Set Your Sights on Braun Büffel's FW23 Eyewear Collection

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Set Your Sights on Braun Büffel’s FW23 Eyewear Collection

By Vanessa Ng
August 29, 2023

Braun Büffel’s first foray into eyewear rehashes the appeal of the cat-eye frame, now envisioned in the shape of nature’s butterfly wings.

In the vernacular of menswear, sunglasses have long shed its purpose of functionality. While originating as aviator-essentials and doing alright as a shade shielder, it still retains its status as an accessory with functions deemed optional at best (for the standard wearer). Realistically, there is not much to lose if one forgets to bring their pair out, perhaps just losing that bit of shade for an especially sunny day. But for those with the habit of accessorising, sunglasses have come to embody a quality of elevation; a tinge of “extra” that can upgrade an outfit from casual to curated casual.

Many reasons have been cited in attempts to break down its perennial appeal. These include added facial symmetry, emanating “cool”, or just for added intrigue — the eyes, after all, are the windows to one’s soul. Regardless, selecting a pair to suit one’s features may prove a challenge. After all, season after season of eyewear trends have seen sunglass frames go from extra chunky to practically non-existent; adapt in structure from overly sculptural to minimal and sleek, and lenses adopting different hues at varying opacities. For Braun Büffel’s first eyewear foray, trends of the present are voided, as vintage glamour is underscored in design.

Both minimal and maximalist design principles are abided to here, as the simplicity of a plain frame is contrasted with almost-daring silhouettes. The LYRA boasts natural world influence, as Braun Büffel lifts butterfly wing contours to exaggerated end-pieces, creating a visual illusion of balance, as achieved by elongation. Elsewhere, Panto-shaped eyepieces are circular and yet made contemporary with bold tinted lenses. Braun Büffel’s own brand identity stems from humble origins: the 100-year old, German-hailing label, has transcended to symbolise dependability — a quality that has come to inspire the collection. Function, in the collection, bears as much salience as form.