Image 1 of 1
Blake Kuwahara Smithson Brown Horn
Brutalist-Inspired Geometry with Layered Structural Depth
The Smithson stands out for its bold, oversized rectangular exterior and its fluid, rounded interior. It is an exploration of volume and transparency, designed for those who want a frame that looks like a custom-sculpted piece of industrial art.
Technical Craftsmanship & Material Details
Complex Lamination Technique: Like other core models, the Smithson is created by fusing two distinct acetate frames together. This process requires precise heat and pressure to ensure the Navy or Tortoise "inner" frame is perfectly encapsulated within the "outer" clear or contrasting acetate.
Artisanal Japanese Production: Entirely handcrafted in Japan, the frame undergoes an extensive tumbling and hand-polishing process. This gives the beveled edges a soft, liquid-like luster that highlights the transitions between the two layered frames.
Milled Facets: The outer edges of the frame feature precision-milled facets that catch the light from different angles, emphasizing the "Smithson" architectural inspiration of raw materials and exposed structural form.
Custom Core Wires: The temples house bespoke metal core wires with intricate patterns, providing necessary rigidity while adding a hidden layer of detail visible through the translucent acetate.
Fit & Ergonomics
Oversized Rectangular Profile: The Smithson is a larger frame, making it a perfect statement piece for medium to large face shapes. Its sharp outer angles provide strong definition to rounder facial profiles.
Universal Inner Bridge: Despite its aggressive outer architecture, the inner bridge is sculpted for a comfortable, anatomical fit. The weight is distributed evenly across the bridge to prevent the oversized frame from feeling heavy.
High-Quality Multi-Barrel Hinges: Features Japanese-engineered hinges that are flush-mounted into the acetate. This hardware is built to withstand the torque of a larger frame while maintaining a smooth, premium opening and closing feel.
Technical Dimensions
Model: SMITHSON
Lens Width: 49mm
Bridge Width: 21mm
Temple Length: 145mm
Shape: Rectangular / Frame-within-a-frame
Manufacturing: Handcrafted in Japan
Expert Note
Expert Note: The Smithson is particularly well-suited for Progressive lenses because of its generous vertical depth. While the 49mm lens width sounds compact, the total width of the frame is significantly wider due to the "outer" frame structure. For those with a high bridge, the Smithson’s 21mm bridge provides an excellent, stable seat on the face.
Brutalist-Inspired Geometry with Layered Structural Depth
The Smithson stands out for its bold, oversized rectangular exterior and its fluid, rounded interior. It is an exploration of volume and transparency, designed for those who want a frame that looks like a custom-sculpted piece of industrial art.
Technical Craftsmanship & Material Details
Complex Lamination Technique: Like other core models, the Smithson is created by fusing two distinct acetate frames together. This process requires precise heat and pressure to ensure the Navy or Tortoise "inner" frame is perfectly encapsulated within the "outer" clear or contrasting acetate.
Artisanal Japanese Production: Entirely handcrafted in Japan, the frame undergoes an extensive tumbling and hand-polishing process. This gives the beveled edges a soft, liquid-like luster that highlights the transitions between the two layered frames.
Milled Facets: The outer edges of the frame feature precision-milled facets that catch the light from different angles, emphasizing the "Smithson" architectural inspiration of raw materials and exposed structural form.
Custom Core Wires: The temples house bespoke metal core wires with intricate patterns, providing necessary rigidity while adding a hidden layer of detail visible through the translucent acetate.
Fit & Ergonomics
Oversized Rectangular Profile: The Smithson is a larger frame, making it a perfect statement piece for medium to large face shapes. Its sharp outer angles provide strong definition to rounder facial profiles.
Universal Inner Bridge: Despite its aggressive outer architecture, the inner bridge is sculpted for a comfortable, anatomical fit. The weight is distributed evenly across the bridge to prevent the oversized frame from feeling heavy.
High-Quality Multi-Barrel Hinges: Features Japanese-engineered hinges that are flush-mounted into the acetate. This hardware is built to withstand the torque of a larger frame while maintaining a smooth, premium opening and closing feel.
Technical Dimensions
Model: SMITHSON
Lens Width: 49mm
Bridge Width: 21mm
Temple Length: 145mm
Shape: Rectangular / Frame-within-a-frame
Manufacturing: Handcrafted in Japan
Expert Note
Expert Note: The Smithson is particularly well-suited for Progressive lenses because of its generous vertical depth. While the 49mm lens width sounds compact, the total width of the frame is significantly wider due to the "outer" frame structure. For those with a high bridge, the Smithson’s 21mm bridge provides an excellent, stable seat on the face.