By Nick Saraev
Few places on the planet can be credited with the same impact, inspiration, and innovation as the DACH region.
With its unique combination of cultures, languages, and traditions, this area of Central Europe—comprising Germany (D), Austria (A), and Switzerland (CH)—has given birth to some of the world’s most iconic fashion and accessories trends. Eyewear is no exception.
Gutenberg’s Gift
Though eyeglasses had been invented in Italy during the 13th century, Germanic scholar Johannes Gutenberg’s masterpiece allowed for their mass production.
By 1440, Gutenberg introduced the world to the movable type printing press—the first machine capable of producing multiple copies of books and other documents quickly and inexpensively.
Introducing the written word to the masses drove demand for eyeglass frames and a surge in their popularity across Europe.
Excellence Is Not Optional
As they have done for centuries, inventors and artisans in the DACH region took up the challenge of creating practical, replicable eyewear. By the early 16th century, Nuremberg introduced the first metal frames, and Bavarian eyeglasses became the most sought-after style in Europe.
The region would not stop there. Over the following centuries, German and Swiss eyeglass makers would continue to innovate and refine their craftsmanship, producing some of the world’s finest lenses and frames.
From lightweight titanium spectacles to folding sunglasses with polarized lenses, DACH eyewear has gained a reputation for quality that is still unmatched today.
Can’t Help Falling in Love
In America, a young rock and roll singer named Elvis Presley would take the stage wearing an instantly recognizable pair of sunglasses known as the Nautic. The NEOSTYLE design would be shared by other trend-setting musicians like Ray Charles and become a worldwide fashion symbol.
The Nautic is still available today, proving that excellence in eyewear will not soon disappear in the DACH region.
The Work Continues
While NEOSTYLE, headquartered in Leonberg, continues to stand as a leader in the space, more and more brands from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria have emerged as trend-setting innovators. All of them have a common goal: to create fashionable, functional, stylish, and comfortable eyewear.
Silhouette
“Made in Austria” is not just a regulatory stamp for Silhouette but a commitment. The company is dedicated to producing high-quality eyewear while providing stable employment and a safe environment for its employees.
Silhouette has been at the forefront of eyewear innovation since its founding in 1964, pioneering rimless lenses and creating some of the most comfortable glasses on the market.
OWP
Optische Werke Passau (OWP) was founded in 1947 by Hans Strätz and Franz Fremuth, focusing on making the perfect set of eyewear. Over the decades, it has become a world leader in design and craftsmanship, producing some of the most beautiful and functional glasses.
After licensing their Mexx brand for years, it was brought back under the OWP roof in 2017 and continues to produce some of the highest-quality frames on the market.
The brand offers a contest for aspiring designers, giving them a chance to show the world their unique vision.
ic! berlin
Attitude. That’s what ic! berlin is all about. The company admits that heritage is not what makes Berlin special. “Anyone can belong here,” but the freedom of expression makes the city so unique.
Founded in 1996, the company has quickly become known for blending innovative design elements with hand-crafted construction and German engineering. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of eyewear design, and their frames can be seen on the faces of trendsetters worldwide.
Frost
A true German love story, Marion Frost began designing frames when her husband Paris couldn’t find anything he liked. The two have been on the cutting edge of fashion and style ever since, creating unique designs that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Focusing on sustainability and long-lasting materials, Frost is the perfect example of a DACH eyewear brand that combines modern fashion with traditional craftsmanship.
RAEN
First developed on the west coast of America by Californian beachgoers, RAEN has grown roots in the DACH region to provide stylish eyewear to all of Europe. The company attempts to bridge the gap from high fashion to everyday style with its wide range of frames, lenses, and colours—each handmade by experienced artisans.
Neverending Brilliance
The history of eyewear in the DACH region has been constant innovation and craftsmanship. This area of Central Europe continues to be a leader in developing stylish yet functional frames and lenses that are unparalleled in quality.
Whether you’re dispensing to trend-setting musicians or just everyday fashionistas, keep an eye out for the latest offerings from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—you won’t be disappointed!
Read Nick Saraev’ article in the May-June issue of Optik Magazine!
