumption. Transparency in the production chain and environmental certifications also play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable and ethical practices.

If you could choose anyone in the world to be your muse or campaign star, dead or alive, who would it be, and why? I can do no more than think about Grace Jones. With her perfect personality, capable of simultaneously embodying Parisian elegance and Jamaican allure, she is an immortal style icon. Her wild, dazzling, and androgynous presence made every appearance a memorable event. Her ability to transform sunglasses into a distinctive and bold accessory is unmatched, contributing to defining a timeless style that continues to inspire.

Oscar Mamooi optical collection – captivating and bold with colour

What are you planning for the new season, creatively speaking? Nature will continue to be the predominant element of my creations. There will be new concepts inspired by natural elements, infusing our collections with organic shapes, textures and colours found in the natural world. This approach not only allows us to create unique and innovative designs, but also underlines our connection with nature.

If you didn’t work in the optical industry, where do you think you would work / what would you do? If I wasn’t working in the optical industry, I think I would take up painting. Creativity and artistic expression have always been a key part of my life and give me a great sense of fulfilment. Painting would allow me to further explore my love for colours, shapes and textures, and to communicate emotions and ideas in a visual way. I believe that art, in all its forms, is a powerful medium for connecting people and telling stories, and I’m fascinated by the idea of being able to contribute to this universal dialogue through my expressiveness.

Will you exhibit at SILMO Paris in September? Yes, I will be present at SILMO Paris with many new features. I can’t wait to present our latest collections, which combine innovative design and refined details. This event represents a unique opportunity to share our passion for artisan excellence with an international audience. We are preparing a series of new models inspired by natural elements, with sculpted details that I believe will surprise and fascinate visitors. I look forward to meeting colleagues, customers and enthusiasts in the sector to discuss future trends and our creative visions. www.oscarmamooi.com

Creative spirits

Silvia Fresco, designer, IN SANA

21st August 2023

Eyestylist Exclusive: Silvia Fresco is the founder of IN SANA, an emerging Italian independent eyewear brand with a distinctive, handcrafted aesthetic. IN SANA frames are handmade to order. Victoria G. L. Brunton asked her about her approach to fine eyewear design and what made her launch her very own designs.

Describe to us the journey you took to discovering the eyewear industry and founding your own brand. I studied Product Design at IED in Milan, after an internship in the city I felt the need for a change, so I moved to London. There I had the great chance to work in Gentle Monster’s first European flagship store – I didn’t know I would have ended up doing sunglasses at that time, but the experience definitely opened my eyes. It was quite a difficult period of my life to be honest, but in the darkness I found great comfort in sunglasses, so I started designing what turned out to be my first phase. After a while I moved back to Italy to seek support, and with the great support of my family I got back on my feet. After sharing the drawings with my father, who worked in the eyewear industry all his life, we started prototyping – once we had the glasses in our hands, we couldn’t keep them for ourselves, so we started the journey which is IN SANA. Above: Silvia Fresco, IN SANA

IN SANA : Phase Armour – designs by Silvia Fresco

You describe your collections as “phases” and your “designs” as “experiences”, why is this? My first collection was born without the intention of opening a company, the drawings just came unexpectedly when I most needed something beautiful to happen. Somehow we can say that life inspired me. When I opened IN SANA I immediately started to feel the pressure of fast fashion and I realized that having to come out with a new collection every few months would have killed my creativity. Phase Exeo is the spontaneous representation of a period of my life, and that’s why it’s so unique. I want to keep that uniqueness, I want to make glasses only if I truly believe it’s something new, something someone somewhere in the world will really love. No need for over production.

Avoiding the seasonal cycle of fashion seems important to you, is this because of sustainability? Yes. I will be honest, at first I moved closer to the concept of slow fashion to protect my creativity, but as soon as I started to produce glasses, and I realized how much work time and components are involved, it became clear how much waste this industry produces based on the current market. I simply don’t see the point in overproducing to sell more at a lower price – sunglasses are a really complex design object, which require a lot of skills and people to work perfectly, and it should be respected for what it is, as well as being respectful to our environment.

