Henrik Vibskov freely expresses his unconventional design approach in this distinctive model. The oversized single-shield lens is paired with unexpected frame details, creating a strong visual identity. Olive green tones and organic lines give the design a character that feels both technical and artistic. Positioned at the intersection of fashion and experimental design, this model makes a bold statement.
June 2026
New York-based eyewear brand Vint & York reinterprets the classic oversized silhouette with a series of eye-catching details in the Cecile model. Sharp yet thoughtfully refined lines are complemented by decorative embellishments across the front, adding a sophisticated character to the design. Despite its expressive detailing, Cecile maintains a balanced silhouette that feels polished and wearable.
June 2026
Saint Laurent continues its contemporary interpretation of strong silhouettes with the Howl model. Its voluminous shape and front structure, reminiscent of a single-shield design, define the model’s character with confidence and attitude. Thick, wide temples further reinforce its commanding presence, amplifying the strength of the overall design. Howl perfectly embodies Saint Laurent’s bold and forward-thinking aesthetic vision.
June 2026
Otttolinger reshapes traditional eyewear design through unconventional forms and experimental details. The transparent construction stands out with an organic frame structure that evokes the appearance of a melting or fluid surface. Its sculptural design blurs the line between fashion and art. Defined by a boundary-pushing aesthetic, this Otttolinger model perfectly reflects the brand’s free-spirited and innovative approach.
June 2026
This Cartier design showcases a distinctly feminine presence through its cat-eye silhouette, defined by sharp lines and elegant proportions. The bordeaux-toned frame is balanced by slender gold-tone temples, creating a sophisticated contrast. Soft gradient lenses lend a sense of lightness while bringing a modern interpretation to Cartier’s timeless vision of luxury. Its well-balanced silhouette adds a confident style statement to any look.
June 2026
Known for its contemporary designs built around form, proportion, and facial expression, Spanish eyewear brand Kaleos carries its strong 2026 momentum into summer with Variations, a capsule collection created in collaboration with actor Javier Rey.
Founded in Barcelona in 2013, Kaleos quickly established itself as one of the most distinctive names in global eyewear fashion through its independent design perspective. Blending fashion, craftsmanship, and contemporary design into a singular creative language, the brand has developed a strong aesthetic identity that moves beyond conventional eyewear. For Kaleos, glasses are not simply accessories that complete a look. They are style elements that directly shape character and expression. This approach is strongly influenced by the vision of Creative Director Claudia Brotons, whose background in fashion continues to define the brand’s creative direction. Built around proportion, silhouette, and facial expression, this design philosophy allows Kaleos collections to evolve with an increasingly powerful fashion identity each season. For the 2026 Spring/Summer season, Kaleos pushes this vision even further. While the women’s and men’s collections reinterpret the idea of form through new proportions and refined structures, the summer-focused Variations capsule stands out as one of the clearest reflections of the brand’s current fashion perspective. Alongside the technical precision that continues to attract attention across the optical industry, Kaleos is also emerging as one of the season’s strongest names through a design language centered on modern fashion aesthetics. Each frame undergoes an extensive development process of nearly 18 months, supported by custom acetate blends, carefully refined color selections, and handcrafted finishing details. Together, these elements position Kaleos as a brand that does more than follow trends. It continues to build a visual language entirely its own.
