OPTIC PROJECT
1st Floor, 41
Apgujeong-ro 14-gil, Gangnam-gu
Seoul
Republic of Korea
Owner: Jimin Seo
Jimin, you are the owner of OPTIC PROJECT and you also have a young team full of passion and energy. What is your path and how did you come to create your store?
l We currently have a team of 3 people, and we plan to continue increasing our staff in the future. I think that eyewear has the role of an accessory that stands out more than any other fashion items and is perfect to change the individual mood. At the same time, it is a very important optical item that plays a role in our vision, so I think it has a significant part in our lives.
Therefore, OPTIC PROJECT buys, curates, and introduces fashionable and stylish items among the numerous eyewear around the world, while also doing its best to create accurate and perfect glasses for each individual through detailed and complete optometry.
OPTIC PROJECT refers to a space focused on eyewear with a modern atmosphere, and the various attempts that take place along with that space.
The symbol, which looks like ‘OPP’ overlapped under the diagonal line on the right, was inspired by the optometric lens.
The symbol of the garden-based design stands out for its sense of balance, and the repetition of the circular shape represents the continuity pursued by the brand and the changes within it.
OPTIC PROJECT is a dynamic eyewear selection shop that pursues a modern mood and approaches with a flexible attitude.
In other words, it is a space that is based on eyewear (optics) and curated into a modern and sophisticated atmosphere, showing a mood that is differentiated from existing players.
In addition, as the word ‘project’ suggests, it is a space with an unstoppable and variable tendency, and is a brand that explores not only the ‘outward form of the shop’ but also the ‘role as a select shop’ while steadily seeking change and growth.
Your store appears minimal, what are the concept and the philosophy behind it?
Eyewear is more difficult to choose than other items, and small differences make a big difference. Although there are many diverse types of eyewear, our intention is to buy and curate glasses carefully and in-depth to present only refined and wonderful frames.
Who took care of the interior design, what materials were used, what are the peculiarities and what effect did you want to achieve?
l A modern and minimalistic atmosphere was emphasized. Stainless steel, marble floors, and a clean lighting structure were used, and the hidden room inside was designed to highlight luxury and use various items and rugs so that customers can focus more on looking at the eyewear.
Where does your passion for beautiful research glasses come from?
l Eyewear is an item that has a great impact on our lives. It occupies a very large part of it because it affects the visual image and the way it is viewed. However, compared to its importance, I think there are few people who truly research and think about eyewear. At OPTIC PROJECT, we always strive to be a space that introduces carefully selected and refined glasses.
The words ‘Details make the difference’ appear on your window. It’s certainly a precise message, but can you still tell me about it?
l When we look at people, we always make eye contact first, and eyewear is what naturally stands out the most, so small details have a big impact on the overall mood. I also think that details are really important in optometry, as small differences can have a huge impact on customers’ conditioning.
When you visit an exhibition, how do you know which brands are right for you? What makes you fall in love with a collection?
l Rather than simply judging at the exhibition, we decide on the message and identity the brand wants to convey and what vision and goals it has through conversations with the brand representative and team members, and then look at its quality and design to see whether it would suit OPTIC PROJECT’s customers. Finally I think about buying it.
What is your type of customer and what exactly are those who come to your store looking for?
l People who have become interested in eyewear and want to have proper glasses visit us to find frames that suit them, and many people who like globally trendy and iconic eyewear visit us.
I have the impression that you visit exhibitions around the world a lot and you have all the international brands in your shop. What influences do you draw from the different cultures you come into contact with?
l The OPTIC PROJECT team always participates in various exhibitions to prepare buying and projects in order to introduce trendy eyewear that is a global issue to customers, faster and more vividly than anything else.
We are also studying cutting-edge technologies and devices for accurate optometry.
How important is fashion in the world of optics and how much do you think everyone should create their own style regardless of current trends?
