Blake Kuwahara Perkins
The Architectural P3 – A Masterclass in Lamination
The Perkins is a refined, intellectual frame that utilizes light and shadow to define its shape. By encasing a structured, colored inner core within a high-luster crystal outer shell, Kuwahara creates a "glowing" perimeter that changes as the wearer moves. This model is handcrafted in Japan and requires an eight-month production cycle from initial lamination to final hand-polishing.
Technical Craftsmanship & Materials
Dual-Silhouette Lamination: The inner "skeletal" frame and outer crystal shell are milled as independent units. They undergo a proprietary high-pressure lamination process for two months, followed by six months of curing to ensure a permanent, seamless bond without air bubbles.
Japanese & Italian Acetate: The Perkins utilizes high-crystalline content acetate, which provides superior transparency for the outer shell and deep, multi-tonal saturation for the inner "horn" or "midnight" cores.
Signature 45-Degree Mitered Joinery: Borrowing from high-end furniture design, the temples meet the front at a precise 45-degree angle. This "hidden-joint" technique creates a continuous visual flow of the acetate pattern from the face into the arms.
Custom German OBE Hinges: Equipped with multi-barrel hinges laser-engraved with the Kuwahara logo. These are secured with nylon-coated stainless steel screws to maintain long-term tension and alignment.
Fit & Ergonomics
Weighted Ballast Tips: The temple tips are reinforced with an additional 1.0mm of crystal acetate. This acts as a functional counterweight to the dual-layered front, shifting the center of gravity back to prevent the frames from sliding.
Integrated High-Pad Bridge: Features 11mm integrated acetate pads (4mm taller than the industry standard). This increased surface area provides a "universal fit" that offers better lift and stability for various nose bridge profiles.
Hand-Sculpted Finish: Every frame is hand-sculpted and tumbled with wood chips and pumice stones in Japan, ensuring that the transitions between the inner and outer frames are tactilely smooth.
Technical Dimensions
Model: Perkins
Lens Width: 49mm
Bridge Width: 24mm
Temple Length: 145mm
Available Colorways: Blue Horn, Brown Horn Gradient, Grey Horn Gradient, Midnight.
Manufacturing: Handcrafted in Japan.
Expert Note: dual-layer lamination, the inner P3 round shape is a classical optical staple. This makes the frame an excellent choice for high-minus (nearsighted) prescriptions, as the rounded inner silhouette naturally minimizes lens thickness at the edges. Additionally, because the designer is a Doctor of Optometry, the frame is engineered with a fitting inclination that specifically prevents the lower rim from touching the cheeks, a common issue with other oversized designer frames.
The Architectural P3 – A Masterclass in Lamination
The Perkins is a refined, intellectual frame that utilizes light and shadow to define its shape. By encasing a structured, colored inner core within a high-luster crystal outer shell, Kuwahara creates a "glowing" perimeter that changes as the wearer moves. This model is handcrafted in Japan and requires an eight-month production cycle from initial lamination to final hand-polishing.
Technical Craftsmanship & Materials
Dual-Silhouette Lamination: The inner "skeletal" frame and outer crystal shell are milled as independent units. They undergo a proprietary high-pressure lamination process for two months, followed by six months of curing to ensure a permanent, seamless bond without air bubbles.
Japanese & Italian Acetate: The Perkins utilizes high-crystalline content acetate, which provides superior transparency for the outer shell and deep, multi-tonal saturation for the inner "horn" or "midnight" cores.
Signature 45-Degree Mitered Joinery: Borrowing from high-end furniture design, the temples meet the front at a precise 45-degree angle. This "hidden-joint" technique creates a continuous visual flow of the acetate pattern from the face into the arms.
Custom German OBE Hinges: Equipped with multi-barrel hinges laser-engraved with the Kuwahara logo. These are secured with nylon-coated stainless steel screws to maintain long-term tension and alignment.
Fit & Ergonomics
Weighted Ballast Tips: The temple tips are reinforced with an additional 1.0mm of crystal acetate. This acts as a functional counterweight to the dual-layered front, shifting the center of gravity back to prevent the frames from sliding.
Integrated High-Pad Bridge: Features 11mm integrated acetate pads (4mm taller than the industry standard). This increased surface area provides a "universal fit" that offers better lift and stability for various nose bridge profiles.
Hand-Sculpted Finish: Every frame is hand-sculpted and tumbled with wood chips and pumice stones in Japan, ensuring that the transitions between the inner and outer frames are tactilely smooth.
Technical Dimensions
Model: Perkins
Lens Width: 49mm
Bridge Width: 24mm
Temple Length: 145mm
Available Colorways: Blue Horn, Brown Horn Gradient, Grey Horn Gradient, Midnight.
Manufacturing: Handcrafted in Japan.
Expert Note: dual-layer lamination, the inner P3 round shape is a classical optical staple. This makes the frame an excellent choice for high-minus (nearsighted) prescriptions, as the rounded inner silhouette naturally minimizes lens thickness at the edges. Additionally, because the designer is a Doctor of Optometry, the frame is engineered with a fitting inclination that specifically prevents the lower rim from touching the cheeks, a common issue with other oversized designer frames.