New Silhouettes Shaped by Form
Kaleos’ 2026 Spring/Summer women’s collection introduces a freer and more experimental energy to the season. Built around movement, contrast, and a strong exploration of form, the collection places silhouette at the center of its visual identity. Compact structures, bold oval shapes, sharp transitions, and unexpected proportions define the overall atmosphere. Frames that accentuate facial contours bring a distinctly fashion-driven attitude to the collection, reinforcing Kaleos’ growing presence within contemporary eyewear fashion. In several models, soft curves merge with geometric edges within the same structure, pushing the brand’s controlled design language toward a bolder direction. As layered lamination details move into the background, form becomes more visible and more assertive, while color takes on a clearer and more character-driven role. Transparent transitions, glossy surfaces, and subtle shimmering accents introduce a sense of movement throughout the collection. One of the strongest aspects of the line is its ability to balance contrasting attitudes within a cohesive visual language. While some frames lean toward a more expressive and fashion-forward direction, others embrace a quieter and more refined aesthetic. Fine metal details, semi-rimless constructions, lightweight structures, and photochromic lenses strengthen the technical side of the collection. Yet the designs never feel overly technical. Kaleos transforms engineering details into a natural extension of style rather than placing them at the forefront. Another defining aspect of the women’s collection is the way the frames interact with facial expression. Some models create a stronger and more assertive presence, while others offer a calmer yet more sophisticated character. Rather than designing for a single type of woman, Kaleos builds a collection language that allows space for different face shapes, personal styles, and fashion attitudes. This approach prevents the collection from feeling like a temporary seasonal statement. Instead, it creates a stronger and more lasting sense of style.
Architectural Precision and a Modern Masculine Line
For the 2026 Spring/Summer season, the Kaleos men’s collection moves toward a more controlled, architectural, and refined direction. Built around the theme “Unexpected Twists,” the collection explores how subtle design interventions can completely transform the overall appearance of a frame. This philosophy of controlled evolution rather than rigid structure can be felt throughout the collection. One of the first elements that stands out across the men’s models is a strong sense of clarity. Sharp lines, balanced proportions, and defined geometric constructions shape the foundation of the collection. Rather than creating a loud or overly assertive masculine aesthetic, Kaleos embraces a quieter yet more confident design language. Models crafted from high-density acetate deliver a strong visual presence despite their lightweight structures, while matte surfaces and crisp edge detailing reinforce the collection’s technical character. Several frames feature hybrid constructions that combine acetate with stainless steel, introducing an added sense of structural sophistication. Screwless hinge systems and titanium-supported builds further highlight Kaleos’ engineering-focused approach. Yet despite these technical developments, the collection never feels cold or overly industrial. A refined balance is maintained throughout, reflecting the rhythm of contemporary urban life. The use of proportion is another key strength within the collection. Selected models are offered in two different sizes, emphasizing the brand’s attention to user experience while allowing the designs to reach a broader range of wearers.
Variations and the New Mood of Summer
Created specifically for the SS26, the Variations capsule stands among the clearest expressions of Kaleos’ approach to design. Developed in collaboration with Spanish actor Javier Rey, the collection centers on the impact that subtle design changes can have on the overall character of a frame. Throughout the collection, proportions, surfaces, colors, and detailing are carefully reinterpreted through a controlled design perspective. Rather than relying on exaggerated design gestures, the Variations capsule favors more measured interventions. Classic silhouettes are reshaped through subtle adjustments, while the combination of matte and glossy acetate surfaces adds greater visual depth to the collection. The color palette remains calm and understated, yet the frames maintain a strong sense of character. Among the collection’s most distinctive elements are the photochromic lenses, which shift into different tones under the summer light. Javier Rey’s restrained and natural presence throughout the campaign imagery also aligns seamlessly with the overall atmosphere of the capsule. Far from theatrical, this approach reinforces the collection’s understated yet impactful understanding of style. Instead of creating a fashion language that seeks attention through excess, Kaleos proposes a look that feels calmer, more controlled, yet unmistakably confident in character. This is precisely where Kaleos reveals its strongest quality throughout the SS26 season. The brand never places technical quality behind fashion aesthetics. Instead, it establishes a strong balance between design language and engineering precision. With the Variations capsule presented alongside its women’s and men’s collections, Kaleos once again proves itself to be one of the most compelling independent names in contemporary eyewear fashion.
June 2026
“Silmo Istanbul is an extremely valuable meeting point for professionals seeking to stay informed about industry innovations, develop new business relationships and gain fresh perspectives.”
Hello Mr. Ogün Bayer. How would you summarize your journey into the optical industry and where you are today?