Eyewear should not only highlight its role as a simple optical device or only emphasize fashion. I believe that an item called eyewear can be considered a well-fitting eyeglass only if it fits perfectly both as a fashion and as an optical device. Also, I believe that just as clothes express themselves in many different manners, glasses are also a way to express oneself in a lot of diverse ways. So, rather than sticking to just one style, I think we should express ourselves in a variety of styles, such as classic eyewear and trendy one.
What must a frame represent for the person who wears it?
I think that style and image express the overall mood and are the most important part, accounting for more than anything else, such as clothes or fashion.
What plans do you have for the future?
OPTIC PROJECT has always carried out and is currently working on various projects for glasses. I would like to continue to pursue more cool and diverse projects to showcase the different and evolved aspects of eyewear.
Read more on the hard copy
Hanseatisches Brillenkontor
Frahmredder 5
22393 Hamburg
Germany
Owners Gregor Thomsen & Klaas Stolzenburg
We are very impressed by your Hanseatisches Brillenkontor, the feeling that emerges is that it has a strong identity and very precise thinking. First of all, why did you choose this name? What does it mean?
Our Hanseatisches Brillenkontor, or H.B.K. for short, conveys an emotion of local connection. Our Hanseatic attitude to life stands for cosmopolitanism, reliability and a necessary reserve. H.B.K stands for innovation, consistency and a conscious lifestyle.
What are your story and your background?
Gregor & I (Klaas) have together gained over 30 years of experience in a large optical branch (Fielmann AG). During our customer discussions there, we often noticed that many customers wanted more than just visual aids. The industry lacks courageous, innovative start-ups here. We are Gregor and Klaas, we can create ‘unique glasses‘!
… and what is the story of Hanseatisches Brillenkontor?
The story of H.B.K are the stories of people who enjoy wearing glasses, of unique glasses and of two opticians who see glasses as a lifestyle and a perfect companion in everyday life, and who ventured into self-employment in 2017. Back then the time was now or never!
You seem perfectly integrated into your space, anyone who sees you cannot imagine a different place. There are many details and they seem to tell your passions. Who designed it?
We designed the shop concept and the shop construction ourselves and also built it ourselves. Basically everything is ‘let’s do it ourselves’.
Tell us about the concept and the philosophy behind the creation of this store, the materials used, the peculiarities and the sources of inspiration.
We used a lot of natural materials for our interior. Wood, textiles, ropes and fishing nets for the presentation of glasses. Our interior design should convey the craftsmanship as well as the local connection to Hamburg and the Hanseatic values. We find inspiration every day, always with our eyes open, in Hamburg, in the harbour, while traveling and on Internet.
As for the collections present in the store, we have the impression that there is great coherence in your stylistic choices, you don’t ‘jump’ from one style to another like many others, is that correct?
We only show collections that complement each other. A transparent, sustainable and technically sophisticated production process is important to us. Our presentation must be of high quality, unique in design and Hanseatic simple.
What makes you choose one collection over another?
We started in 2017 with Ørgreen, Coblens Eyewear, Reiz Germany and Hamburg Eyewear. To date, these are also our strongest brands. Over the years we have filled the gaps with the rimless collection Perspective Götti, acetate in the mid-price segment from Garrett Leight and in the exclusive segment with HUG as well as 3D printed collections from Rolf Substance. Open, honest interactions with each other have top priority.
What are your customers looking for when they visit your store and what is the message you want to convey?
Our customers expect a pleasant environment in which to receive comprehensive, honest and professional advice at the highest level. You want to feel comfortable during the ‘choosing glasses’ process. The individual advice includes style, design, fashion as well as a precise needs and vision analysis. For our ‘Brillen-Dates’ we only offer opening times by appointment. We take up to two hours of time for each customer. Our customers often choose three to four new favourite pairs of glasses at the end of the consultation process. The question is not ‘Do the glasses suit me?’, but it is ‘How do I look with the glasses on, how do I want to be perceived by the person I’m talking to?‘! To ensure individual style, we always satisfy the customer’s desire for perfect vision and use artificial intelligence to support the adjustment of our lenses. We deliver the perfect made-to-measure suit when it comes to eyeglass lenses.
