Substance by Rolf Spectacles, Austria
A wave of new eyewear collections featuring sustainable materials are arriving for 2021 in line with a huge movement for change and effort towards sustainability in fashion and design. Among the highlights in independent eyewear, the Austrian label Rolf Spectacles has released a plant-based collection of sunglasses designed with their artisan principles, expertise and handmade focus – and 3D printing.
Their material is derived from plants grown in tropical climates without any kind of genetic engineering. “This remarkable plant grows six metres in just four months, and it comes back every year,” explains company founder and visionary Roland Wolf. “This makes the new material more sustainable and kinder to the environment than ever–and the perfect foundation upon which to build a new collection of glasses to meet the current demand for more climate-considerate products.”
Already an award-winning concept with an IDA Design Award 2021 and a Focus Open Award (end of last year), this new line features over 23 timeless, unisex shapes which are comfortable and light to wear, as well as colourful (there are six basic colours) and technically robust. Attentive to every detail, the 3D printed frames feature ROLF’s screwless Flexlock hinge, an ideal high-tech component which ensures a flexible fit on the face. Above: a very practical eco-friendly contemporary men’s sunglass style: ROLF model Fako in Black Grey – offering 100% UV protection – available online at 330 euros.
To make Substance more widely available during the pandemic, ROLF has launched a few limited edition “Substance Mount” styles for exclusive purchase online. Find the modified ‘D frame’ shape model Fako at https://online.rolf-spectacles.com/collections/substance-mount/products/fako-blackgrey)
About Rolf Spectacles – Glasses manufacturer ROLF was founded in 2009 in the heart of Austria’s Tyrolean Alps. The family company first became known for its unique wooden glasses; it is now offering a wide of range of innovative materials including designs in titanium, stone, buffalo horn and now plant-based materials – all without using any screws, thereby eliminating the need for any maintenance. Founder and visionary Roland Wolf has already surprised the international eyewear market with several innovations related to his core product, starting with materials and moving on to production technology and design. The eyewear designer’s approach is to combine his love of nature with timeless styles and innovative technology, the success of which is evidenced by numerous awards, including the Silmo d’Or, the German Design Award, the Green Design Award, the Red Dot Award, and the Muse Design Award. Despite the international acclaim and awards, the creative company continues to manufacture in the homeland of the brand, by hand, and using natural resources, remaining faithful to the guiding principle of the business: creating products that respect yesterday, work for today, and prepare for tomorrow. Find out more at www.rolf-spectacles.com