The Future Has Landed
According to the ancient principle of Yin and Yang, every force in this world is balanced by its exact opposite counterpart. Also in the eyewear universe: The enduring trend towards handcrafted quality and retro aesthetics finds its counterbalance in progressive high-tech materials and manufacturing methods. And the current hype surrounding minimalist micro frames in true 1990s-style is juxtaposed by generously appointed masks and shield glasses covering the wearer’s entire face.
This head-on collision between polar opposites is exactly where future innovations originate. For proof, look no further than the latest »Glued Visor« (P’8664) model courtesy of Porsche Design. These highly technical shield glasses crafted from premium titanium make a clear statement of where the design journey is headed for the label founded in 1972: Towards progressive materials, innovative manufacturing processes and futuristic aesthetic.
Looking underneath the hood, the »Glued Visor« is a showcase of Porsche Design’s ongoing love affair with the in-house automotive design division. From a technical perspective, the seamless combination between exquisitely molded polycarbonate lenses and the high-grade titanium frame manufactured in Japan is only possible thanks to an innovative adhesive technique developed in the automotive industry: The so-called ‘formed-in-place technique’, used for the very first time in eyewear design. A six-axis robot applies the adhesive coating to the frame with millimeter precision, securing the silver-reflective lenses in place without bolts or other inserts. This process was inspired by the form-fitting of windshields during car manufacturing and perfected over a four-year period involving the design studio F. A. Porsche in the town of Zell am See und engineers at Rodenstock in Munich. For added comfort, the temple tips are coated in a specifically developed polymer.
Straight out the gate and even before launching into optical retail in late January 2019, the »Glued Visor« already garnered massive attention: The special sunglasses limited to 911 pieces (the number says Porsche) took home the 2019 German Design Award in the Excellent Product Design category. Arriving in specialty retail in style, the »Glued Visor« (P’8664) ships in an exclusive edition box plus elegant carrying case. If you’re looking to score a pair, better step on the gas.
Find out more: www.porsche-design.com