Sleek, stylish and sustainable are three apt words to describe the London-based brand that has quickly risen through the fashion to make a special space for itself–Wires Glasses. Known for creating genderless eyewear, the brand keeps sustainability at the core of everything they do.
Each of the contemporary designs have been handcrafted in Italy. They use stainless steel wire for the frames along with 3D printing technology for the lens rims, which helps them dramatically reduce waste when compared to conventional eyewear manufacturing. “The inclusive designs have been developed to suit any face for any occasion, and break the conventions of sustainable eyewear, being ultra comfortable, lightweight and durable,” notes their website.
The Unique Sustainable Designs
Much like the brand name suggests, at the core of Wires Glasses is their use of metal wires. The eyewear specialists in Northern Italy mould stainless steel into unique shapes, making the designs extremely durable and sturdy. In order to help fold the frames, they have designed a patented invisible hinge which allows the glasses to fold easily.
A bio-nylon derivative from the castor bean plant is used for both–the 3D printed rims and the lens of the sunglasses. Available in a wide variety of colours including pink, blue, green, orange, brown and grey, the plethora of hues ensures no one is left disappointed.
Wires Glasses 3D prints its rims, which is known as additive manufacturing as it only consumes the precise material it needs to design the product. Using a powder, the rims are built up layer after layer. Any remaining power is swept up, gathered and reused in the next print run, ensuring zero waste product.
The Wires 2018 Collection
One of their most prestigious collections that put this futuristic sustainable brand on the map was its 2018 one. Each of the glasses were handcrafted with a foundational wire frame that paired with 7 different designs of lens rims in various shapes and colours. The result being that the lens rims were interchangeable and could be switched out easily so the wearer could change the look of their eyewear without investing a new pair.
A Peek Into Its History
In 2017, Wires Glasses was established by London-based designer Yair Neuman in a unique collaboration with British actor Lily Cole. Their first collection was handcrafted by a small team of artisans in Harare, Zimbabwe. This is where the brand learnt its signature African wire craft tradition. Next, in order to make the frames usable, they designed the invisible hinge which helped them fold the glasses.
Today, the brand is run by a small team of women based out of the British capital. They champion not only zero-waste but also ethical manufacturing. To do this they ensure that they work with suppliers who have similar values towards the environment and the people. Believing in the principles of fair pay and a flexible working environment, the brand stresses that good craftsmanship can only be achieved through a happy workforce. Through sustainable design, modularity and hinge technology, Wires Glasses aims to change how eyewear is both made and worn.
