eyewear store

With a fastidious approach to presentation and customer experience, reworks120 is an exemplary independent optical boutique located in the heart of one of Seoul’s leading fashion districts – Eyestylist.com spoke with the founder/CEO, Sean Lee

First opened in 2019, in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, Seoul — in a well-known fashion district in the city, premium optical store reworks120 is a special find in this area that is also home to impressive flagship stores such as Gentle Monster. “The shop has an intentionally cozy and curated atmosphere,” Sean Lee told Eyestylist.com. “There are two floors, each designed with a different concept. The reason for this is that each brand we carry has its own unique identity, and we wanted the displays to reflect those individual concepts.” Above: interesting textured flooring with a “gravel” effect – one of the many contemporary design features at reworks120

reworks120, Seoul: an impressive interior where modern materials and their colours and textures create an artistic gallery space – the eyewear is displayed on clear glass

On the first floor, and a section of the second floor, the interior features cool tones and bright white lighting. As you move deeper inside the space, the mood changes completely. “This interior space has been created to offer a warmer atmosphere. For the flooring we used herringbone-style tiles with a wood texture to evoke a classic feel, while the display areas were made with solid wood materials to give a more premium impression compared to other sections. This space – located at the very back of the second floor is the space that I am particularly pleased with…”

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

Interior – a sophisticated hidden space within the space is luxurious and beautifully presented with natural wood floor, fitted storage and stunning orange lantern lights

Overall, the store offers a sensational, curated selection of frame collections that is immediately eye-catching and indicative of a very astute approach to frame buying. Sean explains it precisely: “We are always looking for and discovering new brands. In Korea, many stores carry a wide range of Japanese and Korean brands. However, we are particularly drawn to the creativity, colours, and design of European brands. That’s why we attend MIDO and SILMO every year.”

Consumer trends have shaped the concept and the particular curation that matches changing tastes in fashion and design. “We prefer the brands that are not easily found in Korea or unique designs within those brands. As a result, our customers have quite sophisticated tastes, and we cater to a diverse clientele, including doctors, celebrities, and business professionals.” The store has also recognised certain evolving trends amongst its audience. “With changes in the high-end market, it seems that our customers’ expectations have risen even higher, Sean says. “As with many high-end brands, they tend to prefer well-made eyewear produced in Japan. In recent years, European brands have also started using high-quality titanium and meticulously crafted materials from Japan, and this has slightly shifted the perception of European brands as well.”

Asked about other stores, Lee told us that reworks120 are also located in @boontheshop_official, a high-end concept store operated by the Shinsegae Group.

Find out more about reworks120 at the Instagram page : https://www.instagram.com/reworks120

“My philosophy toward eyewear is simple: longevity and versatility are key”, says Coyote DeGroot. “I want the frame to last, from both from a structural and stylistic standpoint. The frame must complement, not overwhelm, the wearer. And it should also be suitable for all occasions, weddings, job interviews, bachelor parties, funerals….”

Lab Rabbit Optics, located by Wicker Park in Chicago, opened nearly 9 years ago. Today, Coyote sells a wide selection of independent collections, from classics like Randolph Engineering to avantgarde designers from Japan. “My customer base is very diverse in terms of both lifestyle and age,” he told Eyestylist. “I make eyeglasses for attorneys, musicians, television and film producers, bike messengers, retirees, bartenders, professors, performance artists, doctors, deviants, and over-achievers. Every day is a surprise.”

The development of an own label came naturally, owing to a serious passion and interest in design. “My own frames are designed in-house and handmade in Japan in limited quantities of 20-80 pieces per colour. The collection is comprised of nine different models, with another two in production. They have unusually sturdy hinges, and lots of titanium, along with Mazzucchelli and Takiron acetates. I try to offer something different in terms of the design, and I experiment constantly. My customers really like having access to unique, limited edition frames, from a Chicago-based brand. I’m now preparing for the frames to go into select optical shops outside Chicago.”

Asked about the attitude of young people toward independent labels in Chicago, Coyote is realistic but he sees a trend that suits his style. “I think buying cheap, fast eyewear via the internet is a phase that a lot of consumers go though. Many of my customers have purchased glasses from Warby Parker or Zenni in the past, and now they’re ready to invest in something better: cool handmade frames, more optically precise lenses, and attentive, personal service. My shop definitely does NOT look like the average optical shop that most people grew up visiting, but it’s growing in popularity among the adventurous, and among those who recognize the lasting value of good quality products and service.” For more information visit: www.labrabbit.com CN

South Korea: reworks120, Seoul

Chicago eyewear store: Lab Rabbit Optics