What does Hanseatisches Brillenkontor represent in a city like Hamburg and to what extent does it reflect the lifestyle of this city?
We live our motto ‘Wear unique glasses’ every day! Fashion meets tradition – style meets handcraft – independent meets high-tech. We are the Hanseatic glasses freaks! We are Gregor and Klaas and we mean ‘Wear unique glasses’!
Read more on the hard copy
Žilka Optik Studio
Budečská 793/1
120 00 Prague 2-Vinohrady
Czech Republic
Owner Filip Žilka
Hi Filip, Žilka Optik Studio has existed for 25 years, but in June 2023 you created a new space that is very particular and different from the usual optical shops. What are the peculiarities of the store and what is the philosophy behind this new concept?
The new interior of our optic studio was designed to represent the way we work with our customers. We sit by the table and, during our conversation, we analyse the character of their personality and, based on that, we curate the selection of the most suitable frames. All appointments are with prior booking only, so we can provide private consultation. This is the key difference from other conventional optical stores. We prefer not to confront our customers with endless options of our portfolio, but rather slowly build up the collection based on non-verbal communication.
One of the rooms has the shape of a black shell, another one that is smaller has a circular shape, they are very interesting choices and they remind to secret rooms. Tell us about them.
The black round room is our temple. You can access our archive and savour the euphoria from beauty and creativity. Our intention was to avoid any mirrors in this space. Its primary purpose is an exhibition whose aim is to shock and inspire. The selection of the perfect frame goes in line with our philosophy – a person should enjoy the time spent on his own and focus on his feelings. Our task is to find the best frame to match those feelings.
Who designed and took care of the interiors, what materials were used and what were the sources of inspiration?
The overall concept was my idea and I hired a local architectural studio Olgoj Chorchoj to execute my vision.
We really love such large windows that tell the story of artistic worlds and are not focused on glasses. Why this choice – we agree with – and what is your connection with art?
Our windows have always been one of our strongest points of communication and have always been designed site specific. The current display presents our intention to combine the character of each person with the matching eyewear frames. Our windows don’t sell the product, rather our intention to work with the facial structure, which is perfectly characterised by the selection of handmade masks. All of the artefacts were created in the studios of the National Theatre Prague by the set designer Marek Cpin.
The new Žilka Optik Studio space represents a novelty compared to your tradition. Does this change reflect the new reality and the new market needs in your country?
I am pretty sure that our bespoke approach to eyewear and the customer will be a success outside our territory. It is a psychology applied into the optician language.
How much has the culture of your city and the environment you live in influenced your choices?
I can’t measure the direct impact on the customers, but our intention is to search for harmony. I personally find harmony outside of the city – surrounded by nature and the mountains.
What makes you fall in love with a collection and decide to introduce it into your store?
I select the collections based on the character of their designers. At first there must be a mutual chemistry that over time evolves into a successful business partnership. I am always interested in understanding their vision for the future and their approach to e-commerce.
What are your philosophy and work approach?
Maintaining a balance is the key. Not to grow too fast and not to decline.
What do you want to convey to your customers, what is the message you want them to take with themselves when they leave your store?
‘Seeing equals knowing’ is my motto.
ALCHIVISTA
Via Porta Nova, 7 /DE
40123 Bologna
Italy
Owner Fabrizio Tinti
Hi Fabrizio, it’s a pleasure to interview you. You have recently opened a space in Bologna with a very particular name: Alchivista, a word that reminds of magical worlds, potions, elixirs, experiments. Can you tell us why you chose this name and how Alchivista was born?
From the very beginning I envisioned something different; something rooted in the antique utopia that alchemists – who were driven by the desire to crack the code for everlasting life – wanted to create.
Alchivista was born from the idea of mixing and matching art, design, fashion, and top-notch craftsmanship. It is a space for experimenting with forms, colors, and materials to present something different to our clients. This curation of unconventional, extravagant, unique, and eclectic products was selected from an extraordinary array of independent manufacturers and artisans around the world.
