How have capsule collections in the eyewear industry evolved?

While the first capsule collections in the industry selected exclusivity as the key to their target market, over time others have focused on increasing brand image.

We can in fact see a proliferation of proposals, which highlight the character of the brand through the use of iconic elements or forays into their own past. Another important (and increasingly prevalent) aspect is undoubtedly sustainability, as a company value and core brand feature, pursued by selecting materials that respond to this demand.

Today, however, capsule collections still represent an example of how eyewear can reach beyond its traditional sphere, satisfying the need to reinvent itself through strong fusion with the worlds of fashion, cars, music, architecture, art and design. Creating links means not only extending one’s own vision but also increasing the number of final consumers, possibly reaching unexpected target markets also with limited edition proposals.

Let’s discover some of the latest eyewear capsule collections.

Brett & Peter Auto

Since the 80s, Peter Auto has planned prestigious events that bring together serious collectors, passionate gentlemen drivers, to view rare vehicles and grills. This year, it has established a partnership with Brett eyewear for the 2023 edition of the Portuguese circuit Estoril Classics. This has resulted in the production of a box set containing a pair of glasses with 4 interchangeable clip-ons, each with specific features and suitable for different driving conditions (circuit, night, endurance, photochromatic) as well as a Brett stopwatch and leather case. Only 300 examples are available worldwide.

Guess

The modern and dynamic style of the brand is interpreted through the cat-eye model of the Holiday 2023 capsule collection. A rhinestone embedded in the temples reproduces the iconic triangular Guess logo, enhancing the glasses that feature strong design and contours. The model comes in three different colour options, with fade finish lenses and a special bespoke packaging.

Kyme

With the capsule collection “Fly to Urban Jungle”, the brand marches onward towards increased growth while revealing the timeless value of classic design, yet enhances it further with even stronger and more clearly defined modern features. The first four models are inspired by the brand’s own origins, from an idea by Antonello Calderoni of responding to the new customer base of a contemporary, free and genderless society. The outlines are slim and bold, angular at times, almost “cutting”. These options are backed up by 4 sunglasses and 10 eyeglasses models.

L.G.R x Automobili Amos

This Italian brand has come up with a series of limited edition capsule collections for the iconic Reunion Flap model, each inspired by one of the personal and exclusive customisations of the 20 Lancia Delta Futurista models produced by Automobili Amos.

The latest edition, a limited series of 100 numbered pieces, has been launched this month and is inspired by the Futurista #12, personalised by Eugenio Amos.

The cellulose acetate frame is in glossy Vermilion Red, just like the car bodywork, partnered with side flaps in Alcantara Almond (exactly the same material and colour used for the car interiors). The flat and mirrored Silver lenses are in tempered mineral glass.

The frame is personalised with the Automobili Amos logo on the left-hand temple, while the Amos community hashtags #AutomobiliAmos and #AAmici are engraved on the inner face.

Ørgreen

The “Volumetrica” capsule collection consists of three eyewear models that pay tribute to the solid and robust character of acetate, here sculpted in bold geometric forms. The clearly-defined finish of the frame edges create the perfect balance between volume and material, while the palette of crystal-clear colours further enhances the charm of the form.

Photo: the Queen model.

Seraphin

This winter, the exploration of luxury by the Seraphin brand continues, and this time it has opted for fairy-tale colours, sculpted contours and material details. The capsule collection Seraphin Shimmer is increased by three new models, which explore texture through Austrian crystal details: Shimmer 35, Shimmer 38 and Shimmer 39. Shimmer 25 (in photo) is an elegant cat-eye model, inspired by the neat design of high-end jewellery.

Skaga

This brand celebrates its 75^th anniversary with a limited edition pair of sunglasses, aligned with its distinctive philosophy that unites Swedish minimalism with sustainability and technical innovation. The new sunglasses, which pay homage to the Scandinavian design tradition, are inspired by an iconic model launched in 1975 and created for the brand by Sighsten Herrgård, one of the most famous Swedish designers and trendsetters. Confirming the brand’s choice of cutting edge materials (light, resistant and environment-friendly), the SK2168S Sighsten model is produced in an eco-alloy of aluminium, beta titanium and acetate, while the lenses are in Eastman Tritan Renew, a material which uses 50% recycled polyester from plastic waste created during manufacturing.

Vanni

The “Visum” sunglasses collection incorporates both artistic and practical aspects of design, and is created by Vanni and Teresa Giannico, the Italian artist selected by Artissima 2022 to explore fusion between the creativity of contemporary art and eyewear design. Although a seemingly simple task, it actually committed Teresa and the design office of VANNI to over six months of intense debate and discussion. The result is this collection of two limited edition sunglasses models in milled metal, with original geometric shapes in gold or rose-gold shades and green or plum lenses. The bridge and rims offer subtle graphic engraving, modern and lattice-style. The unexpected and characteristic twist in the detail comes with the wing-like blinders at the temples: they block out lateral view but reveal the words (visible only to the wearer) “look beyond”.

“Visum” is entirely made in Italy, in a limited series of 100 numbered examples for each model.