I entered the optical industry nearly 16 years ago, starting from the ground up as an apprentice. From the very beginning of my career, I focused not only on developing technical expertise but also on continuously improving my knowledge of customer relations, products and industry developments. During this time, I gained valuable experience working in an optical store located within a hotel in Muğla, one of Türkiye’s leading tourism destinations. Serving an international clientele broadened my professional perspective and strengthened my ability to better understand the diverse needs of customers. Today, at Bayer Optik, which we opened in 2023, I am proud to share the knowledge and experience I have accumulated over the years alongside my sister, who is a optician, while providing solutions that positively impact our customers’ daily lives.
Can you tell us about the founding of Bayer Optik and the concept behind the store?
Our goal was to create a boutique optical store built on sincerity, trust and personalized service. In May 2023, we brought this vision to life under the Bayer Optik name. From day one, we have focused on offering quality products through honest guidance and a genuine service approach. We wanted to create an environment where customers could feel comfortable, explore products at their own pace and enjoy a shopping experience built on trust. Both our store layout and our service philosophy were designed around this vision. We also made a conscious effort to create a structure that allows us to truly listen to our customers and provide individual attention to each person who walks through our doors. Today, we continue to uphold our boutique retail philosophy by placing personalized experiences at the center of everything we do.
How has your extensive professional experience shaped the service philosophy at Bayer Optik?
Spending many years actively working in the industry has given me the ability to accurately identify a customer’s needs from the very first interaction. Rather than simply presenting products, this experience allows us to better understand individual expectations and recommend the most suitable solutions. At Bayer Optik, we embrace a service philosophy centered on customer needs and satisfaction rather than sales targets. Since every customer has unique visual requirements, lifestyles and expectations, we place great importance on delivering personalized solutions. We want our customers to feel confident not only during the purchasing process but long afterward as well. For this reason, proper guidance and long-term customer satisfaction remain at the core of our approach. Building lasting relationships strengthened by trust and positive feedback continues to be one of our most valuable achievements.
Location plays a significant role in retail. What factors influenced your choice of location for Bayer Optik?
Absolutely. The importance of a store’s location largely depends on the nature of the service it provides. Having witnessed this countless times throughout my career, I can say that location was one of the most carefully considered aspects before establishing Bayer Optik. For this reason, we chose a site close to a hospital and positioned it along a route that connects the hospital area with the city center. We recognize that eyewear is not merely a fashion accessory but also an essential part of eye care, especially as visual demands continue to increase in the digital age. Our location allows us to serve a broad customer base by balancing accessibility for both city residents and visitors to the nearby hospital. As a result, we are conveniently positioned for customers seeking prescription eyewear following eye examinations, as well as those who live and work in the surrounding area.
The global rise in myopia continues to attract attention. How do you support customers who require prescription eyewear?
With the increasing use of digital devices, vision-related concerns, particularly myopia, have become far more common. That is why we closely follow technological developments and offer our customers the latest advancements in lens and measurement technologies. Our goal is to maximize customer satisfaction by providing solutions that deliver clearer vision, faster adaptation and greater comfort. At the same time, we strive to guide customers not only according to their current needs but also with their long-term visual well-being in mind. We pay particular attention to emerging myopia management solutions for children and young adults and believe it is important to help families better understand the options available to them. Because every individual has unique visual requirements, we approach everything from measurements to product selection on a personalized basis. We believe that combining advanced technology with professional guidance is one of the most important foundations of successful optical care.
How does working alongside your sister influence your team dynamic and customer relationships?
Working with a family member naturally strengthens trust and harmony within the team. That sense of connection and sincerity extends to the atmosphere of the store as well. When customers visit Bayer Optik, we want them to feel more like welcomed guests than participants in a sales transaction. This approach helps us build warmer and longer-lasting relationships with the people we serve. Working together also allows us to respond to customer needs more efficiently and consistently. Many of our customers eventually visit us not only to purchase eyewear but also to seek advice and professional guidance. One of the greatest compliments we can receive is being recommended to family members and friends. We believe that level of trust is built through genuine communication and relationships developed over time.
What are the most important criteria you consider when selecting products for your store?
