Einstoffen
Avant-Garde Elegance
The independent Swiss brand has drawn inspiration from the intricate lines and curves of flowers, utilizing a unique milling technique. The result, the stunning 2025 collection, Sopraterra…
Founded in 2008 by Ramon and Raphael Büsser and Christian Gisler, Einstoffen is an independent Swiss eyewear brand known for its use of natural materials such as wood and stone, as well as its passion for experimentation and combination. Einstoffen creates eyewear and fashion for free-spirited individuals who are mindful of their surroundings and enjoy life. The brand’s products are designed in Switzerland and crafted through a meticulous process, sometimes incorporating unconventional materials or bold details. While their passion lies in natural elements like wood and stone-handcrafted to form the core of the organic and sustainable Einstoffen aesthetic-the brand is ultimately defined by its drive for experimental design. Einstoffen believes that truly groundbreaking and boundary-pushing designs emerge only when one dares to embrace the unconventional. Committed to remaining independent among other premium brands, Einstoffen welcomes 2025 with its latest collection, Sopraterra. This collection stands out with its finely crafted milling details and premium eyewear chains. Now, we present an exclusive interview with Einstoffen’s co-founder, Ramon Studer, discussing the brand’s latest meticulously designed frames from the Sopraterra collection.
Hello Ramon, you chose the name Sopraterra for your new collection. Could you tell us why?
We are a brand that values nature and especially the earth. Our philosophy is based on our respect-oriented bond with our employees, business partners and society, as well as the earth-nature. During the creation of our new collection, we wanted to create designs inspired by flowers and botany. We focused on glasses that capture and emphasize natural structures and colors. That was our starting point. Then one Friday evening, Raphael and I were sitting in a restaurant, and there was this flyer on the table for a band called ‘Sopraterra’. We spontaneously went to their concert, and afterward, it was clear that this would be the name for the new collection.
It’s really unusual. Sopraterra is a derived name, not in the dictionaries. So what do you associate with the name?
Sopraterra means “a view above the earth” to us. Our association with the name is best described in the words from our collection text: “We look upward, into the sky, into infinity. Our eyes, framed by our glasses, are the windows to our soul. Like flowers blooming toward the sun, we also reach for the light. Sopraterra, a name that evokes the beauty and fragility of existence, stands as a testament to the human desire to see, understand, and dream.”
How does this special theme, embracing Einstoffen’s Dna, reflect in the new collection?
About two years ago, we embarked on an intensive research and experimentation process to bring our unique milling techniques to life. Drawing inspiration from nature’s flawless geometry, we skillfully incorporated the organic forms of flowers into modern eyewear design. Each model is shaped with both elegant and dynamic details, carrying the harmony of nature into our frames. From material selection to craftsmanship, we have preserved Einstoffen’s innovative spirit and distinctive aesthetic at every stage.
In what ways did flowers influence the design of your frames in the Sopraterra collection?
We draw inspiration from the intricate lines and curves of flowers. To translate nature’s organic forms and fluid contours into our eyewear, we first digitize these elements and then engrave them into our frames using precise milling techniques. Each model is shaped with details that reflect the graceful asymmetry and rhythm of flowers. These delicate engravings create a play of light and shadow, evoking a natural texture on the surface of the frames. Our color choices also draw from nature’s rich palette, infusing the collection with warm hues, deep textures, and striking contrasts for a dynamic aesthetic.
What are the biggest challenges in this technical process?
Creating our frames involves a multi-stage process. After fine polishing, the frames undergo a second manual micro-milling process, where each frame is precisely adjusted, and the milling machine is recalibrated to achieve maximum accuracy. To perfect the designs, we sometimes add laser engravings, which are then polished again for a flawless finish.
Let’s talk about the eyewear in the Sopraterra collection…
The Sopraterra collection includes 22 optical frames and 22 sunglasses, each available in 3 to 5 colors. A large part of our collection is unisex; it appeals to both women and men. Women’s models often feature fun and bold freezes, while men’s models tend to stand out for their simple and elegant lines. In addition, the Haute Couturier and Voyante models in the collection are both milled and laser engraved. These models are produced in a limited edition of 200 pieces.
Another striking feature of the new collection is your eyewear chains. What does this accessory mean to you?
Our eyewear chains are a natural extension of the collection. Using the same premium acetate as our frames and incorporating real stones creates a cohesive and harmonious look. These chains are not just functional accessories but also highlight the attention to detail that defines our eyewear.
You’ve embraced an avant-garde approach with Sopraterra. We will still see the design language of your Basic collection, right?
The Basic collection is the heart of our lineup. Even as we push boundaries with Sopraterra, our classic models remain a cornerstone of our identity. They embody timeless elegance and premium craftsmanship. Of course, we don’t compromise on the love for small details that make an Einstoffen frame unique. For us, basic never means standard or boring.
Source: Spectr
March 2025