As we introduced in a previous Journal, current brands like EYEVAN 7285 and Oliver Peoples have a continuous lineage stemming from EYEVAN, which started in 1972 as "wearable eyewear." EYEVAN CRAFT was a high-end collection that EYEVAN worked on in the 1980s.
EYEVAN 7285 is created using the most ideal techniques and production backgrounds, based on all kinds of design sources, from vintage glasses to old tools, buildings, nature, and paintings. EYEVAN CRAFT can be said to be its direct root.
This piece, for which the original paper remains, was produced by Algha Works, a long-established company in London. At that time, EYEVAN had a classic line called Country Club, and I heard that the relationship began through an exhibition for that line. It is a piece born from the decision to choose overseas production when starting a high-end line with meticulous attention to detail.
Leather-wrapped frames had a low yield due to the difficulty of the process, and the fact that these dead stock items were found greatly surprised even the EYEVAN staff member in charge at the time. While plastic frames were in the 10,000 yen range at the time, the leather-wrapped frames were more elaborate models in the 20,000 yen range.
Next are two gold-filled frames. These are made in France and have a different production background than the previous one. Yamamoto Kogaku, which produced EYEVAN, was manufacturing sports sunglasses under the Spalding brand at the time. It is said that they began entrusting production to a French manufacturer through their connections from exporting these to other countries.
The temples of the oval frame are engraved with "FRAME FRANCE" and "12KGF". Unlike general plating, a thicker layer of gold is pressed on, so peeling rarely occurs with normal use. Even looking at just the lens shape, one can feel a modernity that connects to the current EYEVAN 7285.
The other pair is a classic pair of reading glasses, like something you would only see in a movie. It's a type that clips onto the bridge of the nose with a spring, and the cork material on the nose pads gives it a European feel. Looking at just that part, the intricately designed chain at the end leads to a tag from that era, and "SAY SOMETHING WITH YOUR EYES" written on it reveals the sharpness of EYEVAN's stance in the eyewear scene of the time.
These vintage EYEVAN glasses show modern design and good craftsmanship that are still relevant today. Like the two pieces introduced recently, we are delighted to have these in stock, as our store also handles vintage items like FRAME FRANCE alongside current EYEVAN 7285. We hope you will pick them up as a valuable piece of eyewear history.