When selecting products, we focus on achieving the right balance of quality, comfort and design. While offering options that appeal to different age groups and budgets, we also closely follow current fashion trends. Our goal is to provide customers with choices that are both aesthetically appealing and functionally effective. At the same time, we place greater value on quality than quantity when building our product assortment. Rather than overwhelming customers with excessive options, we prefer to curate carefully selected collections that genuinely address their needs. This approach allows us to preserve our boutique identity while maintaining a well-balanced product portfolio that appeals to a variety of preferences and lifestyles.
When designing the architectural layout of your store and organizing product presentation, what factors did you prioritize?
We adopted a design approach centered on spaciousness, simplicity and making the most efficient use of the available space. We created a layout that allows customers to browse products comfortably and make decisions without feeling overwhelmed. While maintaining visual consistency throughout the store, we also prioritized functionality. In keeping with our boutique retail philosophy, we wanted to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We paid close attention to designing a space where products could take center stage while customers felt comfortable spending time in the store. From the storefront display to product placement, we aimed to keep every detail clear, organized and easy to navigate. We believe that a positive retail experience is shaped not only by the products themselves but also by the quality of time customers spend in the store.
What are Bayer Optik’s goals for the coming years? Are there any plans for additional locations in the near future?
Our primary goal is to continuously improve the quality of service we provide and take it even further. While future investments and expansion opportunities may certainly be part of our long-term plans, we want to approach that process thoughtfully and strategically. We believe that growth is not defined solely by physical expansion. Enhancing customer satisfaction, continuously improving our service standards and further strengthening the trust customers place in Bayer Optik remain among our top priorities. By closely following industry developments, we will continue working to deliver an even better experience with every customer interaction. When the timing and conditions are right, we will evaluate new opportunities with the same level of care and attention.
What are your thoughts on the growth of Silmo Istanbul and its contributions to the optical industry?
Silmo Istanbul is an extremely valuable meeting point for professionals seeking to stay informed about industry innovations, develop new business relationships and gain fresh perspectives. Bringing together both local and international professionals under one roof each year clearly demonstrates the important role the exhibition plays within the optical sector. Its continued growth and expanding reach also reflect the dynamism and development of the Turkish optical industry. In addition, I believe the exhibition creates significant value by encouraging knowledge sharing and strengthening commercial interaction among industry professionals.
Thank you for your time. Finally, we would like to know your thoughts on 4 your eyes?
I believe 4 your eyes is not only an informative and forward-thinking publication but also one that creates real value for our industry. Beyond reporting current news, it serves as an important communication platform that highlights innovations, brands and professionals across the optical sector. By bringing different perspectives and industry developments to its readers, it helps strengthen connections within the professional community. As Bayer Optik, we would like to thank you for this opportunity and wish you continued success in your publishing efforts.
June 2026
“In recent years, we have seen significant progress in the rise of local eyewear brands in Türkiye, and Silmo Istanbul has played an important role in making this development more visible.”
Hello Mr. Kadir. Could you briefly tell us about the founding story of Gülce Optik and the point the company has reached today?
Gülce Optik was founded in 2017 as a family company with the idea that eyewear should be seen not only as a necessity, but also as a reflection of design, character and lifestyle. From the very beginning, our goal was never simply to offer eyewear, but to create distinctive pieces that make people feel good and reflect their personal style. As our interest in design and production evolved over time, the Mooshu brand was born. Through Mooshu, we began creating more original, detail oriented and character driven designs. Being able to manage many stages of the process in our own workshop, from the first sketch to the final assembly, has helped us build a stronger and more authentic brand identity. Today, we continue to provide high quality service through our optical retail business while also building a design focused brand identity with Mooshu. By bringing together local production, fine craftsmanship and a contemporary design perspective, we are steadily establishing our own distinctive place within Türkiye’s eyewear industry.
What defines Mooshu’s Dna and what sets the brand apart from other local eyewear labels?
