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Blake Kuwahara Albers Grey Fade
Gradient Transparency and Monolithic Design
The Albers in Grey Fade is an exercise in tonal subtlety. By utilizing a vertical gradient that transitions from a smoky charcoal at the brow to a near-crystal translucency at the base, this frame uses light to define its internal geometry. The "inner" frame appears suspended within the outer silhouette, a feat of Japanese engineering that creates a unique 3D visual effect without the bulk of traditional layering.
Technical Craftsmanship & Material Details
Proprietary Lamination & Curing: The Grey Fade effect is achieved by fusing two distinct densities of acetate. These are bonded under high pressure for two months and cured for an additional six months to ensure the gradient transition remains seamless and free of internal stress fractures.
Tonal Gradient Control: Unlike standard printed gradients, Kuwahara uses hand-dyed Japanese acetate blocks. This ensures the "Grey Fade" maintains its depth and saturation throughout the thickness of the 10mm brow, rather than just on the surface.
Artisanal Mitered Joints: The temples meet the frame front at a precision-cut 45-degree mitered angle. This cabinet-maker's technique ensures the smoky grey pattern flows uninterrupted around the corner of the frame, concealing the raw hardware assembly.
Premium German Hardware: Equipped with OBE multi-barrel hinges and nylon-coated stainless steel screws. This hardware is specifically calibrated to the weight of the dual-layered acetate to provide "snap-back" temple tension that persists for years.
Fit & Ergonomics
Counter-Balanced Temple Tips: The temple ends are sculpted and slightly weighted with high-density acetate. This shifts the weight distribution toward the back of the head, relieving pressure on the bridge of the nose.
Integrated Universal Bridge: Features a "High-Pad" bridge design (11mm height). This provides necessary lift for a wide range of facial profiles, ensuring the lower rim of the "inner" frame does not rest on the user's cheeks.
Technical Dimensions
Model: Albers (Grey Fade)
Lens Width: 51mm
Bridge Width: 19mm
Temple Length: 145mm
Frame Front: 140mm
Manufacturing: Hand-finished in Japan
Expert Note: The Albers is a "combo" shape—a hybrid between a tailored rectangle and a softened aviator. The Grey Fade colorway is particularly recommended for those with cooler skin tones or salt-and-pepper hair, as it complements natural silver and grey palettes perfectly.
Gradient Transparency and Monolithic Design
The Albers in Grey Fade is an exercise in tonal subtlety. By utilizing a vertical gradient that transitions from a smoky charcoal at the brow to a near-crystal translucency at the base, this frame uses light to define its internal geometry. The "inner" frame appears suspended within the outer silhouette, a feat of Japanese engineering that creates a unique 3D visual effect without the bulk of traditional layering.
Technical Craftsmanship & Material Details
Proprietary Lamination & Curing: The Grey Fade effect is achieved by fusing two distinct densities of acetate. These are bonded under high pressure for two months and cured for an additional six months to ensure the gradient transition remains seamless and free of internal stress fractures.
Tonal Gradient Control: Unlike standard printed gradients, Kuwahara uses hand-dyed Japanese acetate blocks. This ensures the "Grey Fade" maintains its depth and saturation throughout the thickness of the 10mm brow, rather than just on the surface.
Artisanal Mitered Joints: The temples meet the frame front at a precision-cut 45-degree mitered angle. This cabinet-maker's technique ensures the smoky grey pattern flows uninterrupted around the corner of the frame, concealing the raw hardware assembly.
Premium German Hardware: Equipped with OBE multi-barrel hinges and nylon-coated stainless steel screws. This hardware is specifically calibrated to the weight of the dual-layered acetate to provide "snap-back" temple tension that persists for years.
Fit & Ergonomics
Counter-Balanced Temple Tips: The temple ends are sculpted and slightly weighted with high-density acetate. This shifts the weight distribution toward the back of the head, relieving pressure on the bridge of the nose.
Integrated Universal Bridge: Features a "High-Pad" bridge design (11mm height). This provides necessary lift for a wide range of facial profiles, ensuring the lower rim of the "inner" frame does not rest on the user's cheeks.
Technical Dimensions
Model: Albers (Grey Fade)
Lens Width: 51mm
Bridge Width: 19mm
Temple Length: 145mm
Frame Front: 140mm
Manufacturing: Hand-finished in Japan
Expert Note: The Albers is a "combo" shape—a hybrid between a tailored rectangle and a softened aviator. The Grey Fade colorway is particularly recommended for those with cooler skin tones or salt-and-pepper hair, as it complements natural silver and grey palettes perfectly.