Blake Kuwahara belives that in our increasingly visual society, the impact of our environment and social circles on our choices and preferences is undeniable. The omnipresence of smartphones has turned us all into inadvertent photographers and documenters, while platforms like Instagram have transformed us into amateur art directors and editors. This realisation is the foundation of Blake’s approach to designing eyewear, where the essence of his life experiences and influences converges into a meticulously crafted collection.
The process involves distilling a myriad of inspirations such as art, architecture, fashion, interior design, travel, and culture through Blake’s unique visual filter. The outcome is a highly curated eyewear collection that mirrors a soulful, tactile, and artisanal sensibility. His belief is that eyewear should not overshadow one’s personality but rather enhance it. Achieving this delicate balance involves employing labor-intensive production techniques and incorporating extensive handwork. The result is a seamless fusion of inner and outer silhouettes, generating a design tension that is simultaneously modern and comfortingly familiar.
Central to Blake’s personal philosophy is the conviction that eyewear should not only look good on the face but also feel good in the hand. This commitment to quality is reflected in the intricate construction of laminating a “frame within a frame,” an approach that encapsulates His brands ethos—eyewear that is both “artful yet wearable.” This methodology creates a harmonious blend of contrasting forms and colours, embodying thier dedication to offering eyewear that transcends mere functionality.
The Grey Label, an embodiment of this philosophy, takes a distinctive approach. Drawing from his background as an optometrist, He incorporate anatomical influences into the design, specifically exploring skeletal structures. The collection showcases a departure from conventional methods by utilizing endo-skeletal structures crafted through time-honored techniques. Each frame is meticulously hand-cast and handcrafted to showcase subtle, nuanced details, including intricate joint and bone designs in the end pieces and temples. This emphasis on touch, feel, and workmanship underscores his overarching goal:
To create eyewear that seamlessly intertwines artfulness with wearability.
#designmatters
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, Kuwahara’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, Kuwahara 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.
Stylist overview
We believe that no matter your prescription, there is an opportunity to create your desired pair of glasses. We carefully select the lenses we provide to ensure they’re of the highest quality in the industry and will be best matched to your requirements taking into consideration your lifestyle and visual needs, whilst also appearing aesthetically pleasing.
Visit our showroom in Southport today. We are on Manchester Road and there is free customer parking right outside the door.
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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