One of the defining characteristics of Mooshu is that every product is 100 percent made in Türkiye at our workshop in Istanbul. The brand’s “Hand Made in Istanbul” motto comes directly from this philosophy. Istanbul is an incredibly powerful city where different cultures, street aesthetics and modern yet timeless details exist side by side, and we try to reflect that energy in our designs. At the core of Mooshu’s Dna are craftsmanship, originality and a strong attention to detail. For us, aesthetics alone are never enough. The materials we use, the balance a frame creates on the face and overall wearing comfort are equally important elements of the design process. Rather than following a mass production mentality, we aim to create more personal, long lasting pieces with a strong sense of character. That is why “Hand Made in Istanbul” represents far more than a production statement for us. It reflects the city’s dynamic, cosmopolitan, free spirited and creative identity, which is deeply embedded in the soul of Mooshu.
How would you describe Mooshu’s design language and what inspires your collections?
In our designs, we draw inspiration from the distinctive lines of the past while reinterpreting them through a contemporary aesthetic perspective. The eyewear culture of the 1960s and 1970s, retro frame details, analog design sensibilities and the street aesthetics of Istanbul are among our strongest sources of inspiration. At the same time, industrial elements, the natural texture of materials and the traces left by craftsmanship also play an important role in shaping our design process. At Mooshu, we do not design solely around trends. We also care deeply about the balance a frame creates on the face, the character it carries and the feeling it gives to the person wearing it. By combining the bold character of vintage influences with cleaner and more refined details, we aim to create a look that feels both modern and timeless.
How do you maintain your approach to quality throughout the design development and production process?
For us, quality is a principle that we strive to uphold every day throughout Mooshu’s design and production processes without compromise. No matter how visually strong a model may appear during the design stage, if it does not meet our expectations in terms of comfort, balance or material quality, we do not move forward with production. There are times when we spend a long period refining a single detail or completely revising a model. Our goal is not to create products that are made quickly, but pieces with longevity and character. Throughout the product development process, we place particular importance on craftsmanship and final assembly stages. The proportions a frame creates on the face, the quality of the polishing, coating techniques and the harmony of even the smallest details are all defining elements for us.
What materials do you prefer for Mooshu eyewear and how do you balance technology with craftsmanship in production?
The materials and production techniques we use play a direct role in shaping the character of Mooshu. Titanium coating, in particular, is an important choice for us in terms of both durability and surface quality. It allows us to achieve a more refined appearance on metal surfaces while also ensuring long lasting performance. We are also conducting new R&D studies focused on different metal combinations and specialized surface treatments in order to create structures that are both lightweight and durable. The PA (Polyamide/Nylon) lenses we use provide important advantages in terms of lightness, optical clarity and wearing comfort. Laser cutting and precision processing technologies are also an essential part of our production process. These techniques allow us to achieve cleaner lines, more controlled detailing and a higher level of precision. However, technology alone is never enough for us. Hand craftsmanship and fine detailing remain essential throughout many stages of production because we believe the true character and spirit of a frame come from this level of meticulous craftsmanship.
Could you tell us about the work you carry out to ensure the continuous development of Mooshu and its collections?
We see R&D as one of the most important parts of Mooshu’s ongoing development. For this reason, we continuously focus on experimentation, refinement and reinterpretation throughout many stages of the production process. We regularly conduct tests centered on material selection, the balance between lightness and durability and overall wearing comfort. Sometimes even what seems like a small detail can completely transform the feel and performance of a product. That is why we embrace a mindset of constant improvement from both a technical and design perspective. One of the key reasons we are able to sustain Mooshu’s development is that we manage a significant part of the production process under our own control. At the same time, we closely follow user feedback and developments within the industry in order to keep ourselves constantly updated. While we closely follow technological advancements, we also place great importance on preserving craftsmanship and artisanal culture. We believe real progress is not only about using new technologies, but also about carrying the spirit of the brand forward and improving with every new collection.
How does managing both the wholesale and production sides of Gülce Optik benefit the brand?
