Design + Inspiration

Handmade eyewear: Kuboraum Editions LTD Space Atlas capsule

11th December 2025

The Limited Edition features spectacular details including hand-applied metal micro-cubes

The new handmade eyewear designs by Kuboraum are described as emerging from the sun’s glare – travelling through time and space. Each frame surface has been handcrafted with variations in textures and 3 dimensionality: the hand applied metal micro-cubes create a raw stratified relief – amplifying the mask’s bold architecture.

Space Atlas by Kuboraum – a new handcrafted drop for the festive season 2025

This capsule also evolves into a more refined, linear expression, where a fine silver 925 chain is applied using acetate combustion (pictured above). Fused to the porous acetate rim, the chain traces a clean contour around the lenses, echoing the scattered debris of a body travelling through different multi-verses.

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X5 Space Atlas: aluminium micro-cubes have been applied on the front of the frame

X5 Space Atlas is produced in a combination of acetate and metal and has a shiny black finish beneath the configuration of micro-cubes which vary in size and depth. The temples are thick and imposing and feature a textured surface with linear effect.

Created in Berlin in 2012, Kuboraum was founded by artist, sculptor and designer Livio Graziottin and anthropologist, brand, communication & marketing director, Sergio Eusebi. Each mask offers a unique design to highlight personality. The designs are crafted in Italy in exquisite materials. Find out more at www.kuboraum.com

Design + Inspiration

Preview: The 20 Year Collection by SALT. Optics

3rd December 2025

SALT. Optics marks 20 years in 2026 – with release of The 20 Year Collection, a powerful wraparound edit of striking sunglasses

The Californian eyewear label, known for its quality-driven design for men and women and its longstanding commitment to Japanese manufacture, celebrates 20 years with a new limited-edition collection highlighting the best of the brand, its history and heritage, and its ongoing commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The collection comprises seven styles which honour the history of SALT. with inspired wrap designs, all handmade exclusively in Japan. Two styles – Crue and Jahn are produced in 100% Japanese titanium while the remaining five designs are worked in Japanese acetate. Above+below : teaser imagery for the new collection by SALT. Optics

The 20 Year Collection by SALT. Optics focuses on wraparound designs – particular details include the limited edition branding marking the anniversary with the number 20, and custom stopper hinges

With its latest collection, SALT. returns to its roots, celebrating the superior craftsmanship and wraparound silhouettes that defined the brand’s beginnings two decades ago. Through research and innovation for fit and form—paired with cutting-edge Japanese lens technology and premium materials—SALT. delivers an innovative lineup, reaffirming its position in the international eyewear world.

About SALT. Optics / SALT. Optics describes itself today as an independent premium eyewear brand committed to quality construction and timeless design. Crafted with premium materials and precision engineering, the frames are built to withstand the test of time. The functional pins, riveted hinges, and thoughtful design elements ensure that a pair of SALT. frames can be adjusted and repaired as needed, providing a comfortable and stylish fit that will last for generations. The brand was founded in 2006. Its first campaign featured friends of the brand wearing their own clothes rather than using professional models. Over the last two decades, many celebrities have been spotted wearing SALT. with well-known wearers including Will Smith, Kristin Davis, Glen Powell and Robert Buckley. Find out more at www.saltoptics.com

Design + Inspiration

Eyewear trends: qualities of pattern

20th November 2025

Eyewear designers are revisiting the powerful elegance of patterned acetates

Silmo 2025 revealed an important direction in eyewear this season: patterned materials are being re-explored by designers to achieve visual interest, texture and depth in a frame. These striking effects, often paired with unique bold colour combinations, make a statement. Frequently the patterns reference traditional patterns such as tortoiseshell and Havana acetate colours and designs; in some cases, eyewear designers are working in collaboration with the Italian acetate producer, Mazzucchelli, to create their own limited edition custom patterned designs. Above: from the Roots Capsule collection by Gigi Studios, a series of frames inspired by the strength and resilience of nature. The frame pictured is called Cassia. In collaboration with Mazzucchelli, exclusive acetates featuring mineral-like veins have been developed, adding chromatic richness and visual depth – www.gigistudios.com

Dodds by l.a. eyeworks in a pattern called “Jester”

A charismatic frame by l.a. eyeworks, style Dodds is a fine example of how pattern and colour can bring exciting individuality to a design. The Dodds style is offered in several fabulous multicoloured patterned varieties, each one bringing a different graphic effect and injection of colour, whether vivid and bold or soft and translucent. www.laeyeworks.com

Stone Arch Bridge by OGI Eyewear – a wash of pretty blush pink

A frame which pays tribute to timeless craftsmanship and enduring style, ‘Stone Arch Bridge’ by Ogi Eyewear features a classic round shape with pretty bevelling around the rim. The frame comes in this sophisticated patterned blush tone with an alluring artistic quality that draws on classic acetate pattern. www.ogieyewear.com