How do you manage to stay organised and stick to some kind of rhythm without following any kind of seasonal structure? Well that’s an interesting question. Designing sunglasses gives me a joy that is very hard to describe. Every time I finish a new drawing I feel like it is not just for me, someone else will be empowered wearing the item, and that’s the most important thing for me, knowing I helped someone to feel more like themselves. When I need that feeling myself, I start drawing, and if life gives me enough inspiration or lessons by that time, a new design naturally comes out. It’s an artistic process for me.

Eye Piece n.4 by IN SANA – the style is handmade to order

“Listening and respect” : you say this is one of your brand’s most important pillars, how do you involve your customers in your brands conversations and consider them throughout your design process? Listening and respect are indeed my most important values: IN SANA wouldn’t exist if the people who love me didn’t respect me and listened to me when I most needed it. It is my mission to treat everyone who comes across my sunglasses to offer the same. In the future I would love to design personalized glasses for my customers and I believe it won’t be possible without observing these values. I am just at the beginning of this adventure now, but I treasure every feedback: my sunglasses are unusual, every person sees in them something different and I find it fascinating to hear what they see in them, in some ways, they give me new ideas and probably next time I design I’ll think of them. There is no bad feedback.

Your website mentions the support your brand received from techno DJs in the beginning, this is quite a rare / niche industry to crossover with eyewear – how did this affiliation arise? I moved a lot between European capitals in the last few years and had the chance to interact with the techno community here and there. Through techno I met the people who are now my best friends and my greatest supporters – some of them are DJs. I find great peace in their music, I easily get lost in it – when the music is right, suddenly everything pauses down for a bit, everything seems organized to me. Leaving all the worries out I finally have space to enter the creative flow. IN SANA means “in the sounds” in Latin, it refers both to the inner sounds of our souls, where our creativity arises, both to techno, which helped me hear those melodies in the first place.

What creators outside of the realm of eyewear (music, literature, art etc) do you think resonate with / mirror your brand and its vision? I don’t come from a fashion background, I love fashion of course but I mainly find inspirations from artisanal work. I am a product designer, objects always fascinated me. I am constantly looking for art around me, something that gives me that feeling I have when I wear my sunglasses. The first one who comes to my mind is Bruno Munari who has definitely been a point of reference for me during my studies. In the immense world of the arts, painting and architecture are my favorite ways of expression – they communicate so much without ever imposing themselves, they always let you interpret them. I hope my glasses give you the same feeling.

Tell us a bit about what you’re doing in order to produce in a less environmentally damaging way…I always choose the most eco-friendly option available even if It is very hard in the eyewear world to have a 100% eco-friendly production. Very high minimum order quantities are applied from the companies who produce the materials you need to produce, store and ship something with the complexity of a pair of sunglasses. So I decided to produce on order – in this way I fight overproduction, which is one of the biggest problems new generations have to face, and I keep under control quality and waste disposal. In some way, producing less gives me more freedom to choose between old wasteful ways of production, and more innovative but less impactful ones, like 3D printing. All the metal components of Phase Armour for example are the results of a process that includes 3D printing, we only use the metal we need, they are almost 0 waste.

IN SANA: artistic details are a feature of the frames

Each pair of your frames is made by hand on a made-to-order basis…talk us through your process…Yes, my sunglasses are handmade on order, meaning we have a limited stock to be able to support our customers in case of need (warranty cases etc..) but nothing more. From the moment of order, both from shops or clients online, I need between 2 weeks and 3 months to deliver, based on the pair of glasses and the quantity. This is possible thanks to a few trusted artisans in the Belluno area in Italy who taught me the art of eyewear and make each piece by hand with me.

Your two current shoppable “phases” are Phase Exeo and Phase Armour, could you tell us about these phases and how they compare / contrast? I perceive these two phases so differently, but they are very connected. Phase Exeo comes from a place of darkness, Phase Armour is what came after it. My first phase was unexpected, messy and edgy – each model is different, you can see it wasn’t thought to be a collection. My second phase comes from a more conscious place – I already had IN SANA for a year when I designed it, I was more aware of the difficulties in making glasses. These phases are completely different but they come from the same need of looking for something more meaningful, and shape myself into a better person. Find out more about the brand at www.in-sana.com An interview by Victoria G. L Brunton exclusively for Eyestylist.com. All rights reserved.