Reimagining Sunglasses with Paracord and Lenses
XYZ Integrated Architecture presents a bold reconfiguration of sunglasses with their Water Glasses collection, featuring frameless water glasses. Designed for poolside and beach settings, these innovative eyewear pieces eliminate the traditional frames, hinges, and arms. Instead, they utilize colorful lenses suspended on paracord, forming a dynamic structure that transitions effortlessly between functional eyewear and stylish accessory. This Tbilisi-based studio first conceived the design in 2019, merging architectural techniques and material efficiency on a smaller scale.
Streamlined Design and Functionality of the Collection
Breaking away from conventional sunglasses, these glasses connect directly to paracord via strategically pierced holes, allowing the cord to serve as a fastening, support, and storage system. This architectural approach showcases each connection point, emphasizing proportion and optical quality, while knots replace hidden hardware. Available in one, two, or three-lens configurations, they provide a versatile, almost anatomical look. Single lenses function as classic eyewear, while multiple lenses create sculptural arrangements across the wearer’s body.
A Fusion of Fashion and Precision
Showcased at the Tbilisi Olympic Pool, Water Glasses stand out as a marriage of functionality and wearable art. The rounded and rippling lens designs intertwine with vivid paracords, transforming the typical tether into a striking visual element. Collaborating with Divel Italia, XYZ ensures each lens boasts technical precision. Led by Levan Lominashvili and Ana Kachkachishvili, the studio crafts objects that unify architecture, fashion, and function into a singular, portable form.
By removing the typical encumbrance of cases, the eyewear prioritizes ease of use and accessibility. The glasses rest around the neck when not in use, an elegant solution for keeping eyewear close during aquatic activities.
Unique Aesthetic Appeal
The irregularly shaped, organic lenses contribute to the playful aesthetic, ensuring that each piece can traverse between practical eyewear and a daring fashion statement. The colorful lenses become graphic, vibrant fixtures in any aquatic environment.
The design manages to blur the lines between accessory and functional object, giving them a unique character that stands out both in and out of water. This innovative design approach encourages wearers to interact with and appreciate their eyewear in new and exciting ways, embodying both utility and allure.
The blend of fashion and functionality in XYZ’s Water Glasses mirrors this inventive approach to clothing, where apparel serves multiple purposes and embraces creativity.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is unique about the Water Glasses collection?
The Water Glasses collection features frameless sunglasses without traditional frames, hinges, or arms, using colorful lenses suspended on paracord to transition between eyewear and accessory.
How do the Water Glasses connect the lenses?
The lenses are connected directly to paracord through strategically pierced holes, allowing the cord to serve as fastening, support, and storage, with knots replacing hidden hardware.
Where was the Water Glasses collection showcased?
The Water Glasses collection was showcased at the Tbilisi Olympic Pool, standing out as a marriage of functionality and wearable art.