Dear eyewear lovers...
This episode is dedicated to independent eyewear design, our highly anticipated (and slightly chaotic) countdown to private collection launch and prepping for connections at SILMO Paris, one of the largest eyewear shows in the world. We’ll also include new frame drops that are part of the This Framework collections and special offers.
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Inside the Studio a First Look at My Debut Collection
When I set out to design my very first collection, I made a promise to myself: zero compromises. True luxury isn’t just about a striking silhouette; it’s about the tactile weight of premium materials, the fluid mechanics of a perfect hinge, and an obsession over the details that most people take for granted.
An Era of Tech Advancements Meets Bold Creativity
The collection is deeply inspired by the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was a fascinating inflection point in history—a period defined by rapid technological advancements, space-age optimism, and raw, unapologetic creative boldness.
This capsule is both a nostalgic throwback to that iconic era and a decidedly futuristic reinterpretation of it. I wanted to take the structural soul of classic mid-century icons and propel them forward using contemporary, architectural geometry.
4 Designs in 3 Colorways, Optical and Sunglasses a Show Stopping Capsule
To bring this vision to life, I am producing 4 distinct, signature designs.
Deneuve A bold, fluid take on a classic aviator-adjacent silhouette with a structural keyhole bridge. Mick A softer, sculptural frame pairing sweeping upper curves with substantial temple volumes. Eames A highly geometric, structural frame featuring squared lines and a thick, architectural temple arm. And The 620 A commanding, heavy-profile frame with a flat-top brow and deep, intentional lenses.
Each of these four shapes is being crafted from world-renowned, beautiful Mazzucchelli acetate. I'm so thrilled that I did not have to compromise on materials. This collection has been all about being able to make decisions on my own. I want the best dear eyewear lovers! I’ve selected three distinct colorways, a rich, glittering warm sand; a deep, stardust-flecked cosmic black; and an ultra-sophisticated, smooth gradient espresso that bleeds into crystal clear.
By executing these 4 core designs across 3 acetate colors, in optical and sunglass alongside tailored hardware variations, I am building a show stopping capsule collection of 24 different frame variations.
Obsessing Over Every 5%
For me, the magic is in the micro-decisions. I have spent hours deciding on things like the hardware hinges to ensure a lifetime of perfect tension, hand-curating the precise lens tint gradients for the sunglasses, and a custom 5% tint for our optical demo lenses so they sit beautifully on the face right out of the box.
These frames are going to be spectacular. This capsule collection is currently heading into production in August, and I cannot wait to pack them up and take them to the global stage at SILMO in Paris this September.
Stay tuned as I expect to receive the 3D printed samples next week and will do an unboxing for you! I’m also working on a brand book for the collection and will be unveiling the branding soon!
Next up...This Month's Independent Brand Review
This brand that acts less like an accessory and more like a window into the wearer: PORTRAIT Eyewear. What makes their frames so compelling is how they serve as an instant piece of self-expression. They give the outside world a genuine peek into who you are—your appreciation for sharp lines, deliberate design, and independent craft. Putting on a pair isn't about hiding behind a brand; it's about revealing a bit of your own creative identity before you even say a word.
Founded by half-Venezuelan, half-Italian siblings Valentina and Gabriel Hernandez, PORTRAIT has effectively cured the common frame by merging old-school Italian craftsmanship with contemporary art. Their design process is wonderfully obsessive—each collection begins not with a shape, but with a deep dive into an art movement. Think Cubism, Art Deco, or post-punk synthwave translated into optics.
What makes their latest collection so striking is the sheer bravado of their geometry. Look closely at the edges of their frames; they use flat, precise, chiseled cuts that catch the light at unpredictable angles. It gives the acetate a raw, architectural presence. They aren’t just making glasses; they are carving out wearable sculptures.
The This Frameworks second look: PORTRAIT acts as a refreshing antidote to a world currently drowning in generic, mass-produced acetate. Holding them in your hand, you instantly realize they aren’t trying to please everyone—and that’s exactly why they work. They design for those that appreciate design and the purposely bold. It’s eyewear for those that inherently understand that a great pair of frames should speak before you do.
From the shop
The good news, as proud stockists of PORTRAIT, we have a highly specific, hand-picked selection on our shelves right now. I'm looking forward to meeting up with Valentina at SILMO and picking a few more beauties from the latest collection.
If you want a frame that commands a room (and perhaps initiates a few envious stares) May we suggest...
XO until next time, stay bold, Stephanie
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