Eyewear is all about the lens.
Why did you choose the colors "smoke" and "beer" for the frames this time?
Kaneko: The Japanese item I had was a clear frame. I had the impression that the "example model" was clear, and I wanted to follow that impression this time as well, but at the same time, I also wanted to make it a mature item. During the meeting stage, we looked at various celluloid color samples, and "Smoke" and "Beer" were the colors that met our requirements.
KEIJI KANEKO × ayame "L'AMÉRIQUE" ¥44,000 (colored lenses), ¥48,400 (mirror lenses)
Imaizumi: It's a crazy good color.
Kaneko: The color is just like the theme. Like sports glasses for adults that can be used on a daily basis. The mirrored lenses are also a feature, and among other things, they are thin mirrors. When they are on the table, they are transparent, but when you put them on, they become a mirror.
Imaizumi: That sense of mystery is appealing, isn't it?
Kaneko: I like that it doesn't glare when it's on the table and it's not obnoxious (laughs). (Laughs.) That's a little worrisome, isn't it?
Is this because of the special processing?
Imaizumi: We made two types of mirrored lenses: silver mirrored with gray lenses and gold mirrored with green lenses. Both types of lenses have an anti-reflective coating called AR coating on the back of the lens. This coating prevents light from reflecting off the back of the lenses when the wearer wears them. Another reason is that we did not make the base lens color that dark, so the mirror effect is suppressed.
Kaneko: The other color lens is also a nice color.
Imaizumi: This one uses green lenses and our original "DEEP SEA" lenses. It has a gray tone, but the reddish tint has been suppressed to the utmost limit.
Kaneko: It looks a bit bluish, doesn't it?
Imaizumi: Yes, I know, I know, I know. Red makes them look casual, so we don't want that to happen. Also, these are the opposite of mirror lenses, with a higher base color density. By doing so, it is difficult for the face to show through when wearing the lens. We have made these lenses in such a way that there is no difference when compared to mirror lenses.
Kaneko: It's amazing. Eyewear is so deep.
Imaizumi: This may be an extreme view, but I believe that eyewear is all about the lenses. We see the world through the lenses, and the frames are nothing more than a support for the lenses.
What do you mean by that?
Imaizumi: After all, the lens is the essence of a tool, isn't it? Through the lenses, we are reinforcing our eyesight and protecting our eyes from light. When I design items for "Ayame", I think of frames with lenses in mind. The eyes move optically, so the shape of the lens is very important. For example, teardrop sunglasses have frames designed to match the movement of the eyes.
Kaneko: Heh. That's right.
In that sense, is the "example model" originally made for sports use, and does it have higher visibility than other eyewear?
Imaizumi: Yes, they are. The lens diameter is large and wide. This ensures visibility because the frames do not come into view, and it also makes it easier to wear because the nose is not wide. That is why they are sporty.
It's like functional beauty, isn't it?
Imaizumi: You are right. They are very good sports sunglasses.
Mr. Kaneko mentioned earlier that "the model" looks good on everyone.
Imaizumi: I think it has to do with the width of the hang. The original model has a good balance. It is neither too large nor too small. I think that the exquisite size balance is the reason why they look good on everyone. Also, the browline is almost straight. The brow line connects in a straight line, so it is not blurred. So it is clear.
Also, the item that Mr. Kaneko had was made in Japan, so it is an Asian fit. The nose pads are large, making it easy for Japanese people to wear.
Kaneko: I see. I thought the size of the ones I made this time was just right. When I wear them, nothing obstructs my view, so there is no stress when I wear them. Also, they are simply beautiful. Because there is no core.
Imaizumi: The logo on the temples is also simply stamped, so there is no foil on the temples. The lack of a core also makes them outstandingly beautiful when viewed from the side. Since there is nothing to obstruct the view, the profile looks beautiful.
