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.
#designmatters
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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