The fact that Gülce Optik operates across retail, wholesale and production allows these areas to continuously support and strengthen one another. This structure helps us better understand user expectations while also enabling us to move more quickly and efficiently throughout the product development process. Thanks to our wholesale network, we have the opportunity to closely observe the needs of different stores and customer profiles. This gives us the advantage of creating collections that are shaped not only by design, but also by the real demands of the market. We have built our structure around a more dynamic system in which design, production and sales remain in constant communication with one another. This allows us to quickly reflect feedback from the field into production and make the development process far more efficient. In terms of partnerships, we value long term relationships built on trust. Rather than functioning solely as a supplier, we aim to establish collaborations that help grow the brand’s design language and quality perspective together with our business partners. We believe this approach has played an important role in strengthening both Mooshu’s development and credibility.
Could you tell us about Mooshu’s international goals and export plans for the future?
We position Mooshu not simply as an eyewear manufacturer, but as a lifestyle brand with its own design language, character and production philosophy. For this reason, we are pursuing a more selective approach to global growth while remaining committed to protecting the identity of the brand. We believe markets such as Europe and the Middle East hold strong potential for Mooshu’s design perspective. On the export side, our strategy is based on controlled and sustainable growth. Today, we have already established a strong brand presence in countries such as Italy, Greece, Kuwait and Dubai. Our priority is not only to export products, but to build partnerships that can properly represent the story of the brand, its understanding of quality and its design culture. In recent years, we have established valuable business connections through participation in several international trade fairs. Moving forward, we aim to further increase Mooshu’s global visibility through international exhibitions, selected boutique optical stores and design focused sales channels. One of our biggest goals is to transform Mooshu into a globally recognized eyewear brand from Türkiye with its own distinct design identity.
Are there any upcoming collections, technologies or collaborations currently on Mooshu’s agenda?
At Mooshu, both our design and production structure are constantly evolving. For this reason, we are currently working on several new developments involving both future collections and production technologies. In particular, we are focusing on stronger collections that combine timeless lines with more contemporary details. We are also exploring new directions in material usage, including more textured surface details and more distinctive color combinations that reinforce the character of the designs. At the same time, we are concentrating on new systems and processing techniques that will increase production precision. We continue to work on different materials and manufacturing methods in order to develop products that are lighter, more durable and stronger in terms of overall wearing experience. Collaborations that bring Mooshu’s design identity together with different creative disciplines are also part of our future plans. We believe projects developed with successful names from the worlds of fashion, art and design can bring a new perspective to the brand.
How did winning the Silmo Award Istanbul for two consecutive years influence Mooshu’s brand perception?
Winning awards for two consecutive years in the domestic eyewear category at Silmo Istanbul was far more meaningful to us than simply receiving recognition. Seeing the production and design philosophy we have worked on for years receive appreciation from the industry was incredibly valuable. These consecutive awards significantly strengthened Mooshu’s credibility and visibility in terms of brand positioning. They increased interest in the brand among both industry professionals and consumers. We especially observed a stronger perception of Mooshu as a design focused Turkish brand. At the same time, these awards became an important source of motivation for us. At Mooshu, our goal is not only to create aesthetically strong products, but also to build long term value through production quality, craftsmanship and a strong brand identity. Receiving this recognition two years in a row was a proud moment that reaffirmed we are moving in the right direction.
How do you evaluate the importance of Silmo Istanbul for the optical industry?
We believe Silmo Istanbul is a critically important platform for the development of Türkiye’s optical industry. It serves as a valuable meeting point where local brands can express themselves more strongly while international industry professionals come together under the same roof. In recent years, we have seen significant progress in the rise of local eyewear brands in Türkiye, and Silmo Istanbul has played an important role in making this development more visible. For us, Silmo Istanbul is not simply a trade fair. It is also a platform where we have the opportunity to introduce our brand to both local and international industry professionals while strengthening communication within the sector. As Mooshu, we believe it is extremely important for the growth of the industry that brands with strong design capabilities and a serious investment in production receive greater visibility. We are very pleased that Silmo Istanbul provides an environment that supports this vision.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Lastly, what would you like to say about 4 your eyes?