Flashback by Italian eyewear label, rewind – subtly modern patterns are a feature of the collection

Italian eyewear brand, rewind plays with classically inspired patterned acetates with a modern twist. Their faceted Flashback frame comes in this trendy pattern that is flecked with black and yellow highlights. The style itself is inspired by a 1990s shape and has visibly sculpted edges on the frame front. www.rewindeyewear.com

Retrosuperfuture patterned frame, Vega in a pattern described as “graffiato” (in English, “scratched”)

The Vega frame by Retrosuperfuture is part of this brand’s Autumn/Winter collection which explores facets of today’s culture, design references and Italian heritage. The style is described as a 1920s inspired silhouette modernised through geometries, new volumes and research in acetate. www.retrosuperfuture.com

Design + Inspiration

Kaci: blending tradition with the avant-garde

10th November 2025

With frames designed to “transcend the boundaries of time and space,” Kaci is a relatively new entry in eyewear. The brand was founded in 2022 by Kalila and Yannis Kaci and was one of the highlights amongst the emerging eyewear exhibitors at Silmo Paris 2025

Fascinated by the Berber civilisation, the traditional work of Moroccan artisans, and the infinite possibilities of using traditional, authentic methods of craftsmanship in eyewear production today: Kaci eyewear by Kalila and Yannis Kaci is designed in colours and nuances which honour the light and soul of the rich Berber culture – its land and its people. With a passion for artisan excellence, Kalila and Yannis have developed their collection in the Jura in France, using carefully selected natural and sustainable materials – in close collaboration with ‘family’ workshops and makers. Their acetate materials come from Mazzucchelli – the vivid colours and tones (taking inspiration from Berber textiles) are selected by the co-founders and include tortoise effects, which they say reveal their tones and subtleties beautifully in the sun. Above: the Kaci eyewear collection features models which have an attractive sculptural look with visible bevelling

Kaci: the frames feature bold bevels for a sculpted effect: model Asif, above, is named after a river that embodies the “vital force” – the tip features an engraving in Tifinagh – the Libyco-Berber script – below in bright orange, model Damya

The co-founders have also placed particular importance on finding a true sense of comfort in their styles. “Our top priority is comfort which is why most of our models feature tinted gradient photochromic lenses.” The lenses are by Zeiss and are featured with tints that are both elegant and timeless, from more classic tones of opal grey and emerald green to graduated colours with enhanced protection, well suited for driving or for a touch of understated style – or extra-dark lenses for maximum protection in bright sunlight.

Tafukt by Kaci: bold lines and beautiful tones create different moods – for different personalities

All the styles (sun and optical) feature the attractive Tifanah lettering engraved in temple tips or on the top edge of the front, a subtle mark of identity and uniqueness that perfectly embellishes the bold and graphic Kaci silhouettes.

About Kaci – Kaci is a contemporary eyewear brand founded in 2022. Known for its sculptural silhouettes and ties with Morocco, the brand creates frames that are rooted in a Franco-Berber heritage, which embody the culture of tomorrow, drawing inspiration from ancestral savoir-faire and a spirit of freedom. Each piece is crafted with premium materials, and inspired by the striking colours and designs of the Berber culture. Find out more at https://kaciparis.com

Design + Inspiration

Iconic eyewear: J.F. Rey revisits an icon

30th October 2025

The French brand has introduced a new version of the iconic JF2207 ‘Scorpion’

Reimagined as the ‘ICONIC40’, this exclusive new limited edition style comes in four colorways, each crafted in 400 individually numbered pieces. The frame has been created in 2025 as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations at the Marseille eyewear company. Above: the new J.F. Rey ICONIC40 style is suitable for men and women

The original Scorpion frame – *image provided by J.F. Rey*

Launched in 2007 and named the “Scorpion,” the original frame stood out for its groundbreaking design, technical articulated temples reminiscent of a scorpion’s shell, and spectacular graphic presence, for J.F. Rey, a symbol of the brand’s daring aesthetic and innovative work in metal.

The new ICONIC40 design, based on the JF2207 Scorpion

The ICONIC40 edition is designed to highlight sculptural lines, and features refined finishes and premium materials. Exclusive temple stamping and a sophisticated colour palett,e highlights the brand’s signature two-tone detailing; the glossy silver version is a nod to the original model. The segment articulation on the temples has been refined in the new model so that it feels lighter and more ergonomic “but always staying true to its signature kinetic feel”. For more information visit www.jfrey.fr

To read more about J.F. Rey on Eyestylist.com visit https://www.eyestylist.com/2023/11/andersen-sunglasses-by-j-f-rey/ and https://www.eyestylist.com/2025/09/silmo-paris-2025-j-f-rey/