Blake Kuwahara Corbet Light Grey Fade
Architectural Fluidity in a Modern Gradient Palette
The Corbet is defined by its geometric, softened square silhouette and Blake Kuwahara’s signature "frame-within-a-frame" architecture. In the Light Grey Fade colorway, the design features a structured inner frame in a cool grey, encased within a translucent, high-luster outer shell. The gradient "fade" adds a layer of refinement, making the architectural lines appear to subtly dissolve towards the bottom of the frame.
Technical Craftsmanship & Material Details
Dual-Layer Lamination Process: The inner and outer frame components are milled as separate units and fused through a proprietary high-pressure lamination process that takes nearly two months. This is followed by an additional six months of curing and hand-finishing to ensure a seamless, monolithic bond.
Premium Japanese & Italian Acetate: Handcrafted from high-crystalline cellulose acetate. The Light Grey Fade utilizes custom-blended pigments that transition from a solid, saturated grey at the brow to a clear, crystalline finish at the base.
45-Degree Mitered Joinery: Borrowing from fine furniture assembly, the temples meet the front at a precise 45-degree angle. This technique hides the seam between the temple and end piece, creating a continuous flow of the grey gradient from the face into the arms.
Laser-Engraved OBE Hinges: Equipped with custom German-engineered OBE multi-barrel hinges. These are secured with nylon-coated stainless steel screws to maintain a smooth "snap" and long-term structural alignment.
Fit & Ergonomics
Inclusive High-Pad Bridge: Features Blake’s custom 11mm integrated acetate nose pads (significantly taller than the 7mm industry standard). This provides superior lift and a more secure "universal fit" for diverse bridge profiles.
Weighted Ballast Temple Tips: An additional millimeter of crystal acetate is added to the temple tips to act as a functional counterweight. This shifts the center of gravity back toward the ears, ensuring the frame remains balanced and does not slide down the nose.
Kuwahara Family Crest: The temple tips are adorned with the kamon (Japanese family crest), which is laser-cut from metal, countersunk into the acetate, and polished to a smooth, flush finish.
Technical Dimensions
Model: Corbet (Color: Light Grey Fade)
Lens Width: 45mm
Bridge Width: 23mm
Temple Length: 140mm – 145mm
Manufacturing: Entirely Handcrafted in Japan
Expert Note
Expert Note: The Corbet is a "technical masterpiece" for those with petite to medium face shapes. While its 45mm lens width suggests a small fit, the 23mm bridge and wide end-pieces give it the presence of a much larger frame. The Light Grey Fade is particularly effective for those who find solid black or tortoise frames too heavy on their features; it provides the structure of a bold frame with the lightness of a crystal frame.
Architectural Fluidity in a Modern Gradient Palette
The Corbet is defined by its geometric, softened square silhouette and Blake Kuwahara’s signature "frame-within-a-frame" architecture. In the Light Grey Fade colorway, the design features a structured inner frame in a cool grey, encased within a translucent, high-luster outer shell. The gradient "fade" adds a layer of refinement, making the architectural lines appear to subtly dissolve towards the bottom of the frame.
Technical Craftsmanship & Material Details
Dual-Layer Lamination Process: The inner and outer frame components are milled as separate units and fused through a proprietary high-pressure lamination process that takes nearly two months. This is followed by an additional six months of curing and hand-finishing to ensure a seamless, monolithic bond.
Premium Japanese & Italian Acetate: Handcrafted from high-crystalline cellulose acetate. The Light Grey Fade utilizes custom-blended pigments that transition from a solid, saturated grey at the brow to a clear, crystalline finish at the base.
45-Degree Mitered Joinery: Borrowing from fine furniture assembly, the temples meet the front at a precise 45-degree angle. This technique hides the seam between the temple and end piece, creating a continuous flow of the grey gradient from the face into the arms.
Laser-Engraved OBE Hinges: Equipped with custom German-engineered OBE multi-barrel hinges. These are secured with nylon-coated stainless steel screws to maintain a smooth "snap" and long-term structural alignment.
Fit & Ergonomics
Inclusive High-Pad Bridge: Features Blake’s custom 11mm integrated acetate nose pads (significantly taller than the 7mm industry standard). This provides superior lift and a more secure "universal fit" for diverse bridge profiles.
Weighted Ballast Temple Tips: An additional millimeter of crystal acetate is added to the temple tips to act as a functional counterweight. This shifts the center of gravity back toward the ears, ensuring the frame remains balanced and does not slide down the nose.
Kuwahara Family Crest: The temple tips are adorned with the kamon (Japanese family crest), which is laser-cut from metal, countersunk into the acetate, and polished to a smooth, flush finish.
Technical Dimensions
Model: Corbet (Color: Light Grey Fade)
Lens Width: 45mm
Bridge Width: 23mm
Temple Length: 140mm – 145mm
Manufacturing: Entirely Handcrafted in Japan
Expert Note
Expert Note: The Corbet is a "technical masterpiece" for those with petite to medium face shapes. While its 45mm lens width suggests a small fit, the 23mm bridge and wide end-pieces give it the presence of a much larger frame. The Light Grey Fade is particularly effective for those who find solid black or tortoise frames too heavy on their features; it provides the structure of a bold frame with the lightness of a crystal frame.