We believe 4 your eyes plays a valuable role within the optical industry by creating space for local brands like Mooshu to express themselves. We also believe the magazine has made an important contribution to increasing the visibility of local production, design culture and creative perspectives within the sector. For us, eyewear is not simply an accessory, but a powerful form of expression that reflects design, character and lifestyle. We believe platforms that share and support this perspective continue to inspire the industry. Thank you as well for featuring us in this issue.
June 2026
Ramon Studer, Co-founder of independent Swiss eyewear brand Einstoffen, shares insights into the brand’s 2026 developments and the philosophy behind its exclusive limited-edition IX line.
Founded in Switzerland in 2008 by Ramon and Raphael Büsser and Christian Gisler, Einstoffen has established a strong position among independent eyewear brands through its distinctive design approach, carefully selected materials and commitment to craftsmanship. Since its founding, the brand has combined inspiration from nature with a contemporary aesthetic, continuously evolving its design language to become what it is today. Following the success of last year’s Sopraterra collection, Einstoffen continues to draw inspiration from nature with Ætherra for the 2026 season. Concepts such as lightness, balance and refined simplicity remain central to the collection’s identity.
At the same time, Einstoffen is restructuring its portfolio into four distinct lines: Roots, Essentials, Core and IX. Each line represents a different facet of the brand while reflecting its shared commitment to design, quality and attention to detail. At the center of this transformation is Einstoffen IX, the brand’s new premium line. Developed with the contribution of eyewear designer and Cého Studio founder Cécille Hoggenmüller, IX is produced in Japan and released in limited quantities. Combining titanium, acetate and meticulously crafted details, the collection embodies a more refined expression of luxury defined by precision, craftsmanship and timeless design rather than overt extravagance. In this exclusive interview, co-founder Ramon Studer shares the latest developments at Einstoffen and discusses the vision behind the brand’s newest collection.
Hello Ramon. Einstoffen has established a strong position among independent eyewear brands. What does your brand stand for today?
Einstoffen stands for independence, precision and the joy of creating. Since the beginning, we have built the brand on the freedom to make our own decisions and develop products according to our own standards. Over the years, we have invested a great deal of time, care and attention into every collection, always striving for the highest level of design, quality and craftsmanship. We are not driven by trends or short-term expectations. Instead, we focus on creating products that feel authentic, well considered and built to last. Whether we are working with materials, construction techniques or design details, every decision serves a purpose. That commitment to thoughtful design and continuous improvement remains at the heart of Einstoffen today.
Einstoffen has long balanced urban design with natural influences. How do these two worlds come together within the brand today?
Nature has always been part of our identity. We come from St. Gallen, a region where forests, mountains and city life naturally coexist. Our first claim was ‘Raw Nature meets Urban Lifestyle,’ and in many ways that idea still defines who we are today. We started with wooden frames, and many members of our team spend a great deal of time outdoors, whether in the mountains, by the water or in the forest. At the same time, we feel equally connected to the urban world through contemporary design, clean lines and a modern perspective on aesthetics. For us, nature and city life are not opposing forces but complementary influences. It is precisely this balance between organic inspiration and urban sophistication that continues to shape the character of Einstoffen and the products we create.
With Ætherra you’re taking this a step further. How do you define the collection?
Ætherra continues the journey that began with Sopraterra. While the previous collection was inspired by the structures and details found in nature, Ætherra looks beyond the horizon toward lightness, air and balance. The collection explores the space where materiality becomes lighter and forms feel more fluid. Layers, reflections and subtle transitions play an important role in both the design language and the visual identity of the campaign. We wanted to create a sense of calm and openness while maintaining the attention to detail that defines Einstoffen. The color palette also reflects this direction, combining natural tones with soft contrasts and transparent nuances inspired by the first light of spring.
This year, Einstoffen reorganized its collection into four distinct lines. Could you tell our readers more about this new structure?
