Hey there,
Today, I want to talk about the Eye Piece n.4, one of the standout models in Phase Armour, and why I mostly create sunglasses with metal rather than acetate. It’s a question I get asked a lot, so let’s dive into it.
The Allure of Metal
You might have noticed that most of IN SANA’s sunglasses are crafted from metal. There’s a reason for that—metal speaks to me on a deeper level. It’s strong, durable, elegant, and incredibly versatile. The possibilities with metal are endless, and personally, silver is both my favorite color and material.
The Art of Acetate
Over the past 10 years, I’ve been to countless eyewear fairs, and acetate frames clearly dominate the scene. Don’t get me wrong, acetate is an incredible material. It’s mainly made from cotton, wood cellulose, and plasticizers (the “glue” that keeps it together and makes it both strong and flexible). These plasticizers can even be plant-based, making the acetate biodegradable, or recycled from old acetate, giving birth to renewed acetate. It’s flexible, durable, hypoallergenic, and can be made in any color. No wonder it’s a favorite in eyewear!
Working with acetate is an art in itself. Designing with it requires experience and specific skills to master. When done right, combining colors, layering materials, and using different techniques can produce frames that are nothing short of masterpieces. You can immediately see when there is a passionate designer behind a frame. Although most acetate frames out there are just repeating old designs, there’s still a small percentage that are true works of art.
Market Demands vs. Creative Vision
I’ve often been advised by industry professionals to create an acetate collection because that’s what the market demands. But here’s where they lose me. I didn’t start IN SANA to follow trends or merely to make money. It is unsustainable to produce just because you “have to,” both from an ecological point of view and from a creative one. My goal is to create eyewear that tells a story, pieces that resonate with those who wear them.
However, I decided to give it a try, and that’s how the Eye Piece n.4 came to life. The n.4 was my first attempt at a full acetate frame. As you can see, I couldn’t resist adding some metal elements but, let’s be honest, that’s what makes it so special! I was pretty happy with the result—it turned out elegant, strong, comfortable, and durable. Everything you need from a pair of sunglasses. Still, people kept asking for a full acetate pair. So, I took on the challenge again with a twist and decided to do it my way.
After a few more months, the Eye Piece n.5 was born. A fully handmade acetate frame, a true piece of artisanal work. Each pair is unique, crafted with care. This time, I embraced the material while staying true to my vision. I’m proud of how it turned out and grateful to those who pushed me to try.
Beyond Trends
I know market demands change, but I don’t believe there’s no room for metal or mixed-material frames. Big manufacturers flooded the market with mass-produced designs, with the sole goal of making more money, making whatever is different be perceived as “out of trend.” By doing so, they are devaluing the power of eyewear, the countless people and hours of work that are behind every single frame, and shrinking the creativity of many young talents. I stand by the belief that true fashion respects individuality and the artistry behind each piece.
IN SANA is about more than following trends. It’s about creating a community that values and cares for the objects we choose to wear. In conclusion, I am on a very exciting journey here, and I have still so much to learn, but I’m committed to exploring new materials and designs, always with a focus on expression rather than consumerism.
To answer all who have asked, I think acetate has so much potential and deserves to be explored again, but I won’t start a production of easy-to-wear eyewear, with their basic black and tortoise colors, just so they can be cheaper and I can sell more—I find this approach to fashion unsustainable and honestly, also sad.
In conclusion, I am on a very exciting journey here and I have still so much to learn, but I’m committed to exploring new materials and designs with a focus on expression rather than consumerism.
This first attempt to design acetate eyewear tickled my creativity, so I will take my time, explore, and when the moment comes, who knows… maybe I will make acetate eyewear too!
PS: I’m working on the next collection. It might not be acetate, but it’s going to be something special!
Thank you,