NEW YORK—Blake Kuwahara, founder of the multi-disciplinary design agency Focus Group West, has created a new eyewear collection under his own name.

The collection includes nine unisex optical and nine sunglass styles. Each style was handcrafted in Japan from richly colored Italian and Japanese acetates with one style incorporating titanium.

Kuwahara has taken classic eye shapes in acetate and embedded them into nontraditional acetate frame casings, creating the look of a “frame within a frame,” Kuwahara said.

“The juxtaposition of shapes and colors creates a design tension that is fresh and unexpected,” he added. “I wanted this collection to reflect my own aesthetic sensibility—streamlined and modern, but soulful with an artisanal hand.”

Additionally, Kuwahara has designed all of the packaging, cases, displays and accessories including a tote bag and hand mirror.

Blake Kuwahara Eyewear will be available to a limited number of independent optical shops and lifestyle boutiques across the country in December.

Dispenser Price Guide: $$$$$

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