Einstoffen
New Realm Of Precision and Poise
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