Yes, we have reorganized our collection into four distinct lines: Roots, Essentials, Core and IX. This new structure reflects the different facets that define Einstoffen today while making our collection easier to understand and navigate. Roots represents our origins and the values on which the brand was built, while Essentials focuses on timeless everyday pieces that form the foundation of our collection. Core brings together the designs that best express our current creative direction, and IX represents our most exclusive and refined work, where craftsmanship, materials and precision are explored at the highest level. Although each line has its own character, they all share the same Einstoffen Dna: attention to detail, thoughtful design and a commitment to quality. The new structure has also been extremely valuable internally. As the collection continued to grow, it became increasingly important to create a clearer framework that helps us organize our development process while also making the different dimensions of the brand more visible to our customers and partners.
IX is the newest and most exclusive addition to the Einstoffen portfolio. What does this collection represent for the brand?
IX brings together everything we have learned over the years about form, materials and precision. In many ways, it represents the essence of our journey as a brand. Throughout the years, we have developed a deeper understanding of what precision means, not only from a technical perspective but also from an emotional one. With IX, we deliberately focus on materials, engravings and subtle details that reveal themselves over time and through closer observation. The line is controlled and refined, yet it has a strong presence. For us, IX is not a new beginning but the logical next step, where our experience, craftsmanship and design philosophy come together in their purest form.
How do these ideas translate into the design and production of IX?
These principles influence every aspect of IX, from the design process to production. When we describe the collection as ‘quiet,’ we are referring to its exclusivity and restraint. Each model is produced in a fixed, numbered edition with no reproductions or repeated releases. It is a form of exclusivity that does not need to draw attention to itself. ‘Precise’ reflects our approach to design. Every line, proportion and detail is carefully considered, and nothing is left to chance. ‘Complete’ means that we only introduce a model when it feels fully resolved. IX does not follow a traditional collection calendar or seasonal launch schedule. A design is released only when it reaches the point where it feels coherent, balanced and finished. This philosophy is closely connected to the way the collection is produced. IX is manufactured in Japan, and Japanese craftsmanship represents values that are very important to us: patience, precision and an uncompromising attention to detail. There is no unnecessary haste in the process. In many ways, that mindset mirrors our own philosophy. For us, Japanese craftsmanship is almost like Zen in material form. It is calm, precise and patient, focused on achieving the best possible result without compromise. The clarity, discipline and quiet confidence that define this approach make it a natural fit for IX.
Why was it important for IX to remain a limited-edition collection?
With IX, the objective was never primarily commercial. It was about creating something with enduring value, something that still feels relevant and desirable ten years from now. That is why we have chosen to limit the collection in a clear and consistent way. There are no reproductions and no repeated releases. Each piece belongs to a specific moment and is allowed to remain exactly that. Rather than pursuing volume, we wanted to create eyewear that carries a sense of permanence and individuality. In the best sense of the word, these are collector’s pieces, consciously chosen, consciously worn and designed to be appreciated over time.
Source: Spectr
June 2026
Starting the day with natural daylight, especially during the early morning hours, may help support the eyes’ focusing performance throughout the day.
Extended exposure to artificial lighting in indoor environments may increase feelings of eye fatigue. Natural light helps the eyes perceive environmental contrast more effectively. Short outdoor walks in the morning can be particularly beneficial, supporting the eyes’ adaptation to daylight. While daylight plays a role in regulating the body’s biological clock, it also contributes to communication between the eye’s light-sensing system and the brain. Time spent in natural light allows the eyes to focus at varying distances and helps reduce the visual strain associated with prolonged near-work activities. Outdoor environments also provide a welcome break from the constant exposure to screens and artificial lighting that many people experience throughout the day. For this reason, spending even short periods of time outdoors can be considered a valuable habit for maintaining visual comfort.
Irregular sleep schedules and spending long periods indoors may contribute to increased visual fatigue. Insufficient exposure to daylight can negatively affect visual comfort, particularly among individuals who spend much of their day working in front of screens. Taking short breaks outdoors during the day supports both mental relaxation and eye recovery. Exposure to natural light in the morning may help maintain attention levels, while balanced daylight exposure throughout the day can help reduce screen-related visual fatigue. Even brief periods spent outdoors can help the eyes rest, and small changes to daily routines may have a positive impact on both eye health and overall quality of life.
June 2026
