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Blake Kuwahara's Grey label BK1021

BLAKE KUWAHARA

Renowned as one of the foremost visionaries in contemporary eyewear design

Blake Kuwahara stands as the founder and creative force behind FOCUS GROUP WEST (FGW), a Los Angeles-based design firm celebrated for its holistic approach to branding and design within the eyewear and fashion realms. A trailblaser in the field, Kuwahara unveiled his distinctive eponymous collection of sunglasses and optical frames in the autumn of 2015.

Armed with a doctorate of optometry from UC Berkeley

Blake’s journey to international acclaim began with the creation of the exclusive KATA Eyewear brand. As the mind behind KATA, he revolutionised eyewear design by ingeniously integrating engineering and production techniques to impart texture and intricate detail. This groundbreaking approach has left an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary eyewear design.

Beyond his eponymous brand and the trailblazing KATA Eyewear

Blake has lent his design prowess to a multitude of esteemed fashion houses. Notably, he has collaborated on eyewear collections for prominent brands such as Coach, Converse, Lucky Brand, and Rock & Republic. His creative influence extends to the world of high fashion, having designed eyewear for iconic New York-based designers including Carolina Herrera, Isaac Mizrahi, Behnaz Sarafpour, and John Varvatos. Additionally, Kuwahara has crafted a collection for the legendary Japanese haute couture fashion designer, Hanae Mori.

Blake Kuwahara’s

multifaceted expertise and innovative design philosophy continue to shape the landscape of eyewear, reinforcing his standing as a luminary in the industry.

BLAKE KUWAHARA

Redefining Optical Frame Design with Innovation and Elegance

Blake Kuwahara

believes that in our increasingly visual society, the impact of our environment and social circles on our choices and preferences is undeniable. With the omnipresence of smartphones, we have all become inadvertent photographers and documenters. Moreover, platforms like Instagram have transformed us into amateur art directors and editors. This realization forms the foundation of Blake’s approach to designing eyewear. Consequently, the essence of his life experiences and influences converges into a meticulously crafted collection.

Blake’s Grey label

The Grey Label embodies a unique philosophy by incorporating anatomical influences, particularly skeletal structures, into its designs. Drawing from his background as an optometrist, the creator skillfully uses endo-skeletal structures crafted through traditional techniques. Consequently, each frame is meticulously hand-cast and handcrafted, showcasing intricate joint and bone designs in the end pieces and temples. This careful focus on touch, feel, and workmanship ultimately highlights his goal of creating eyewear that seamlessly blends artfulness with wearability.

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Blake Kuwahara's Grey label BK1021
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Blake Kuwahara 'Bullard' cat-eye glasses in a translucent, glossy amber/yellow acetate, displayed with the matching brown leather case and signature gold box.
Bullard
Blake Kuwahara BK 1036 glasses with a thick, two-tone gradient frame transitioning from dark grey to light grey/clear acetate.
BK 1036
Classic, slim black BK 1027 Blake Kuwahara rectangular glasses with subtle metal detailing on the temples.
BK 1027
Blake Kuwahara's BK 1035 oval cat-eye glasses in a two-layer blue and clear acetate design with gold temple accents.
BK 1035
Blake Kuwahara's BK 1009 square-rectangle glasses in a sophisticated dark brown acetate with contrasting inner layer.
BK 1009
Blake Kuwahara's Webster chunky square glasses in a Grey, white, and clear striated/marbled acetate pattern.
Webster
Blake Kuwahara' Aalto cat-eye glasses in solid Pine and gold acetate with a thick browline.
Aalto
Blake Kuwahara's BK 1009 square-rectangle glasses in a sophisticated dark navy blue acetate with contrasting inner layer.
BK 1009
Blake Kuwahara's Kuma oval cat-eye glasses in a two-layer black and clear acetate design with gold temple accents.
Kuma
Blake Kuwahara's Neff rectangular glasses with a black to clear/white gradient fade on the frame.
Neff
Blake Kuwahara's Proctor rectangular glasses with a smooth gradient from dark grey/black to clear acetate.
Proctor
Blake Kuwahara's chunky Smithson, sculpted square glasses in a transparent or light smoky grey acetate.
Smithson
Blake Kuwahara Noyes lightly-tinted octagonal sunglasses with a thick beige/off-white top layer and clear lower frame.
Noyes
Blake Kuwahara's Conklin round-oval glasses in a vibrant green and black mottled tortoise acetate pattern.
conklin
Blake Kuwahara's Prouve round glasses with a prominent black acetate browline over a clear lower rim.
Prouve
Blake Kuwahara's Loos bold geometric glasses with a translucent red/maroon outer rim layered over a clear hexagonal frame.
Loos
Blake Kuwahara's Volk glasses with a slim, black metal and acetate rectangular frame.
Volk
Blake Kuwahara's Skinner chunky square glasses with a layered light blue outer rim and clear inner frame.
Skinner
Blake Kuwahara chunky black Limited edition aviator sunglasses with a flat top bar and brown gradient lenses.
Easton
Blake Kuwahara's Ficket cat-eye glasses with a sweeping browline in black and clear marbled acetate.
Ficket
Blake Kuwahara's Thayer geometric hexagonal glasses with a thick black outer rim layered over a clear inner frame.
Thayer
Blake Kuwahara's BK 1028 bold, angular rectangular glasses in matte black acetate with clear temple accents.
BK 1028
Blake Kuwahara's Frey extreme, upswept cat-eye glasses in a classic brown tortoise pattern.
Frey
Blake Kuwahara's Spaulding aviator glasses with a double bridge in brown tortoise and metal accents.
Spaulding
Blake Kuwahara's BK 1034, small, chunky octagonal glasses in a rich brown and black classic tortoise shell pattern.
BK 1034
Blake Kuwahara's Frey dramatic cat-eye glasses in black acetate with a unique speckled/glitter finish on the browline.
Frey
Blake Kuwahara's Caron rounded, keyhole bridge glasses in a warm brown and beige layered tortoise acetate.
Caron

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The frames we offer are handmade by some of the best designers around the world who believe we are all individuals and that our eyewear should be celebrated. Most of our frames are limited editions, all are unique, and some are even bespoke – because you are the designer!

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