Rolf Spectacles adds texture to plant-based frames

Exclusive: The company has been awarded a Red Dot Design Award (2022) recognising the new innovation in its collection

A beautiful, nature inspired spin on texture has been introduced at the Austrian label Rolf Spectacles, the result of careful research and development in 3D printed materials and finishes. The company is introducing the new tactile texture in their 3D printed substance mount collection made from castor beans. Close to, the frames have an almost shattered look on the surface, giving the effect of natural surfaces and phenomena; the company cites ice flows in the Arctic, rocky mountain peaks, or cracks in the dry earth as key inspiration for the subtle and refined finish.

New tactile surfaces in 3D printed plant-based eyewear by natural materials innovators Rolf Spectacles

The special texture can be found in the angular design of the Rigi range and the softer, more rounded design of model Viso from the Rolf substance mount collection and has already been recognised as an exciting step in 3d printed eyewear with the win of the much admired Red Dot Design Award.

Rolf substance: model Viso – pictured in a brown/grey tone

“We wanted to make the concept of sustainability, which is central to everything we do, tangible and visible in our designs. Thanks to the latest technological advances, we’ve been able to move away from the usual smooth frames and create a feature using discreet textures, thereby turning everyday eyeglasses into something quite special. It’s fitting that the new models are part of the substance collection and therefore made out of the beans of a fast-growing species of the Euphorbiaceae family. This means environmentally aware eyeglass wearers get a pair of plant-based spectacles with an organic pattern that’s a symbol of our appreciation of nature,” summarizes designer at Rolf, Johannes Wacker.

Rolf Spectacles will attend industry events LOFT in NYC and MIDO in Milan to exhibit their new wood, stone, horn, titanium, combination and plant-based eyewear collections for 2022. www.rolf-spectacles.com Written by Clodagh Norton – all rights reserved