Alchivista, therefore, stands for ‘Alchimie Visive’, and our trend scouts identify options that cannot be found easily in another single place.
You have lived in various parts of the world, you are certainly a person who moves with great energy and passion but what is your background and where does this passion for beautiful glasses come from?
The aesthetics of Italian design and a strong passion for beauty have profoundly influenced my life. Since I was a child, I was intrigued and captivated by the sunglasses of movie stars, and I always tried to get the coolest ones for myself. Over the years, I worked as a designer, sales, and project manager, leading teams for major companies in the design and luxury sectors in Italy, the USA and Brazil. These positions allowed me to develop a great sensitivity to the preferences, needs, and trends of consumers in my markets.
Alchivista is, therefore, a continuation of that same life path. It’s an opportunity to experience something different, while following my passions, and my conviction that ‘beauty can save the world’.
The space is certainly very particular, evidently you left the original floor of a building that appears to be historic and you played with the walls and the interior furnishings. A particular place where modernity, historicity and creativity coexist. The idea is that of a world that includes other worlds and this is part of the charm of Alchivista. Tell us about that.
Alchivista is a space where we must both experiment with and present our eyewear, so it was important that the environment nurture artistic exploration and creative expression. Our store is a gallery that showcases art in all of its glorious forms: from custom graffiti frescoes painted by a famous artist from Sardinia, to the artisanal restoration of the almost centenary ‘Veneziana’ floor. The high-tech retro lighted cylinders that are interconnected by red lines are a tribute to the New York City subway map, which inspired the layout on the walls that are visible from the windows.
I chose Bologna because my DNA is here, but also because it is home to the oldest university in Europe. This is a city with a historical heart and a contemporary mentality. Its open-mindedness is similar to New York – it’s a place where you can breathe air and art. For these reasons, it was important that we respect and protect the historical environment where Alchivista resides. I personally ensured that the interior design was unique and unprecedented.
Who designed Alchivista, who chose the furnishings, the materials used, what are the peculiarities and what are the sources of inspiration?
Alchivista appeared to me in a dream when I lived in New York. I personally wanted to choose finishes and furnishings that were true to the project’s mission: creativity, uniqueness, and beauty, with a pinch of mystery.
Giuseppe Poté, store director
What are the philosophy and the concept behind your store?
To create something unique and unconventional, and extraordinarily beautiful, with novelty that appeals to a very special client. Searching for exclusive products with beautiful stories behind is a big part of our mission.
I see Alchivista as the renaissance of eyewear.
What are your connections with art and design and what are your preferences?
I love art in all its majesty and immensity. Certainly in the Alchivista project I was influenced by the pop art of Andy Warhol and Basquiat and the visionary madness of Hieronymus Bosch.
What drives you to choose one collection rather than another, what do you look for when you have to decide which brands to include in your store?
I am guided by instinct. The choice is always for a design that respects our manifesto, mission, and vision. Alchivista does not follow fashion; Alchivista’s glasses are as unique as those who wear them.
You see countless people wearing glasses that are really ugly or else the wrong ones for their faces. But what should a frame represent for the person who wears it?
Major emphasis is placed on service at Alchivista. We are not salespeople – we are stylists and ‘alchemists’ who take our clients’ wishes and offer creative suggestions that align with their lifestyle and appearance goals. Our gallery selections can flatter and elevate appearance, helping them to present in the most creative ways, with options that range from simple to artistic masterpieces. A visit to Alchivista can boost morale as much as any other type of makeover. People leave our space feeling refreshed, empowered and, infinitely, more attractive. Isn’t that what we all want?
What do you want to convey to your customers, what is the message you want them to take with themselves when they leave your store?
I would like to invite everyone to visit the gallery to see Alchivista for themselves. My partner, Maestro Giuseppe Poté, is a licensed optician who can ensure that when the world sees your beautiful style statement, you also see the world with crystal clarity and a fresh outlook.
