Terrazzo pattern for STUDIO 14 has been transferred onto the stainless steel sheets via photoresist layer.

Aviators with flowing lines and a terrazzo surface pattern in metallic tones – the STUDIO 14 capsule collection, also known as Nouvelle Aviation, brings together the best of high technology and precision craftsmanship. Here, we share a look behind the scenes and show the multi-step process behind this unique eyewear design.

SURFACE ENGRAVING
Like all MYKITA metal frames, STUDIO 14 frames are made from 0.5mm circular stainless steel sheets consisting of 90% recycled content. To create the surface pattern, the sheets first receive a layer of light-sensitive photoresist. In a process like photography, the terrazzo pattern is transferred to the metal using strong light exposure, which hardens the photoresist layer exposed to the light. The metal sheets are now ready to be engraved: In a precise etching procedure, the areas not covered by the photoresist layer are dissolved creating a relief that is only one-tenth of a millimetre high, any remaining residue is removed in a cleansing bath.
 
LASER CUTTING
After the surface treatment, a laser precisely calibrated to the position of the pattern on the metal sheet is used to cut out the pieces for the frame fronts and temples.
 
CRAFTING THE FRAME
The MYKITA craftspeople take over, giving the flat frame fronts and temples three-dimensional shape in a meticulous manual process that recalls the Japanese art of origami.  

 

STUDIO14.1 in Gold/Black Terrazzo

SURFACE TREATMENT
Afterwards the raw parts are tumbled and polished in a multi-part process to soften the edges and refine the surface. The parts are partially coated with a thin layer of precious metal alloy in a vacuum chamber through a process called physical vapour deposition (PVD).

After the surface treatment the frame pieces are laser-cut from the stainless steel sheets.

HAND-LACQUERING
Finally, the pieces are hand-lacquered in manual process taking about 35 minutes per frame.
 
PRODUCT ASSEMBLY
The pieces are ready to be assembled by hand and fitted with the lens blanks in Gloomy Grey, which shows our design studio’s styling recommendation for prescription lenses with that extra touch.
 
QUALITY CONTROL
The finished frame goes to the final quality control for inspection, cleaning, and packaging – a genuinely modern luxury product.
 
Discover all the models and colourways from the STUDIO 14 capsule collection, now available in our webshop and MYKITA Shops and selected retailers worldwide.